UAE to offer more jobs in 2013

There is good news for those who have been trying to change jobs in the UAE for a long time, as experts say the majority of employers in the Emirates will hire in 2013.

Companies that were laying off people and cutting costs to hold ground during the global recession are now planning to recruit more.

Suhail Masri, vice president of sales at Bayt.com, said: “It is clear that the UAE is recovering at a fast pace from the global recession. Hiring is back and 66% of employers are looking to hire within a year.” 

Definitely, the green shoots look brighter in the Emirates.  A growing range of economic indicators, point to a strengthening economic recovery. 

In the Global Competitiveness Report 2012-2013 issued by the World Economic Forum, UAE is ranked 24 out of 144 countries globally, rising three places from last year. 

In a recent GCC economic report, the Emirates is placed second after Saudi Arabia in the GCC in terms of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), a key indicator that multinational companies and other investors are seeing the region as an ideal location to scale up business, the report said. 

John Branch, director of reward services for global management consultant Hay Group, said: “Next year will see a significant increase in job opportunities in the UAE.  We will see more youngsters as well as professionals in the middle or end of their careers applying for jobs.”

Branch explains the latest trends in the job market: “Expats are increasingly seeing the UAE as a place to develop their career than just a tax-free haven. Going forward, the market will be known for better work practices and attractive incentive pay packages.”

“Unfortunately, next year will see a dearth of qualified nationals for the private sector,” he added. 

EMIRATISATION

However, there are efforts to rev up the Emirati presence in the UAE work force.

UAE vice president and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recently asserted 2013 as the year of creating jobs for UAE nationals.

“All efforts must unite,” Sheikh Mohammed said, while announcing an initiative to create more jobs for nationals and improve the lifestyles of citizens.

UAE HIRING SECTORS

Job openings will be up across the board. Experts tell us where we can find the most number of opportunities.

Branch, from Hay Group, said: “Oil and gas will be a good sector next year. Construction is definitely picking up in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.”

A 2012 Job Index Survey from Bayt.com shows the most attractive industries in the region are perceived to be banking/finance (34%), telecommunications (33%) and construction (31%).

According to the survey, industries in the UAE that are likely to attract top talent are banking/finance (34%), oil, gas and petrochemicals (32%) and telecommunications (27%).

Bayt.com’s top UAE industries in terms of:
•    Salary packages: Oil, gas & Petrochemicals (51%)
•    Work-life Balance: Government/Civil Service (32%)
•    Career Growth Opportunities: Oil, gas & Petrochemicals (41%)
•    Job Security/Stability: Oil, gas & Petrochemicals (40%)