Hiring in the UAE is expected to increase next year as businesses grow and gain more clarity following elections in the US and India.
The 2025 Salary Guide from Robert Half reveals that over 60% of UAE business leaders, 63% to be exact, anticipate an increase in their workforce within the next year, with half stating they need to hire more employees due to business expansion.
This year has been notable for elections in major countries, leading many employers to pause their hiring processes. Robert Half expects a busy start to 2025. “A third of business leaders mentioned they were waiting to hire until election results were clear, while about 32% are holding off until interest rates stabilize or drop,” according to the report released on Tuesday.
As many countries, including the US and India, held elections this year, many large companies delayed their expansion and hiring plans to see who would emerge as winners.
Nearly 70% of business leaders, 67% to be precise, are optimistic about their organizations’ growth prospects for 2025.
Although hiring has become easier compared to a year ago, Robert Half notes that many candidates currently entering the UAE job market are newcomers and may not have local experience. Therefore, retaining existing talent remains crucial for businesses.
However, nearly half of the business leaders, 47%, report that while finding workers has become easier, locating candidates with the right skills is still challenging, as highlighted in Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide.
Majority of Workers Seeking New Jobs in 2025
The Robert Half study indicates that two-thirds—65%—of employees plan to look for new jobs before the end of 2025. Among these, 30% cite the rising cost of living as a significant reason for their job search.
With high inflation in the UAE, 34% of employees believe they need a higher salary to meet their financial obligations. The decline in salaries, combined with an oversupply of expat talent, is hindering salary growth, as 75% of employees feel it’s harder to negotiate a pay rise compared to a year ago.
“If the market changes, these workers will likely be the first to leave, leaving employers without the talent they need,” the report states.
Gareth El Mettouri, director for the Middle East at Robert Half, emphasizes that while the influx of expats has made hiring easier and more cost-effective for businesses, leaders should consider the impact on their current employees.
“Without the ability to secure pay raises in their current or new roles, many workers feel stuck, affecting their job satisfaction and productivity. If employers don’t take care of their best talent, they will leave as soon as the market improves,” he warned.
El Mettouri added, “Employers should keep in mind that despite the abundance of new talent, finding employees with the right skills especially Arabic speakers or those with prior UAE experience may still pose a challenge. While starting salaries might be decreasing in some cases, to attract candidates already living and working in the UAE, job offers must remain competitive.”
