The International Indian School in Dammam (IISD) kicks off its two-day Annual Career Fair 2013 today at the boy's section campus in Al-Raka district.

Fourteen institutes of higher education from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and India are taking part in the exhibition, said IISD Chairman Thiru K.M.  and Principal Dr. E.K. Mohammed Shaffe at a joint press conference on Monday.

Among those who confirmed their attendance are SRM University, Chennai; NITTE University, Karnataka; SVCET, Andhra Pradesh; IGNOU (Dammam); Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University (Alkhobar); British Council (Alkhobar); Institute of Management & Technology (IMT), Dubai; BITS-Pilani, Dubai; RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, Ras Al-Khaimah; Manipal University, Dubai; Link India Consultants, Dubai; Institution of Fashion Technology (Bahrain) and Indian Academy (Bahrain).

“All these institutions will have their stands at the boys section and each institution will have their representatives explain the highlights of their academic programs and courses to students and their parents,” said Shaffe. “Academic Coordinator Abdullah Manjeri will inaugurate the exhibition at 4 p.m. today and it will remain open for visitors until 8 p.m.”

The fair will begin at 8.30 in the morning tomorrow and will continue until 8 p.m. “Among the many highlights on Thursday is a career-focused seminar which will begin at 5.30 p.m. in the boys section’s multipurpose hall where Deputy Chief of Mission Siby George from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh will be the chief guest,” said Shaffe.

This will be the first visit of the newly-arrived diplomat to the Eastern Province. George will inaugurate the seminar and formally release a career booklet compiled by IISD’s career guidance team.

“The 52-page booklet includes information and guidelines relevant for choosing a proper career path and will be a valuable reference tool for the school’s senior students and their parents,” said event coordinator Nazeer Maniyamkulam.

Among the many highlights on Thursday will be the keynote address at the seminar by T.R. Gopal Nair, chairman of the prestigious Saudi Aramco Chair for Technology at Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University.

“Nair is a world renowned technocrat and has conducted several career guidance sessions in India and abroad, and his presence at the seminar is a great honor for the community,” said Shaffe. “Nair is the first Indian to be appointed to the coveted position at the high-ranking university in Alkhobar.”

The school has built an excellent academic record under a seven-member elected managing committee headed by Thiru.

“This career fair is open to every member of the Indian community in the Eastern Province,” said Thiru.

“Of course, the fair is aimed at Class VIII to Class XII students at the school and their parents but we would like to welcome all Indian students and parents from other schools to make the most of this golden opportunity.”

The organizers are expecting thousands of visitors from the large Indian community in the Eastern Province.

Among those who attended the press conference were managing committee member Raju Kurian; Girls Section Principal Incharge Col. J.A. Rocque; Boys Section Vice Principal Alamgir Islam; UPBS Headmaster Mohammed Ismail and Headmistress (KG) Najma Nakhat.