**Demand for Skilled Technology Professionals Surges in the UAE**
Organisations in the UAE are ramping up their investments in digital transformation and innovation, leading to a surge in demand for skilled professionals in various technology-related roles, according to recruitment specialists. The Gulf Co-operation Council region, particularly sectors like financial technology, health care, consultancy, e-commerce, and manufacturing, are at the forefront of this digital transformation wave, as highlighted in the GCC 2024 Salary Guide by Hays.
Start-ups, local companies, and emerging organisations are actively hiring at a regional level, with 67% of technology employers expecting to grow their headcount by more than 10% this year. This indicates a strong demand for qualified personnel in the tech sector, according to Oliver Kowalski, managing director of Hays Middle East.
The job market in the UAE has rebounded from the impact of the pandemic, with government initiatives attracting skilled workers and incentivising companies to expand their operations. The country is transitioning into an employer’s market, with an influx of talent from other countries due to economic challenges elsewhere, as noted in the 2024 Salary Guide by Robert Half.
In terms of skill shortages, employers in the UAE are particularly seeking professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, software development, and data science, as highlighted in the Cooper Fitch 2024 UAE Salary Guide. With AI projected to contribute significantly to the UAE’s economy by the end of the decade, the demand for qualified technology candidates is expected to remain high.
Key roles in demand in the UAE’s IT sector include systems administrators, project/programme managers, DevOps engineers, cloud architects, and cyber security specialists, according to the Michael Page 2024 UAE Salary Guide. Project managers, in particular, are highly sought after, especially those with end-to-end delivery experience.
Employers are also looking for candidates with skills in Oracle Fusion, Java, Python, and Test automation, as well as expertise in DevOps and data-centric insights, as highlighted in various salary guides. Stakeholder management and the ability to engage with global stakeholders are also valuable skills sought by employers in the tech industry.
While technology professionals in the UAE are optimistic about their salary prospects, with 77% expecting a pay rise, employers are advised to conduct market reviews to ensure their salary structures remain competitive. The UAE’s tech sector is witnessing rapid salary growth, with some challenges for employers to keep up with the demands of IT experts, as noted in the 2024 Salary Guide by Robert Half.
In addition to competitive salaries, technology companies in the UAE are offering comprehensive benefits packages to attract and retain top talent. Flexible working arrangements, fitness memberships, and wellness benefits are among the perks being offered to employees in the tech sector.
Overall, the UAE’s technology sector is poised for growth, with a strong demand for skilled professionals across various roles. As the country continues its digital transformation journey, the need for qualified technology candidates is expected to remain high, presenting opportunities for both employers and job seekers in the tech industry.