A recent survey conducted by the leading Middle Eastern job platform in collaboration with a prominent market research firm reveals that over 70% of respondents in the UAE anticipate technological factors—such as digital transformation, automation, artificial intelligence, and more—will reshape the nature of work in the future.
The findings from the survey titled "The Future of the Labor Market in the Middle East and North Africa 2021" indicate that the vast majority of participants (85%) feel either confident about the future of the job market or are enthusiastic about their professional prospects, looking forward to a world full of opportunities.
Skills That Will Be in Higher Demand
Companies in the UAE prioritize hiring talent with both technical and interpersonal skills. While results show that soft skills like time management (99%) and communication (98%) are highly valued today, more than half of the respondents believe that technical and personal skills will be equally important a decade from now. On the other hand, 37% believe technical skills alone will become more critical, while 9% think personal skills alone will be most essential.
UAE businesses are focusing strategically on attracting and retaining top talent. According to respondents, creative thinking (92%), computer proficiency (90%), strategic vision (88%), and communication (87%) will be increasingly vital over the next ten years.
Previous work experience (87%) and how a candidate presents their resume and cover letter (83%) are currently among the most influential factors in hiring decisions. Cultural fit (75%), diversity (74%), and academic specialization (72%) also play significant roles in recruitment choices.
Notably, respondents believe previous work experience (77%) will remain the most impactful factor in hiring decisions in the future, followed by academic background (73%) and diversity (70%).
Commenting on the survey, Ula Hadad, Human Resources Director at the platform, said: "This survey highlights the jobs and skills that will see rising demand, along with expected changes in the workplace. This year’s findings emphasize the impact of the pandemic and the crucial role technology will play moving forward. It’s clear that the future of work will combine technology and people to enhance the hiring process."
The Future of Jobs
Companies are expected to rely increasingly on technology to achieve what were once considered impossible goals. Given the growing importance of technology in the UAE, over 70% of respondents believe technological advancements will significantly influence the future of work.
Eighty-one percent of respondents expect increased demand for biomedical engineers, alongside doctors (75%), business operations managers (73%), and architectural engineers (73%).
Corporate departments are expected to play a key role in shaping the future of work—fostering distinctive workplace cultures, adopting remote work policies, and facilitating access to essential learning programs. When asked about transitioning to another role or department due to declining demand in their current field, 41% said it would neither be particularly difficult nor easy.
Recruitment Experts’ Outlook
When it comes to attracting and retaining talent in the digital era, online job platforms (66%) and company websites (62%) are the most commonly used tools among recruitment professionals in the UAE today. Compared to traditional methods, 91% believe online hiring will continue to streamline the recruitment process in the future.
Recruitment experts place high hopes on artificial intelligence and technology in hiring processes. Ninety percent agree that applicant tracking systems (ATS) will help reduce response times to applicants, and 82% believe the future of recruitment will depend even more on automation, AI, and data analytics.
Job Searching in the Future
As the need for reliable information grows, respondents believe professional networks (64%) and online job platforms and career sites (63%) will be the most trusted sources for job searching in the future. Meanwhile, 33% indicated that company websites will be the most reliable source for job opportunities.
Dr. Zafar Shah, Research Director at the research firm, stated: "Businesses across the Middle East and North Africa region are striving to support professionals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experiences to achieve their career goals. Companies are adapting to post-pandemic demands by leveraging new technologies, methods, and competencies that will significantly improve work quality and professional productivity in the future."
Data for this regional labor market survey were collected online between July 11 and August 11, 2021, involving 1,477 participants from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan, and other countries.
