The 24th edition of Ru’ya, the UAE’s leading platform for Emirati employment and empowerment, concluded on September 25, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) after generating a record number of job opportunities. The three-day event saw thousands of young Emirati job seekers engage with leading employers, resulting in a significant number of on-site interviews and immediate job offers, reinforcing the event’s critical role in the UAE’s Emiratisation strategy.
A Focus on Innovation and Future-Ready Skills
This year’s event distinguished itself with a strong emphasis on preparing Emirati youth for future industries. A key highlight was Dubai Municipality’s launch of its first-ever Virtual Reality Food Safety Inspector programme, which allowed participants to engage in realistic inspection scenarios. In a further push towards upskilling national talent, the municipality, in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai, introduced a Professional Certificate in Data Analytics to align young Emiratis with Dubai’s digital transformation goals.
Major government entities also utilized the platform for strategic recruitment. The Dubai Police’s Air Wing announced vacancies for University Lieutenant Pilots and Cadet Pilots, enabling on-the-spot registration and interview scheduling. Similarly, Dubai Customs showcased its flagship Masar 33 talent programme, attracting considerable interest from job seekers aiming for careers in customs, logistics, and commerce.
Accelerating Recruitment Across High-Growth Sectors
Leading organizations from diverse sectors including aviation, healthcare, retail, insurance, digital services, and logistics were present to connect with emerging Emirati talent. The event’s “Get Hired!” initiative facilitated quick-fire interviews, streamlining the recruitment process for both employers and candidates.
“Ru’ya has become an exceptional bridge between talented Emirati youth and employers who are ready to invest in them,” said Asma Alsharif, AVP, Sustainable Development, Exhibitions at DWTC. “This year we saw strong demand not only in traditional industries, but also in future-focused areas such as data analytics, aviation and digital services.”
The commitment from the private sector was evident, with major players actively participating. “Ru’ya 2025 served as an exceptional platform to connect with ambitious young Emiratis, allowing us to showcase key initiatives such as our ‘Mehnaty’ programme and the wide array of opportunities we offer,” noted Shamsa Al Falasi, UAE Citi Country Officer and CEO of Citibank N.A., UAE. PwC Middle East also highlighted its Watani programme, which has successfully integrated over 250 Emiratis into its workforce.
Championing Youth Entrepreneurship
Beyond traditional employment, Ru’ya 2025 provided a vibrant platform for youth entrepreneurship. For the first time, the Ru’ya Concept Store featured nine Emirati entrepreneurs who sold products ranging from art to fashion and accessories. “The show’s strong support for Emiratis made this an amazing experience, helping me showcase my products, connect with the community, and receive invitations to collaborate with many companies,” said Amal Alkaabi, owner of By Sparkle.
The event also fostered a competitive spirit through several competitions. Al Ittihad Private School Jumeirah won “The Next Founder Competition,” while other school teams secured top spots in challenges focused on gaming, future fitness, and a hackathon, further encouraging an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset among the youth.
About Ru’ya
Ru’ya is the UAE’s premier careers, skills development, and empowerment event for Emirati youth. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, it serves as a critical bridge connecting national talent with leading public and private sector employers. The platform is designed to support the UAE’s Emiratisation agenda by providing job opportunities, training programmes, and a showcase for youth entrepreneurship, aligning the next generation of leaders with the nation’s economic vision.
Source: Zawya
