As the UAE job market anticipates a boost in hiring for 2025, a recent report by recruitment consultancy Robert Half reveals that 65% of UAE employees plan to seek new employment opportunities within the next year. Key drivers for this anticipated shift include rising living costs and limited salary growth, as noted by nearly a third of respondents.
According to a Khaleej Times report citing the 2025 Salary Guide from Robert Half, a climate of optimism is evident among business leaders, with 63% expecting to increase headcount as businesses expand and uncertainty surrounding recent elections in the US and India subsides. Despite the influx of new talent from abroad, employers face challenges in finding candidates with relevant UAE experience and specific skills, such as fluency in Arabic.
Gareth El Mettouri, director for Robert Half in the Middle East, cautions employers to focus on retaining their existing talent to maintain productivity and job satisfaction. The study indicates that competitive remuneration will be crucial, as many employees feel unable to negotiate pay raises amid declining starting salaries and increased talent availability in the market.
