In the vibrant landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a Gallup survey has unveiled a robust wave of optimism and engagement among its workforce, reflecting the country's resilient economy and flourishing job market.
According to the survey, a staggering 69 percent of UAE employees believe that 2024 presents favorable prospects for job hunting, marking a notable surge of almost 10 percent since 2022. This optimism significantly surpasses the sentiments of their counterparts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and globally, indicating a profound confidence in the UAE's economic trajectory.
The UAE's non-oil sectors, including travel, tourism, hospitality, real estate, and retail, have showcased remarkable resilience, surging past pre-pandemic levels and beckoning both domestic and international players. This surge has catalyzed job creation, propelling Dubai's population to over 3.7 million and fostering a dynamic environment ripe with opportunities.
Moreover, the survey underscores the burgeoning professional growth experienced by UAE workers, with half of them expressing a sense of thriving, a figure that outstrips both regional and global averages by significant margins.
Despite the buoyant job market, the survey reveals that only 40 percent of UAE employees are actively seeking new opportunities, a notably lower figure compared to their regional and global counterparts. This trend aligns with the UAE's steadfast commitment to enhancing workplace engagement, as evidenced by a commendable 29 percent of employees reporting high levels of engagement, surpassing both global and regional benchmarks.
However, amidst these positive trends, the survey sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness, with a notable proportion of UAE workers experiencing stress and sadness. While the UAE fares better than the global average in this regard, the findings underscore the imperative of prioritizing employee wellbeing in tandem with economic prosperity.
Andrew Rzepa, a prominent figure at Gallup, emphasizes the pivotal role of workplace engagement in leveraging the UAE's momentum, underscoring its potential to drive productivity and foster a culture of wellbeing. The survey's insights serve as a poignant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between employee satisfaction, economic vitality, and societal wellbeing, heralding a promising trajectory for the UAE's workforce.
News Source: Khaleej Times
