UAE jobs market is world-leading, study finds

The UAE’s jobs market is leading the world in unemployment protection, end-of-service benefits and ability to attract top talent, according to a number of new global surveys.

Data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s (MoHRE), released in its ‘Labour Market Observatory’, showed that the UAE ranked first globally in four indicators in the Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024. These are the employment rate, the lack of labour disputes; low termination compensation costs; and workforce gender ratio.

The UAE also ranked first in the Middle East in the Global Labour Resilience Index (GLRI) 2024, issued by the global consultancy firm Whiteshield. It ranked second globally in workforce growth, absence of bureaucracy, and third globally in the main labour market index, flexibility of residency laws, and employment growth, in the World Competitiveness Booklet 2024.

In terms of best cities to work, Dubai and Abu Dhabi ranked third and fourth respectively, according to TotalJobs’ ‘Global Talent Analysis: Talent Mobility Patterns and Preferred Destinations’ report.

It said that the UAE has a comprehensive system of social protection and workers’ welfare, including unemployment protection for 8.4 million workers in both the federal government and the private sector.

This system covers all nationalities and economic sectors, ensuring wide-ranging support for the workforce, it said.

AI-powered recruitment surges

The UAE has seen a 90% increase in the use of AI-powered recruitment since 2022, according to the Future Tech Talent Report.

Produced by the Ministry of Economy and consultancy firm Integra Seven, the report maps the evolving tech talent landscape in the Emirates. Digital and telephony company du, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC) and law firm Fragomen also contributed to the report.

Other findings include the importance of the UAE national brand in recruiting talent from overseas, the need to attract senior professionals in emerging fields and the rising significance of Emiratisation in the jobs market.

The report explores the strategies employed by both established corporations and emerging start-ups across nine economic sectors, including healthcare, financial services and logistics, as they build their technology capabilities and recruit talent locally and offshore.

Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, said: “The findings of the latest UAE Future Tech Talent Report affirm that the UAE continues to be a powerful magnet for the world’s best and brightest minds. As we advance towards a knowledge-based economy, this will be a cornerstone of our mission to establish new industries, foster new capabilities, and develop new forms of value creation.

“The report also validates our efforts to create an environment in which these talents can thrive, offering not just outstanding career progression but high living standards, safe and secure communities and exceptional educational opportunities.

“In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, tech talent is proving to be a key source of competitive advantage, and we are determined to stay top-of-mind when they seek opportunities that match their ambition.”

One of the report’s revelations is the growing strength of the UAE’s national brand as a recruitment magnet for top-tier talent.

Some 80% of employers believe that the country’s reputation is a significant asset in attracting elite technology professionals. Notably, less than 20% of stakeholders view the UAE solely as a technology reseller, further underscoring its evolution as a global leader in innovation.

Another prominent theme in the report is the global reach of the UAE’s talent pool. While nearly half (48%) of employers acknowledge that local talent is available in abundance, more than 95% still actively seek professionals from outside the region.

Two-thirds of employers agree that securing specialised, senior-level professionals, particularly in niche roles like blockchain, AI and machine learning, is still posing a significant challenge.

Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, said: “The findings of the UAE Future Tech Talent Report 2024 illuminate the remarkable journey the UAE is on, transforming into a nucleus for innovation and specialised technology expertise.

“At du, we are proud to contribute to this national evolution, supporting the attraction of world-class talent and fostering an environment where technology and innovation flourish. This report not only celebrates our achievements but also charts the course for our next great leap forward – solidifying the UAE’s status as a global powerhouse in tech talent and innovation.”