Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan (center) joins a ribbon cutting ceremony to augurate NAJAH 2009.

The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Director General of the Ministry Dr. Saeed Hamad Al Hassani, Vice Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University Dr Abdullah Al-Khanbashi, Vice President of Zayed University Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice-Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology Dr. Tayeb Kamali and Director of the Abu Dhabi Educational Zone Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri.

Supported by the Abu Dhabi Education Council, NAJAH brings together leading academic institutions and businesses with school leaders, university students and professionals who are seeking a career change within an uncertain economic climate.

Taking place at ADNEC until Thursday 22 October, NAJAH features a vast selection of local, regional and international universities and organisations, along with job profiling, an assessment centre, career counselling, and a new Education and Career Forum.
The opening day featured a range of respected speakers offering guidance and advice to an audience of students from the emirates' schools and universities. Highlights included a presentation on studying in the USA by the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and a session on choosing the right education programme by Dr Ayoub Zazim, Executive Director of Dubai International Academic City.

Life and Executive Coach, Hanan Nagi, founder of Transform Coaching UAE offered advice to people considering a change in career and highlighted the key points to consider before making the decision.

The morning of Wednesday 21 October at the exhibition will be dedicated to female visitors, many of whom are attending to listen to the keynote presentation by celebrated UAE filmmaker, Nayla Al Khaja.

Taking part in NAJAH immediately following her participation at the Middle East International Film Festival, Nayla is set to inspire the audience, including a number of students from the New York Film Institute in Abu Dhabi, with her experiences of achieving her filmmaking dreams.

"The UAE government is strategically invested in education and professional development. With the support of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, NAJAH is highlighting the opportunities available to students and graduates," said Lucy Clarke, Exhibition Director for NAJAH.

NAJAH is specifically created to service the needs of distinct yet overlapping sectors in a single, focused environment. Leading businesses in the UAE and the region, including ADWEA, General Electric, Etihad Airways, HSBC, and Abu Dhabi Media Company will launch recruitment drives and speak to qualified candidates visiting the event.

The event also has a strong focus on education, as leading international and local institutions will be on hand to discuss paths of study and degrees with students and parents. Notable universities exhibiting include Abu Dhabi University, the American University of Sharjah, Zayed University, UAE University and the renowned institutions part of Dubai International Academic City and the Abu Dhabi Education Council.

A selection of workshops will also be included, as dedicated career advisors work with visitors to generate personalised career development plans, refine interview techniques and enhance CVs, providing specific advice in a one-to-one setting.