Frequently Asked Questions

Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 is the UAE's flagship annual Emirati career festival, bringing together Emirati jobseekers, graduates, and career changers with the country's leading government and private sector employers, all under one roof at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

Now in its 20th edition, the three-day live festival goes beyond a traditional job fair. Expect face-to-face conversations with hiring managers, practical career workshops, CV and LinkedIn clinics, mock interviews, and a programme built around real outcomes, not just introductions.

Entry is free for Emirati visitors. 👉Registration is not yet live. You can register your interest now to receive early access when visitor registration opens.

Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 takes place from 17 to 19 November 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

ADNEC is centrally located in Abu Dhabi and is easily accessible by car, taxi, and public transport. On-site and nearby parking is available.

All sessions, workshops, and employer interactions take place in person. The event is live only, there is no virtual or hybrid format.

Visit the Venue page on tawdheef.ae for directions, parking details, and travel information.

Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 is organised by Informa, a global leader in professional events, career development, and industry knowledge.

With nearly two decades delivering Tawdheef in Abu Dhabi, Informa brings deep expertise in Emirati talent development, employer engagement, and career programming that makes a measurable difference to attendees' careers.

Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 marks the 20th edition of the event. For two decades, it has been Abu Dhabi's most trusted platform for Emirati career development, connecting thousands of jobseekers with employers and evolving alongside the UAE's workforce priorities.

This year's edition is the most ambitious yet, with new activations, expanded employer participation, and a strengthened focus on tangible onsite outcomes.

Attending Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 gives Emirati professionals and jobseekers direct access to opportunities that are hard to find anywhere else:

• Face-to-face conversations with recruiters and hiring managers from 100+ employers
• Access to roles in government, banking, telecoms, technology, hospitality, and more
• CV clinics and LinkedIn profile reviews from expert career advisors, free and on-the-spot
• Mock interviews with real recruiters, so you can practise before it counts
• Workshops on career planning, skills development, and sector transition
• Networking with Emirati peers, professionals, and industry figures
• An Informa Connect Academy certificate of participation for seminars attended

👉Registration is not yet live. You can register your interest now to receive early access when visitor registration opens.

Tawdheef x Zaheb attracts thousands of Emirati professionals and jobseekers across its three days, alongside 100+ employers, government entities, and private sector companies. The event is exclusively designed for UAE nationals on the visitor side.

Pre-registration is required and places are free. 👉Registration is not yet live. You can register your interest now to receive early access when visitor registration opens.

The theme for Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 is the Year of Family, celebrating the role of family in shaping careers, values, and the future of the UAE workforce.

The programme is built around this theme, with sessions, employers, and activations that reflect the connection between family, community, and career in the UAE. Visit tawdheef.ae for full programme details as they are announced.

Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 features a programme of Emirati business leaders, senior HR professionals, industry figures, and career experts across all three days.

Speaker announcements are confirmed on a rolling basis. Visit the Speakers page on tawdheef.ae for the full and up-to-date lineup.

Registering for Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 is free and open to UAE nationals and Emirati citizens only. Visit the Registration page on tawdheef.ae, complete the online form, and you'll receive a digital badge by email, your entry pass for all three days.

👉Registration is not yet live. You can register your interest now to receive early access when visitor registration opens.

Yes. Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 is free to attend for UAE nationals and Emirati citizens. Registration is strictly for Emirati nationals only. There are no ticket fees, no session charges, and no hidden costs. CV clinics, mock interviews, and workshops are all included.

👉Registration is not yet live. You can register your interest now to receive early access when visitor registration opens.

Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 is open exclusively to UAE nationals and Emirati citizens. Registration is strictly for Emirati nationals only, and proof of UAE nationality is required during registration. The event serves Emirati jobseekers at all career stages:

• University students and fresh graduates entering the job market for the first time
• Mid-career professionals looking to advance, change sectors, or move into the private sector
• Career changers and returnees re-entering the workforce or redirecting their career path

If you're an employer, government entity, or private sector company interested in exhibiting, visit the Exhibitors page on tawdheef.ae.

Your free registration for Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 gives you full access across all three days, including:

• The full exhibition floor, meet employers from 150+ government and private sector organisations
• CV clinics and LinkedIn profile reviews with expert career advisors
• Mock interview sessions with real recruiters
• Career development workshops and skills sessions
• Speaker sessions and panel discussions
• Networking events and peer connection opportunities
• An Informa Connect Academy certificate for each seminar you attend

As Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 is a free-to-attend event, there is nothing you need to cancel or claim a refund for. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, we'd encourage you to share the event with friends and colleagues who could benefit from registering.

