Positive news surrounds the UAE economy, with employment rising this year, although certain sectors are recruiting more aggressively than others.
In January, Emirates airline announced plans to hire 5,000 cabin crew in 2024. By the end of April, the airline confirmed it would further expand its pilot workforce and raise their salaries, reflecting positive growth.
With 65 new aircraft scheduled for delivery from mid-next year, Emirates’ intentions signal optimism as one of the UAE’s prominent employers.
Hotel occupancy remains robust, with numerous new properties opening across the Emirates and sustained demand to fill available rooms.
The travel and tourism sectors benefit from favourable market conditions, raising questions about the implications for other industries.
As a technology sector recruiter, I’ve noticed a heightened demand for talent compared to last year, with a surge in new job listings compared to early 2024.
While the year didn’t start slowly, recruitment processes can be lengthy, particularly with visa applications, security clearances, and relocations.
Despite initial requests from hiring managers in December and January, candidates are now being placed in roles, indicating sustained demand.
With current demand higher than three months ago, we anticipate continued job creation into the third quarter.
With Ramadan and Eid passed, expectations are for a busy remainder of the year.
Tech professionals with specialised skills in cyber and telecoms are in high demand among UAE clients, with technology vendors also seeking to expand their sales teams.
Outside the UAE, Saudi Arabia witnesses growing demand across all sectors.
Emirates aims to double its GDP to $800B by 2030, driving ambitious growth across various sectors.
Diversification efforts in revenue sources, with oil contributing less than 30% of revenue in 2022, underpin this growth.
Apart from tourism, significant investment pours into transportation, real estate, public safety, and renewable energy, expanding job opportunities.
While not experiencing a recruitment boom, the UAE sees measured, sustainable growth supported by a strong economy and favourable market conditions.
Lessons from past over-hiring post-Covid caution against unsustainable growth, with business leaders showing restraint to avoid similar pitfalls.
While future declines may occur, they’re unlikely to match previous downturns, with continued maturity in the UAE’s market offering a brighter outlook.
The region remains appealing to businesses and families due to its climate, quality of life, tax-free environment, and safety, factors expected to endure.