Young Saudi graduates throng career exhibition in Alkhobar

A three-day jobs fair is turning out to be a big boon for young Saudi graduates looking for better employment opportunities and career prospects.
Ibrahim Al-Muaikel of the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) inaugurated the Tawteen (Saudization) Career Exhibition 2013 at the Al-Seef Hall on the Alkhobar Corniche on Saturday.
The exhibition is organized by the HRDF in cooperation with the Asharqia Chamber. More than 85 public and private sector employers are taking part in the exhibition. A number of jobs are on offer for young Saudis.
Muhammad Yahya, a graduate in computer engineering, agreed.
“The exhibition is a big boon for me. At one go, I could apply for hundreds of jobs here. I do not have to run to all these companies individually. All of them are here. And I know exactly what they are looking for and what is the salary package,” said Yahya.
Ali Al-Shahrani, who is already employed at firm in Riaydh, said he was at the exhibition to scout for better offers.
“I want to see where I stand in the job market and want to explore if there are better openings that can pay better package and better training facilities.”
Sultan Al-Shehri, an engineering graduate, appreciated the efforts of the Labor Ministry in creating an atmosphere that is conducive to the local graduates.
“In many companies, approaching the right people is a nightmare and in some cases you are shooed away from the reception desk itself by expatriates who see us as competitors,” he said.
At the exhibition, there is no such challenge.
“Most of the people at the various company booths are manned by the Saudi HRD staff, and it is very easy to strike a rapport with them and ask them all the right questions regarding pay package, training options and growth prospects,” he said.
Among the prominent business people at the opening were Asharqia Chamber Chairman Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed, Secretary General Abdul Rahman Al-Wabel and businessman Abdul Aziz Alturki. Al-Rashed said the exhibition’s express aim is to create and identify career opportunities for Saudi youngsters.
“In recent years, young Saudis have proved that they are qualified and capable of handling tough jobs,” he said. “We appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Labor in helping raise the salaries of Saudis.”
Al-Anoud Abu Al-Naja, owner and chief executive officer at Prolinks, which is one of the organizers, said: “The theme of the exhibition is focused on real opportunities for Saudis. The wide participation of Saudi companies indicates their interest in hiring local talent. There are thousands of job opportunities here.”