Job Boom in UAE and GCC Region

UAE and GCC Job Market: Robust Growth and Targeted Hiring

The job market in the United Arab Emirates and the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region continues to show dynamic growth. According to a recent survey, 94% of employers plan to hire staff in the next six months, extending to both new positions and replacements for existing roles. This trend is the combined result of economic growth, foreign investments, and corporate expansions.

Recruitment Priorities and Sought-After Nationalities

In the region, there is a high demand for Arab, Indian, and Filipino professionals, while European and English-speaking workers are also sought after. In the UAE, around 85% of the population is foreign, with the Indian community making up the largest part. A similar trend is observed in Saudi Arabia, where more than 40% of the population consists of expatriates. Other GCC countries — such as Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman — also heavily rely on foreign labor.

New and Replacement Positions

Data from the survey indicates that 58% of employers are simultaneously seeking new and replacement hires, while 32% are specifically recruiting for newly created positions. The majority of jobs are for office or hybrid work, indicating the importance of personal presence on the employer's side.

Most In-Demand Job Sectors

The highest demand is in the sales and marketing field, followed by engineering (non-IT) positions, supply chain and operations tasks, finance, HR and administration, as well as IT and software development.

Leading Industries in Recruitment

The most actively recruiting sectors include construction and real estate development, recruitment services, manufacturing and industrial services, IT and telecommunications, as well as oil, gas, chemical, and energy industries.

Economic Background and Outlook

Both oil and non-oil sectors are driving growth, while countries continue to open and diversify their economies in the post-pandemic period. The UAE has become an especially attractive destination for international companies, many of which are relocating their regional headquarters there. The stable economic environment and ongoing infrastructural developments are expected to further strengthen the expansion of the job market.

(The article is based on the NaukriGulf hiring outlook report.)