New survey found that there was a 21% jump in UAE jobs offers between the first and the second quarter of 2014. The number of professionals looking for a job has also increased – by 30%, in line with the recovering economy of the country and the popularity of emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The latest UAE Employment Monitor by global recruitment company Morgan McKinley shows a 21% quarter-to-quarter increase in the jobs vacancies across the country. Compared to the same period last year, the 8,057 positions is an increase of 5%. But job opportunities aren’t the only moving up – the number of professionals looking for a new position has also jumped. From 35,138 people in the first quarter of the year, those searching for a job in Q2 have become 45,575 or 30% more. This is also an increase of 12% from the same time in 2013.
According to the researchers, the growth of the job market is due to the region’s continuous move away from recession. Several sectors in particular have been very successful and recruiting continues to be strong. For example, the growth in construction is steady with the constant announcements about new projects, hotel openings, and Dubai’s latest plan for the Mall of the World. Manufacturing, the banking and financial sector, as well as tourism and hospitality are also experiencing growth.
The rise in candidates is a sign that expats are now feeling more confident about the economy and the many opportunities the country offers. However, experts explain that a large part of new workforce comes from abroad. Many of those arriving in the country lack the required expertise and experience, as well as knowledge of additional languages, including Arabic.
Another survey, also released this week, may have found an answer to why so many foreigners continue looking for new UAE jobs. According to the results from a poll, conducted by job portal Naukrigulf.com, salary is the most important factor for jobseekers when considering a new position. And logically, foreign and international companies and big corporations are most preferred places to apply for a job, especially when they are also offering benefits such as accommodation and insurance.
The salaries in the UAE remain some of the highest in the region, despite the rising living costs and rents in particular. Apparently, this is the main attracting factor for workers not only from the Middle East, but from European countries, as well.
