JEDDAH: A number of job opportunities are expected to be offered to Saudis at the Third Jobs Exhibition which kicks off Monday at the Jeddah Exhibition Center. Prince Mish'al Bin Majed Bin Abdul Aziz, Governor of Jeddah, is expected to open the event. “The Saudi labor market could offer more than 3,000 jobs for the nationals in six months. This exhibition will give a chance to unemployed people to find out whether certain kinds of jobs are available on the Saudi market so that they can apply immediately,” said Eli Rizek, Chief Executive of the event's organizing company. More than 60 national companies are expected to participate in the four-day event being held in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF). Saudi youths will get the chance to apply for jobs directly to the human resources personnel of major companies in the Kingdom. “I hope this exhibition will offer jobs for women in particular because the majority of the unemployed are female. I would not like a job which does not fit in with my major and personality,” said Layla, a 27-year-old citizen. Layla said she hoped she could find a good job at an acceptable salary. “I know that my major is in history, but I still wish to work as a public relations agent at a respectable company,” she added. Rawan Abdullah, a Saudi woman and jobseeker who graduated five years ago, called on private companies to provide jobs to suit the abilities and traditions of Saudis. She complained that many private sector companies want experienced candidates. “How can I get the experience if no one gives me the opportunity?” Abdullah asked. Reem Al-Harbi, another Saudi jobseeker, said that adequate pay and insurance cover was also important. “The private companies need to attract Saudi jobseekers by providing sutable pay that meets their daily requirements.”
