More than 150 employers spanning 23 industry sectors gathered at the Dubai World Trade Centre this week for Ru'ya Careers UAE 2026, a three-day job fair running through September 30 aimed at connecting Emirati jobseekers directly with hiring managers.
The fair drew strong demand across cybersecurity, IT, engineering, sales, marketing, customer service, architecture, project management, public relations, communications, data entry and plant-hire operations. Its standout feature was the option for on-the-spot interviews: candidates arriving with an updated CV could move straight from a recruiter conversation into a live interview for an open role.
Major employers on the floor included Enoc, Damac, Al Marwan Group and PwC Middle East. Enoc used the event to promote its cybersecurity graduate pathway, Damac showcased its "Nama" programme for staff with up to three years of experience, and PwC presented its "Watani" initiative, which spans graduates, professionals, interns and secondees.
Khaled Bin Braik of PwC told attendees that employers are increasingly looking past qualifications alone, seeking "curious, adaptable problem-solvers" with "a growth mindset and the willingness to keep learning." Organisers said the scale of participation this year reflects a broader national push to strengthen Emirati employment across private and public industries, giving jobseekers a rare chance to shortcut the traditional application process entirely.