New job opportunities arise, employees say 2024 is good time to search

UAE job market 2024

As the UAE economy continues its upward trajectory, job opportunities are on the rise, making 2024 an opportune year for job seekers. According to a recent survey by Gallup, nearly 7 out of 10 UAE employees, or 69 percent, believe this is a promising year to find a new job. This optimism represents a significant increase from 2022 and highlights the robust economic growth and emergence of new sectors in the UAE.

Employees in the UAE exhibit a notable level of optimism compared to their counterparts in the MENA region and globally. They are 36 percent more optimistic than workers in the MENA region and 15 percent more optimistic than the global average. Gallup’s latest State of the Global Workplace report underscores this positive sentiment, suggesting a strong confidence in the UAE’s job market.

The UAE’s non-oil sectors, including travel and tourism, hospitality, real estate, and retail, have shown remarkable performance over the past three years. These sectors have not only recovered but surpassed their pre-pandemic levels, leading to the establishment of new companies and the influx of international players. This growth has significantly boosted job opportunities, particularly in Dubai, which now has a population exceeding 3.7 million.

The survey also reveals that UAE employees feel they are progressing better in their careers compared to their regional and global peers. Half of the UAE employees, or 50 percent, reported that they are thriving, a slight increase from the previous year. This rate is more than double the thriving rate in the MENA region and 16 percent higher than the global average. As a result, fewer people in the UAE are actively seeking new jobs compared to their foreign counterparts.

In terms of job search activity, the survey found that 40 percent of UAE employees are either looking for or actively seeking new jobs. This figure is lower than the 48 percent in the MENA region and the 52 percent globally. This indicates a relatively stable job market in the UAE, where fewer employees feel the need to look for new opportunities.

Employee engagement in the UAE is also noteworthy. With 29 percent of employees engaged at work, UAE workplaces have the highest engagement rate in the MENA region, an increase of two points from the previous year. This rate surpasses the global average of 23 percent and is significantly higher than the 14 percent engagement rate in the region. This suggests that UAE companies are making strides in improving workplace engagement and reducing employee negativity.

Andrew Rzepa, a leading partner in Gallup's global analytics division in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, noted that UAE companies are steadily enhancing workplace engagement. He emphasized that the favorable job market presents a unique opportunity for leaders to further improve employee engagement and well-being.

However, the survey also highlighted some challenges regarding mental health. While 33 percent of UAE employees reported experiencing stress the previous day, this is lower than the 52 percent in the MENA region and the global figure of 41 percent. Additionally, about 24 percent of UAE employees experienced sadness the previous day, indicating areas where employee well-being could be further addressed.

Overall, the findings from Gallup’s survey paint a positive picture for the UAE job market in 2024. With a growing economy, high employee engagement, and a significant number of new job opportunities, it is indeed a good time for job seekers in the UAE to explore new career possibilities.