Hajra Naz
A new LinkedIn study, conducted across multiple countries including the UAE, offers valuable insights into the current job market. The study highlights the top three roles recruiters are eager to fill and discusses the challenges professionals face in the UAE job search.
Job Search Becomes Tougher in the UAE
According to the survey, more than half of UAE employees (52%) report that job searching has become more difficult. Additionally, 44% of professionals find the process frustrating, and 43% of job seekers are applying to more positions but receiving fewer responses from employers.
Professionals Shift Towards New Industries
Many UAE professionals are seeking opportunities in different industries in response to these challenges. Nearly 8 out of 10 (76%) professionals in the UAE plan to search for new jobs in 2025, with 53% looking to switch industries.
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UAE Job Market Competition Intensifies
Whereas job creation in the UAE has expanded in later a long time, so has the competition, particularly with the convergence of talented workers. Dubai’s population developed by over 169,000, reaching 3.825 million by the end of the final year, as more worldwide companies moved to the locale in the look of talented professionals.
Optimism Amid Job Search Challenges
Despite the struggles, numerous experts stay hopeful. According to the study, 53% of work seekers are sure to find modern openings in 2025, and accepting the work advertisement will make strides. In any case, 51% of experts report trouble keeping up a positive viewpoint amid their work look, and 56% discover the handle time-consuming.
Advice for Job Seekers: Be Strategic
LinkedIn career expert Najat Abdelhadi suggests that job seekers should shift their approach by applying more strategically to roles that match their skills, rather than applying to a large volume of jobs. HR professionals agree, noting that a more targeted approach can help applicants stand out in a crowded market.
The Challenge of Finding Qualified Talent
53% of HR experts in the UAE and Saudi Arabia say that it has ended up being harder to fill parts with qualified candidates, showing the requirement for work searchers to alter their procedures in 2025. Hiring managers also confront challenges, with 19% investing 3-5 hours a day investigating applications, however, 77% report that less than half of the candidates meet the required criteria.
Top 3 Rising Roles in the UAE
The study identifies the top three roles that are currently in high demand in the UAE:
- Media Buyers
- Artificial Intelligence Engineers
- Real Estate Consultants
Other roles on the rise include Sustainability Managers, Sales Development Representatives, Tax Managers, Process Engineers, Development Specialists, Financial Private Client Advisors, and Machine Learning Engineers.
About the Study
The study, conducted by Censuswide, surveyed 22,010 consumers and 8,035 global HR professionals between November 27 and December 18, 2024. The research included participants from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the USA, the UK, Germany, France, India, and several other countries.
