UAE job opportunities: Increased demand for new hires in 2023

The technology and HR sectors experience a surge in job vacancies due to the introduction of new projects and initiatives.

Despite the global trend, the job market in the UAE has demonstrated substantial growth in the first quarter of 2023. Particularly, head offices have witnessed a remarkable increase of 20 percent in job opportunities within specific sectors.

Recruiters have acknowledged Dubai's ongoing economic surge and anticipate this positive momentum to persist. They attribute this trend to the introduction of new projects and initiatives that have been strategically planned and implemented.

Aws Ismail, the general manager at Marc Ellis, expressed optimism about the UAE recruitment and job market for 2023, specifically highlighting the technology sector's notable growth. Ismail attributed this positive trend to a favorable market outlook, increased foreign investments, and businesses' commitment to establish and expand their presence in the UAE while embracing digitalization, in alignment with the government's initiatives. Despite the uncertainties of the previous year impacting the recruitment sector, Ismail anticipates that the current momentum will continue throughout 2023.

Ismail further emphasized the strong growth within the technology sector, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital transformation. The demand for skilled professionals in these fields has been significant, prompting clients to seek the right talent for various roles.

Additionally, a recent report by global recruitment agency Robert Walters indicated substantial growth in the banking and financial services sector. Job openings in this sector have increased compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

The technology sector has experienced a significant surge in job vacancies, boasting a remarkable 20 percent increase. Following closely behind is the HR sector, which has observed a respectable 10 percent rise in job opportunities.

Nadeem Ahmed, the HR Manager at Hidayath, has noted a stronger hiring trend in the UAE, with salary increases being observed for skilled professionals starting from this year. The Hays 2023 GCC Salary Guide revealed that the technology sector was particularly active in terms of hiring last year, with 77 percent of organizations expanding their workforce.

He further stated:

"The continuous influx of local and foreign investments in areas such as cloud security and cloud solutions has contributed to this trend. The hiring activity has been consistently increasing since the start of 2023, particularly in the technology sector. In the UAE, technology-related roles such as software developer, IT infrastructure engineer, IT engineer, DevOps engineer, and digital marketing manager have been in high demand."

Recruiters and experts in the technology industry agree that hiring and firing activities have been particularly high due to the constant need for adaptation to recent developments. Jaya Bhatia, CEO and Founder of ExpertHubrobotics.com, emphasizes the importance of specific skills and qualities when recruiting employees to meet market challenges and stay competitive.

Digital literacy is a crucial skill sought after in candidates, as they should be comfortable with digital tools and platforms, as well as adaptable to emerging technologies. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are also highly valued, as candidates should be able to analyze complex situations, identify problems, and develop effective solutions. Creativity and innovation are seen as key components, given the rapid pace of technological change. Candidates who can think creatively and propose innovative solutions to challenges are sought after.

Emotional intelligence is also highlighted as an important quality during the hiring process. The ability to align well with a team and contribute to the holistic growth of individuals and the business is highly valued. Soft skills such as empathy, teamwork, and communication play a significant role. Candidates must be able to work both independently and collaboratively, navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.

Adaptability and a quick learning ability are admired traits, considering the diverse systems and procedures across organizations. Time is of the essence in today's fast-paced world. Moreover, the increasing availability of data requires candidates who possess data analysis and interpretation skills to support challenging projects for clients. Lastly, depending on the industry, specific technical or industry-specific skills may hold high value in the eyes of employers.

News Source: Khaleej Times