DUBAI // Finding work is the biggest challenge facing new graduates in the UAE, research has shown.
A Bayt.com and YouGov survey found that 72 per cent of fresh graduates said it was their biggest challenge, while 74 per cent were considering setting up their own business.
“It is great to know that so many young graduates who are trying to find a job are also considering embarking on the entrepreneurial route in the future,” said Elissavet Vraka, research manager at YouGov Middle East and North Africa.
“Today, entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in a country’s economic development. It can spur growth, innovation and, of course, job creation. This can, in turn, help to shape the future of employment here in the UAE.”
Three-quarters of respondents said they were satisfied with the quality of higher education in the UAE, with 60 per cent saying it had prepared them for the workplace.
However, the majority of the sample, 73 per cent, said their college or university did not help them to identify job opportunities.
This was despite more than half, 59 per cent, having had work experience either before or during their time at university, in part thanks to a rising numbers of universities making internships a mandatory component of studies.
When looking for their first job, 77 per cent of graduates used or planned to use online job sites. The most common subjects studied were engineering, at 28 per cent, and accounting and finance, 21 per cent.
Another factor was family and friends, with 56 per cent saying a close network was a vital tool in looking for work in the UAE, in addition to the likes of websites and direct applications to companies.
Inexperience, though seen as a hurdle by some respondents, was not a contributing factor to job search woes, despite 75 per cent of respondents saying it was the biggest challenge they faced.
"While most of these young job seekers firmly believe that their lack of experience is what is jeopardising their job search, results from our extensive research into the Mena region's employment sector disagree with that assumption," said Suhail Masri, vice president of sales at career website bayt.com.
“The truth is, employers in the UAE are increasingly tapping into the graduate talent pool. They are looking for capable individuals who can seamlessly transition from academia to industry, regardless of their level of experience.”
More than a quarter of respondents, 17 per cent, said it would take, or will take, less than three months to find their first job, with a further 33 per cent saying the search did - or would - take three to 12 months.
Respondents also said they anticipated staying in their first job for one to two years.
There was optimism amongst the sample, with 58 per cent saying their generation has better career and educational opportunities in comparison to their parents’ generation.
“For them to increase their eligibility, young job seekers need to focus on fine-tuning their transferable skills and leadership prowess, via hands-on internship experiences or specialised courses.”
Many of the graduates – 70 per cent – plan to continue their education, with the UK and US the most popular destinations.
Graduates are also eager to travel abroad for jobs, with two-thirds saying they might consider moving elsewhere for employment.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
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Install an air filter in your home.
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Shower or bath after being outside.
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
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Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Mountain%20Boy
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Defending champions
World Series: South Africa
Women’s World Series: Australia
Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles
Gulf Men’s Social: Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors
Gulf Vets: Jebel Ali Dragons Veterans
Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles
Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat
Gulf Under 19 Girls: Dubai Exiles
UAE National Schools: Al Safa School
International Invitational: Speranza 22
International Vets: Joining Jack
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A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
- 2018: Formal work begins
- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
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Cry Macho
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam
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THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
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