AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)

Students from the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) were among the many Emiratis who flocked to the Dubai World Trade Centre for the opening day of Ru’ya, Careers UAE.

For them, the event marked an important first step in their professional journey.

Ru’ya 2025, which started on Tuesday and runs until September 25, connects Emirati talent to as many as 180 employers shaping the economy of the future. It offers opportunities for on-the-spot interviews, mentorship, and upskilling — key components in helping Emiratis thrive in competitive, high-impact roles.

"Attending this fair is not just about handing out CVs," said Mariam Al Hammadi, a final-year business administration student at HCT.

“It all comes down to knowing which industries are looking for new talent and how I can modify my abilities to fit their requirements. I now have a better idea of what I want to do for a living, thanks to Ru'ya.”

For many HCT students attending the event, Ru’ya offered a first-time opportunity to engage directly with hiring managers from some of the UAE’s leading companies. The wide range of participating employers — from government entities and financial institutions to technology and energy firms — also introduced the youth to career paths they hadn’t previously considered.

"I used to think my path was limited to a few industries," said Saeed Al Dhaheri, an engineering student at HCT.

“However, after speaking with several local businesses, I became aware of how transferable our skills are. I spoke with folks from tech, logistics, and even aircraft. I discovered new possibilities.”

Live sessions on CV writing, handling interviews, and personal branding proved especially valuable for recent and soon-to-be graduates preparing to enter the competitive job market.

Aysha Al Nuaimi, an IT student in her final semester, said: "It's encouraging to see how invested HCT is in helping us prepare for the future. I felt emboldened to be here at Ru'ya. I received comments on my résumé, rehearsed interviews, and even set up a follow-up appointment with a business I've long respected."