UAE jobs: Hiring on the rise in 2024 with growing emphasis on diversity

UAE jobs: Hiring on the rise in 2024 with growing emphasis on diversity   Hiring is expected to increase by at least 15 per cent this year driven by an optimistic market outlook, according to headhunters and HR professionals in the UAE. They highlight that the recruitment landscape in the country is witnessing transformative shifts, spurred by technological advancements, socio-economic changes, and the growing emphasis on fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. This is in line with the UAE authorities’ push to diversify workforces at organisations. Recently, a ‘demographic diversity’ requirement was rolled out by the UAE, but was later eased as work permits of employees started getting rejected. It’s also worth noting that there is a significant increase in expatriates arriving, likely surpassing previous numbers, due to the declining economies of certain countries, according to experts. Broader talent pool This trend is being leveraged by UAE companies, providing them with the chance to tap into a broader pool of talent for recruitment. Aws Ismail, General Manager, Marc Ellis said, “In 2023, the job market and hiring saw an increase of approximately 20 per cent from the previous year and it is likely that this year will see a 20-25 per cent increase again, based on signs the key sectors will continue to thrive and the economy becoming even stronger. We are seeing a real boom in certain areas, particularly in IT, banking and HR. The tech sector is especially buzzing, with a strong focus on areas like AI and cybersecurity – it’s quite the hotspot for innovation right now.”He explained this growth is attributed to the UAE’s focus on expanding and diversifying its sectors with a huge focus on technological advancements due to the government’s huge investment in futuristic projects. Diversifying economy HR experts emphasised that the UAE has successfully diversified its economy, moving away from purely relying on oil revenue. This shift reflects positively on everyone. Additionally, with AI and machine learning becoming integral to the hiring process, employers are leveraging data-driven insights to make informed decisions. Nadeem Ahmed, Senior HR officer, Hidayath group explained that apart from areas like IT, AI, and cybersecurity, there will also be “heavy recruitment in 2024” for professionals in banking and finance. “Companies will be hiring financial and risk analysts, investment bankers, compliance officers, data scientists, and Fintech.  Fatima Tabrez, the Regional HR Manager at Athgadlang, explained that while job seekers globally view the UAE as a desirable international employment destination with a promising hiring landscape employers also grapple with a few challenges.