For any queries, contact the team via tawdheef.ae.

Exhibiting at Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 gives government and private sector organisations direct access to a concentrated pool of Emirati talent across three days at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The commercial case is proven:

• 44% of exhibitors recruited candidates directly at the 2025 event
• 37.5% collected 500 or more CVs over three days
• 100% of surveyed exhibitors stated intent to return
• 54% had already rebooked for 2026 within 10 months of the event closing

For companies with Emiratisation targets, Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 delivers a measurable return. Visit the Exhibit page on tawdheef.ae to explore stand packages and secure your place.

To book your exhibition stand at Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026, visit the Exhibit page on tawdheef.ae or contact our Sponsorship and Exhibition team directly. Early bookings are strongly advised.

We offer a range of stand sizes and packages tailored to government entities and private sector companies. Custom stand designs are available, with guidance on approved dimensions and build specifications provided by the team.

Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 is targeting 100+ employers, government entities, and private sector companies on the exhibition floor. These include leading organisations across banking, telecoms, technology, hospitality, retail, and professional services, all recruiting Emirati nationals.

Visit the Exhibitors page on tawdheef.ae to view confirmed organisations as they are announced.

Sponsoring Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 positions your brand in front of a targeted, national audience of Emirati jobseekers, professionals, and career changers. Sponsorship packages include:

• High-impact brand exposure across the event, digital platforms, and marketing campaigns
• Sponsored sessions, panel speaking opportunities, and stage visibility
• Branding on event materials, signage, and collateral
• Featured visibility in email campaigns, website, and social channels
• Lead Insights dashboard access, track engagement and measure ROI in real time

For a customised sponsorship proposal, contact our Sponsorship and Exhibition team via tawdheef.ae.

The Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 exhibitor brochure is available to download on the Exhibit page at tawdheef.ae. The brochure covers stand options, audience reach, proof-of-performance data from previous editions, and sponsorship package details.

Contact our team directly via the enquiry form on tawdheef.ae for tailored pricing and availability.

All exhibitors and sponsors at Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 receive access to Lead Insights, Informa's real-time lead tracking and engagement analytics platform. It captures visitor interactions including booth visits, session attendance, and content engagement, allowing exhibitors to prioritise follow-ups and measure ROI throughout and after the event.

Login details for Lead Insights are emailed to exhibitors prior to the event. For setup support, contact leadinsights@informa.com.

Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 offers a range of marketing add-ons to maximise your visibility before, during, and after the event:

• Sponsored sessions and speaking slots on the main stage or breakout areas
• Email campaigns to the Tawdheef database (80,000+ Emirati contacts)
• Digital advertising placements on tawdheef.ae and event social channels
• Branding on lanyards, delegate materials, and venue signage
• Featured listings and dedicated exhibitor spotlights in event communications

For a customised marketing plan, contact our Sponsorship and Exhibition team via tawdheef.ae.

The Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 agenda will be published on tawdheef.ae from September 2026. Session timings, workshop descriptions, speaker details, and topic overviews will all be available there once the programme is confirmed.

👉Registration is not yet live. You can register your interest now to receive early access when visitor registration opens.

Session materials from Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 will not be shared with attendees after the event. The full value of the programme is in the live, in-person experience. Attending on all three days is the best way to get the most out of the workshops, sessions, and conversations on offer.

👉Registration is not yet live. You can register your interest now to receive early access when visitor registration opens.

Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 does not have a dedicated event app. The full programme, exhibitor list, and registration are all available on tawdheef.ae.

👉Registration is not yet live. You can register your interest now to receive early access when visitor registration opens.

Tawdheef x Zaheb 2026 takes place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, one of Abu Dhabi's most accessible venues. Getting there is straightforward:

• By car: ADNEC is located off the Corniche Road in central Abu Dhabi, with clear signage from major roads.
• By taxi or ride-share: Taxis and ride-sharing services are available throughout Abu Dhabi and drop-off directly at the venue.
• By public transport: Bus services connect ADNEC to central Abu Dhabi. Check the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) Abu Dhabi app for current routes.

Full venue directions and a map are available on the Venue page at tawdheef.ae.

Yes, several hotels are located within walking distance or a short drive of ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The Tawdheef x Zaheb website lists recommended accommodation options near the venue.

Visit the Hotel and Accommodation page on tawdheef.ae for options, negotiated rates for event attendees (where available), and booking links.