Why Most UAE Workers Plan Job Switch

UAE Jobs in 2026: Why Most Workers Plan to Switch, and What It Means for the Job Market

The rapidly changing job market in the United Arab Emirates is reaching another turning point in 2026. The latest surveys reveal that the majority of workers — about 72 percent — are planning to seek new job opportunities in the coming year. This figure is remarkable in itself, but even more intriguing are the trends and reasons behind it.

The Impact of a Growing Population on the Job Market

The UAE's population has significantly increased in recent years. According to Worldometers, the population was 11.02 million at the end of 2024 and reached 11.52 million by 2025. This represents nearly a two-million increase over five years. Although this dynamism is economically favorable, it has created new challenges in the labor market. Job seekers today face far more competition than even a few years ago.

Many feel that finding suitable employment is more difficult: 65 percent of workers reported that their chances of employment have decreased over the past year, and 63 percent clearly attribute increased competition as the primary reason.

Paradox: Satisfaction and Intent to Change Simultaneously

An interesting dichotomy can be observed in employee attitudes: 74 percent of respondents claimed to be satisfied with their current job, yet more than two-thirds would look for new opportunities in 2026. This is partly because workers seek a safety net in an uncertain and rapidly changing environment. Many view the opportunity for change not as a necessity, but as a chance for growth.

The New Economic Direction: Knowledge-Based Jobs

In recent years, the UAE government has made significant efforts to steer the economy towards knowledge-based sectors. In practice, this means an increasing number of higher-skilled white-collar jobs are emerging. At the same time, employers are increasingly complaining about the difficulty of finding suitably qualified applicants: 75 percent of HR professionals reported this issue.

This dichotomy — excess applications and a lack of suitable candidates — places unique pressure on both employers and employees. Having the right knowledge, skills, and continuous learning have thus become critical for successful employment.

What Should Job Seekers in 2026 Focus On?

The following strategies can help candidates stand out from the crowd:

1. Respond to Change:

The labor market is changing rapidly, so it's important to keep track of industry trends and be aware of one's own professional goals. What skills are currently in demand? What new positions are emerging in my sector? It's worthwhile looking for answers to these questions now.

2. Role of AI in Recruitment:

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly large role in job search processes, from displaying offers to pre-screening applicants. Tools like LinkedIn's job search algorithm help find relevant positions faster.

3. Update Your Profile:

HR professionals almost always first view a candidate's online profile. Therefore, it is advisable to continuously update experience, education, and skills, as well as verify workplaces and identity — this significantly increases trust in the selection process.

4. Highlight Priorities:

LinkedIn Premium users, for instance, can mark a job as a primary preference, which increases the chance of recruiter feedback by 43 percent.

5. Networking:

A network of contacts can play a key role in job searching. A well-timed comment or private message can open doors. Active presence on professional platforms can also create opportunities for recommendations that others lack.

6. Discover New Career Directions:

Lists of the fastest-growing job roles — like LinkedIn's Jobs on the Rise — showcase positions and skill demands that will become key players in the UAE job market in the near future. These are excellent starting points for moving in a new direction.

Summary

2026 will be another exciting but challenging year for the UAE job market. Population growth, digitalization and the rise of AI, and the shift towards a knowledge-based economy are collectively transforming the dynamics of job searching. Those who actively develop themselves, follow trends, and consciously build their professional networks stand a good chance of emerging as winners in this competition.

Those who take steps now can not only find a new job — but also a career path that ensures growth and stability in a highly changing world.

(Source of the article: Based on a LinkedIn survey.)