Dubai Workers Eyeing Job Changes by 2026

98 Percent Ready to Switch: Why Dubai Workers are Changing Jobs by 2026

The labor market in the United Arab Emirates is again poised for change, and this time it's not just new projects or foreign investments driving the trend, but the dual pressure of employee expectations and stagnant wages. A recent survey indicates that 98 percent of UAE workers are open to changing jobs in 2026 – the main reasons being better pay and more predictable career advancement.

Why does almost everyone want to switch?

The answer is fairly simple: stagnant wages, rising living costs, and lack of bonuses. During 2025, 82 percent of employers did not raise wages, and over half of the employees, 51 percent, did not receive bonuses. In this economic environment, it is understandable that employees are searching for new opportunities.

Based on the responses of more than 2300 people who participated in the research, most feel that the only realistic way to get a pay raise is to switch to a new position – preferably with a company that offers not only financial but also career development opportunities. It is also clear that salary alone is no longer sufficient: more and more people are looking for inspiring, interesting projects, advancement opportunities, and more flexible work.

Limited prospects for wage growth

Although forecasts for 2026 suggest that wages in most positions will increase by up to 5 percent, this does not deter workers from moving. Flexibility, good leadership, professional challenges, and advancement opportunities have become at least as important factors as current salary. Thus, mobility among workers is high, presenting new challenges for companies' HR strategies.

Local experience is invaluable

The survey also pointed out that professional experience within the UAE is increasingly becoming a baseline requirement. Forty percent of employers have already stated that they will not hire candidates without local experience. This is especially true for construction and real estate projects, where the margin for error is minimal, deadlines are tight, and competition is fierce.

Companies are looking for professionals who can start work immediately and contribute meaningfully to the success of projects from day one. With such expectations, it is also natural that the greatest demand is for project managers, technical designers, and financial and commercial professionals.

Workforce expansion, but selectively

Forty percent of companies increased their workforce by 20–30 percent last year, and they plan similar expansions this year. However, this does not come with automatically hiring anyone available. It is increasingly typical to consider only candidates who have already proven their expertise locally and can adapt to rapidly changing demands.

Some companies – particularly those from Saudi Arabia – are undertaking significant workforce expansions to realize large-scale projects, but even they are placing increasing emphasis on the quality of employees.

Flexibility as a new retention tool

According to the survey, 36 percent of employers plan to introduce or expand flexible working options in 2026. This is not surprising as hybrid work, working from home, or flexible hours are no longer seen as extra benefits, but often as basic expectations. Such flexibility can strengthen employee loyalty as much as salary developments.

The allure of the Dubai lifestyle remains strong

The UAE's population has grown dynamically over the past five years, partly due to world-class life quality, safety, and career opportunities. Population growth has naturally created new jobs, especially in areas like construction or real estate. However, in parallel, employers have also become more selective, and local experience has gained even greater importance.

Summary

The year 2026 may mark a year of intentional career changes in the UAE labor market. The fact that 98 percent of employees are open to new opportunities clearly indicates that offering just competitive pay is no longer enough. A livable work environment, professional development, flexible options, and valuing local experience are equally critical. In this rapidly changing environment, companies that recognize trends and can adapt to them will prosper—much like 1b.hu is doing in their sector, planning for the long term on a stable foundation.