Dubai: Some UAE nationals say they initially chose to work in the retail sector because of a lack of other options - only to find that it is an enriching career with space to develop and grow.
Zakrayat Bader, a 23-year-old salesperson, said that she took the job as it was her only opportunity after jobhunting for more than an year.
"When I accepted the job I did not like the idea but I thought it would be better than sitting at home. Now, I have really learned to like my job," she said.
Public perception
Zakrayat, a mother of four, who has been working for six weeks as a part-time salesperson, said that the biggest challenge she has faced is people's perception that retail is not a job for UAE national females.
"I see disapproval or astonishment in the looks of many people when they see me working as a salesperson.
"When I approach them they first give me this weird look but then they just get used to the idea," she said.
On the contrary her family has been supportive and has encouraged her to continue with the job.
Ahmad Maroof, a 20-year-old part-time salesperson and a third year student at the Higher Colleges of Technology, said that his family was against the idea.
"In the beginning my parents were against my choice as they feared it would take me away from my studies.
"But later they accepted the idea when realising that retail has flexible timings because of the shift system. Therefore it is a job that is very convenient especially for students," he said.
Maroof said that although he is working in a job different from his area of study he is learning many things.
"I tried to look for a job in a governmental or semi-governmental body but was not very successful, so I accepted this job which turned out to be a good experience," he said.
Encouragement
Maroof, who has been working for seven months, has also managed to convince a friend, who was against the idea, to join the ranks of UAE nationals in the retail sector. "Many people, especially Emiratis, are astonished to see me working in the store, but sometimes it is a positive reaction as some of the Emiratis praise my efforts and encourage me to continue my job," he said.
CASE STUDY
The job empowers me, says teenager
The retail sector has not only provided a job opportunity for Samira Khalil, an 18-year-old girl in Grade 11, but also hope for a better and an independent future.
Samira, who is being trained in a retail job through the Mehnaty programme, dropped out of school after Grade 1 because of her family's social and economic conditions.
Six years ago when her family's situation improved, her father allowed her back to school.
That day she had determined to seize the first opportunity that will make her independent and responsible for herself.
"I was getting older and I wanted to be responsible for myself. I started looking for a job and this training programme was the first best opportunity," she said.
Samira says she has not decided if she will go to university after she graduates from school but she will definitely continue in retail.
"There are a lot of opportunities in the sector where you can develop within the job," he said.
