The UAE-UK Pioneers Forum launches in London
The UAE-UK Pioneers Forum has been launched by Shaikh Mohammed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, the First Secretary of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, in London.
22 members of the public and private UAE institutions participated in the forum aimed at giving students the opportunity to learn about career opportunities in the UAE. The forum also helps to identify the needs of the UAE market in order to help students choose the focus of their studies.
Around 1,500 Emirati students took part in the two-day event, which is led by the UAE Embassy in London. Around 3,000 nationals currently study in the United Kingdom.
Commenting on the event, His Excellency Abdulrahman Ghanem Almutaiwee, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in the UK, said: “This initiative will support Emirati students and encourage them to achieve excellence and success. It will give them a head start to plan their careers and prepare them to achieve their academic goals.”Mr Almutaiwee thanked all of the participants and organisations taking part in the event and encouraged students to make the most of the opportunity to exchange experiences and identify their future roles as leaders. He said the embassy was keen to run the forum regularly and attract a broad range of government institutions and private companies from the United Arab Emirates, including UK-based firms that have a presence in the country.
During the forum, Noura Al Kaabi, CEO of twofour54, gave the keynote address, discussing the media’s contribution to the economy and her personal experience of leading twofour54. She talked about the opportunities available in the thriving media and entertainment industry, especially at twofour54. She said the fast growth of the industry is providing more opportunities.
“Since establishing twofour54 five years ago we created more than 3,000 opportunities, and the future will bring more,” Ms Al Kaabi said. “The market is seeking Emirati talent, especially in content, video games, animations, post-production and advertising, and in law and finance related to mass media.”
Al Kaabi discussed the changing roles in the industry and said the appearance of new jobs that did not exist before point to a promising future. She said students should be ambassadors while in the United Kingdom and devote their time to their studies, adding that experience of a new culture is additional knowledge that will benefit their country when they return home.
“It has never been a more exciting time to work in the UAE and there is a wealth of opportunities available to young Emirati men and women,” She said. “Abu Dhabi has established itself as the cultural and creative capital of the region and wining Expo 2020 will open the doors new jobs opportunities. We hope our youth will capitalize on the opportunities in this industry.”
The career fair held during the forum gave students the opportunity speak with business leaders from UAE and UK, learn about opportunities and identify companies seeking promising young talent.
A wide range of industries were represented at the forum, appealing to students from all disciplines, including engineers, economists, designers, architects, film makers and medical students. Additionally, the Forum showcased the thriving relationship between the UAE and UK, and gave students a deeper understanding of what it is like to live and work in the UAE.