ALBAWABA - According to a recent survey, 62 percent of professionals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are actively seeking new job opportunities or plan to do so in 2024.
LinkedIn's latest study highlights that better salaries and the pursuit of a healthier work-life balance are the primary drivers behind this trend. Ali Matar, EMEA growth markets leader and head of LinkedIn for Mena, notes that professionals in these countries are taking control of their careers, creating a more competitive job market where standing out is crucial.
The survey, conducted by Censuswide, encompassed 16,288 professionals across various countries. Notably, 74 percent of job seekers in the Gulf countries emphasized the importance of flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid working.
One significant finding is that 73 percent of professionals are contemplating relocation due to rising rent prices, emphasizing the link between affordable housing and talent retention in the region.
LinkedIn's report also sheds light on a shifting paradigm in the UAE labor market, where skills are increasingly valued over degrees. Seventy-six percent of professionals express a commitment to upskilling, with many willing to take on stretch projects and engage in online courses to enhance their career progression.
In response to years of workplace uncertainty, 84 percent of UAE professionals are actively working to future-proof their careers through skill development.
Despite global opportunities, the survey indicates that the majority of professionals (82 percent) in the UAE and Saudi Arabia prefer working in the region over relocating to Europe or the US. Factors influencing this preference include a high standard of living (46 percent), an attractive lifestyle (35 percent), and abundant professional growth opportunities in the Gulf region (31 percent).
An encouraging sign for the UAE is its resilience in the international job market, with a 0.3 percent annual increase in hiring, marking a 30 percent growth compared to pre-pandemic December 2019.
