Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
According to new research from LinkedIn, an overwhelming 82% of professionals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia prefer working within the region rather than relocating to Europe or the United States, highlighting the region's increasing appeal as a lifestyle destination.
According to the survey, of 16,288 white collar professionals in full-time or part-time employment polled across 17 countries, UAE and KSA employees cited high standard of living (46%), attractive lifestyle (35%) and opportunities for professional growth (31%) as the main reasons for preferring the region.
The UAE hiring market has experienced outstanding growth in the past year, with a 0.3% annual increase in hiring and 30% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels in December 2019.
It appears that many professionals in the region are keen to capitalise on this, with 62% of professionals in the UAE and KSA planning a job move in 2024, driven primarily by the pursuit of better salaries (42%) and improved work-life balance (33%).
"In 2024, UAE and KSA professionals are moving into the driver's seat when it comes to their careers," Ali Matar, EMEA Growth Markets Leader and Head of LinkedIn MENA, said.
"This shift will foster a more competitive job market, making it crucial for candidates to highlight their skills and stay on top of industry trends. Upskilling and building a strong personal profile on LinkedIn will be key to standing out."
When seeking new opportunities, flexible work arrangements such as hybrid models remained were deemed essential for 74% of job seekers. Additionally, professionals in the region are placing greater emphasis on skill development over traditional degrees. An impressive 83% highlighted their skills as a critical factor when searching for new opportunities, while 76% are actively taking on projects to diversify their expertise.
Moreover, 72% are investing more time in online courses to enhance their career trajectories. On a global scale, LinkedIn's report also revealed that 84% of UAE professionals are focused on future-proofing their careers through continuous upskilling and development.
However, rising rent prices in the region remained a concern, with 73% of respondents considering moving homes due to affordability issues, an issue not unique to KSA and the UAE.
LinkedIn also revealed the most popular new jobs in the UAE in the "Jobs on the Rise 2025" list, which revealed an increase in opportunities in AI, sustainability, real estate and tech from 2022 to 2024.
The list was topped by roles like media buyer, artificial intelligence engineer and sustainability manager, showing the demand for skills in digital marketing, machine learning and environmental strategies.
Other in-demand roles, such as sales development representative, tax manager and process engineer, highlight the need for expertise in business development, financial compliance and manufacturing efficiency.
Real estate-related positions, including real estate consultant and private client advisor, also reflect ongoing growth in the property sector.
