Professionals in the UAE and KSA are overwhelmingly inclined towards working in their respective regions rather than considering relocations to Europe or the USA, according to a recent study by LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network. A substantial 82 per cent of surveyed professionals expressed this preference, citing factors such as the standard of living (46per cent), an attractive lifestyle (35 per cent), and opportunities for professional growth (31 per cent) as key reasons for choosing to work in the region.
This inclination aligns with the UAE’s resilience in international hiring, showcasing a 0.3 per cent annual increase, which is a remarkable 30 per cent higher than the pre-pandemic levels of December 2019.
As the new year begins, 62 per cent of professionals are actively seeking or planning to start looking for new job opportunities. Better salaries (42 per cent) and the desire for an improved work-life balance (33 per cent) stand out as the top two reasons motivating professionals to consider a career move.
However, rising rent prices are a concern for 73 per cent of professionals in the UAE and KSA, underlining the significance of affordable housing in talent retention within the region.
LinkedIn: Skills take centre stage in the future of work
The UAE labour market is witnessing a shift towards prioritising skills over degrees, with 83 per cent of professionals emphasising their skills when seeking new employment. Upskilling is a focal point for professionals, as 76 per cent express a willingness to take on more challenging projects to diversify their skills. Additionally, 72 per cent are investing more time in online courses to enhance their career progression, reflecting an 84 per cent keen interest in future-proofing their careers.
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), 79 per cent of professionals express confidence in interviewing for new roles, while 78 per cent feel assured in their job search endeavours. This optimism is rooted in the belief of 77 per cent of professionals that their job prospects in 2024 are better than the previous year.
Notably, a higher percentage of KSA women (61 per cent) are actively pursuing career moves in 2024 compared to men (57 per cent), driven by a desire for better pay (39 per cent) and an improved work-life balance (34 per cent). Women in KSA are more likely to stay in their current roles due to job satisfaction (57 per cent), while men cite good salary and benefits (52 per cent) as the primary reason for not seeking new opportunities.
Ali Matar, EMEA Growth Markets Leader and Head of LinkedIn MENA, emphasises the proactive approach of UAE and KSA professionals in taking charge of their careers in 2024. He highlights the growing competitiveness in the job market and encourages professionals to stand out by showcasing relevant skills and staying informed about industry trends.
Jobs on the rise
LinkedIn is also supporting professionals by offering free LinkedIn Learning Courses, including “A Career Strategist’s Guide to Getting a Job,” “Navigating Your Career Through Restructuring, Layoffs, and Furloughs,” and “Recession-Proof Career Strategies.” These courses are available from January 17, 2024, until July 1, 2024.
LinkedIn’s annual “Jobs on the Rise” lists for the UAE and KSA reveal the 15 fastest-growing jobs over the past five years, providing insights into trends shaping the future of work. From the surge in finance and tech roles to emerging opportunities in healthcare, these rankings offer actionable insights for professionals at every stage of their careers to future-proof their skills and prepare for the evolving job landscape.
