Top education expo opens in Abu Dhabi

Najah, the leading education, training and careers exhibition, opened in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday throwing spotlight on education, training, and careers at a critical time for UAE students and professionals.

The expo brings together leading academic institutions and businesses with school leaders, university students and professionals who are seeking a career change within an uncertain economic climate.

Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, officially inaugurated the expo, which has the backing of the Abu Dhabi Education Council.

Taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until October 22, Najah features a vast selection of local, regional and international universities and organisations, along with job profiling, an assessment centre, career counselling, and a new 'Education and Career Forum.'

“It is the only event in the region that caters equally to school leavers investigating higher education options, university graduates seeking CV crafting tutorials and advice on how to jumpstart a career, and seasoned professionals exploring a mid-career change or further education and training to boost their skills and qualifications,” said Lucy Clarke, exhibition director for Najah.

The opening day featured a range of respected speakers offering guidance and advice to an audience of students from the emirates’ schools and universities, she noted.

Highlights included a presentation on studying in the USA by the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and a session on choosing the right education programme by Dr Ayoub Zazim, Executive Director of Dubai International Academic City.

Life and Executive Coach, Hanan Nagi, founder of Transform Coaching UAE offered advice to people considering a change in career and highlighted the key points to consider before making the decision.

Tomorrow morning (October 21) the exhibition will be dedicated to female visitors, many of whom are attending to listen to the keynote presentation by celebrated UAE filmmaker, Nayla Al Khaja, Lucy said.

Nayla's appearance at Najah, immediately following her participation at the Middle East International Film Festival, is set to inspire the audience, including a number of students from the New York Film Institute in Abu Dhabi, with her experiences of achieving her filmmaking dreams, she added.

Najah is specifically created to service the needs of distinct yet overlapping sectors in a single, focused environment. Leading businesses including ADWEA, General Electric, Etihad Airways, HSBC, and Abu Dhabi Media Company will launch recruitment drives and speak to qualified candidates visiting the event.