Skills Gap Challenges and Economic Optimism Define UAE and Saudi Job Market Outlook for 2025

UAE and Saudi Job Market

The job market in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is poised for significant shifts in 2025, as professionals and recruiters grapple with a growing skills gap. According to a new LinkedIn study, 75% of professionals in these countries plan to seek new job opportunities this year, despite acknowledging increasing challenges in hiring and job searching.

The research reveals that 51% of job seekers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia believe the employment search has become harder over the past year. At the same time, 46% of HR professionals report difficulties in finding qualified candidates, signaling a widening skills gap in the region.

For many professionals, the job hunt has become a source of frustration, with 43% citing the process as frustrating and 57% deeming it time-consuming. Despite these challenges, 58% of job seekers remain optimistic about their prospects, buoyed by expectations of robust economic growth in the region.

The UAE’s non-oil sector is projected to grow by 4-5%, while Saudi Arabia anticipates a 4.9% economic growth in 2025, driven by ambitious diversification strategies. This optimistic economic outlook fosters hope for a more dynamic job market, although many job seekers feel the need to apply to more positions to increase their chances.

Inefficient Strategies Hinder Success

The research highlights inefficiencies in job application strategies. While 44% of professionals are applying for more roles than ever, 48% report fewer responses from recruiters, and 34% admit to applying for roles without meeting key qualifications.

Recruiters face their own challenges, with 29% of HR professionals spending up to five hours daily reviewing applications, yet finding that less than half of candidates meet job criteria.

Najat Abdelhadi, LinkedIn Career Expert, noted, “Professionals need to shift their approach and be more strategic in applying for roles that match their skillset so they stand out.”

Emerging Roles and Skills for 2025

To bridge the skills gap, LinkedIn recommends professionals adopt an adaptability mindset, highlighting soft skills such as communication and flexibility during the hiring process. The platform also suggests leveraging AI tools to optimize profiles and identify suitable roles.

The “Jobs on the Rise” report from LinkedIn identifies Artificial Intelligence Engineer as a prominent emerging role globally, alongside increased demand for security-focused engineering and travel-related jobs as post-pandemic trends stabilize.

With nearly 71% of roles on the report being new additions, the demand for niche skills underscores the importance of ongoing professional development and targeted job search strategies.

Also Read: Karnataka Govt and British Council Join Hands to Enhance Rural Learning with Digital Library Access in 10 Districts

Navigating the 2025 Job Market

To enhance their job search success, professionals are encouraged to focus on verified job postings, leverage LinkedIn’s job match features, and explore actionable insights from its emerging roles report. These tools aim to empower job seekers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to align their skills with market demands and navigate a competitive hiring landscape effectively.

The findings highlight the pressing need for both job seekers and recruiters to prioritize skill development and adopt innovative approaches to overcome challenges in 2025’s dynamic job market.

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