Sawaeed Employment, an Abu Dhabi-based recruitment and staff outsourcing firm that mainly hires for the construction industry, said it has plans to increase its recruitment drive in 2010.

The company, which already has a workforce in excess of 33,000, said it is targeting to recruit 10,000 workers from different parts of Asia during the next 13 months. Part of the Royal Group of Companies, Sawaeed Employment was set up in 2006 with an initial capital of Dh50 million.

"Abu Dhabi continues to recruit workers to the construction industry and we see an increase in the number of projects next year," said Jamuna Raju, Client Relationship Manager at Sawaeed Employment.

Raju said there has not been any drop in demand for workers in the emirate. "Work on most projects in Abu Dhabi is on and we had to absorb some of our staff from Dubai to cater to the growing demand."

Last month, the company held a recruitment drive in India and the Philippines for semi-skilled workers. "The demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers is on the rise. New contracts are being awarded and several businesses are expanding. Within the construction industry, we have been recruiting engineers, foreman, supervisors, welders, plumbers, scaffolders, fabricators, brick layers and various other skilled and unskilled labourers," Raju said.

"Although our core area is construction, we also cater to several other industries including oil and gas, aviation, marine services, hospitality, construction, facility management services, domestic services, wedding events, security, banking, healthcare and others," said Raju.

The firm co-ordinates with agents and associates to run recruitment campaigns in various countries. "At times our own personnel will fly down to interview skilled manpower. For example when we hire carpenters, a specialised carpenter is sent to interview applicants," Raju said.

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