Related: UAE salary guide 2022: how much should you be earning?
Businesses in the UAE are expected to accelerate their hiring plans in 2022 as the economy continues to recover and the jobs market returns to pre-pandemic levels, recruitment experts say.
The technology sector will dominate demand for new hires this year while a sharp increase in hiring is expected in well-established industries such as health care, pharmaceuticals, human resources, sales, retail, finance and oil and gas.
“Software developers will be one of the most sought-after skills categories, ranging from state-of-the-art virtual and augmented reality to gamification, cryptocurrency, digital education and telemedicine,” says Deepa Sud, chief executive of Plum Jobs, a Dubai recruitment and leadership skills consultancy.
“Each of these sectors will boom as our work and personal dynamics change with hybrid working becoming more of the norm.”
The jobs market in the UAE, the second-largest Arab economy, has made a strong recovery from the coronavirus-induced slowdown on the back of the government’s fiscal and monetary measures.
The pick-up in economic activity and business confidence spells good news for skilled jobseekers.
“As the most in-demand jobs evolve, candidates and employees who have a robust mix of technical and soft skills will become the most sought-after,” says Ms Sud.
“As we become more reliant on technology in our everyday lives, the need for technology security increases with greater focus on applications and cloud security. Businesses are investing in risk management, threat intelligence and auditing skills as cyber attacks are becoming more common.”
Demand for professionals in cloud computing, cyber security, digital media and artificial intelligence is also expected to surge in 2022, says Richard Jackson, the chief operating officer at recruitment agency TASC Outsourcing.
“The healthcare industry will also continue to be a big employer in 2022, followed by the information technology, internet, e-commerce sectors and hospitality industry,” Mr Jackson adds.
Meanwhile, the most in-demand skills in 2022 will be a combination of technical capabilities – such as digital literacy, technology design and programming – and soft attributes, including critical thinking and analysis, design thinking and innovation.
“Many employers will also be looking for strategic skills like business strategy, strategic planning, organisational development, leadership and team management,” Mr Jackson says.
Good communication skills in both English and Arabic are also highly sought-after by UAE employers, says Ola Haddad, director of human resources at jobs portal Bayt.com.
“[This is] followed by being a team player, having good leadership skills and having the ability to work under pressure,” Ms Haddad says.
With hiring on the increase, what are the most in-demand jobs in 2022 and how much do they pay?
Read on to find out – and check out our comprehensive UAE salary guide 2022 slide show above for a snapshot of your sector.
Technology
Positions in demand: front-end developer, full stack developer, cyber security architect, cloud architect/engineer, IT project management
The demand for software development professionals is rapidly increasing as companies in the UAE continue to digitise their processes after the pandemic, the Michael Page Salary Guide 2022 report says.
“In the past, most of the demand we saw was from highly regulated sectors and software development outsourcing companies, however, recently we have seen an increase in start-ups and scale-ups looking to employ their own talent,” the report says.
“The shortage of skilled talent in this space is a growing problem globally.”
Hiring recommendation: “Where possible, remote working and hybrid models should be explored, while traditional compensation and benefits packages must also be reviewed to ensure employees are receiving attractive, yet fair, incentives,” the Michael Page report says.
Salaries:
- Front-end developer: Dh12,000 – Dh22,000
- Full stack developer: Dh20,000 – Dh35,000
- Cyber security architect: Dh35,000 – Dh60,000
- Cloud architect/engineer: Dh25,000 – Dh60,000
- IT project management: Dh20,000 – Dh55,000
Healthcare and life sciences
Positions in demand: nurse, laboratory technician, doctor, regional sales manager, marketing manager
The pandemic has driven demand for medical and laboratory roles since 2020, with healthcare organisations forced to change their operations rapidly to address an increase in patients and testing, the Michael Page report says.
“Many companies are looking to hire in large volumes, which presents a challenge to find licensed professionals with UAE experience or people who can become licensed in the UAE quickly,” it adds.
Hiring recommendation: “Healthcare professionals will also be highly sought-after, so organisations need to ensure they have competitive salaries, benefits and a stable onboarding programme to ensure they are able to attract and, more importantly, retain employees,” the Michael Page report advises.
Salaries:
- Nurse: Dh6,000 – Dh15,000
- Laboratory technician: Dh8,000 – Dh15,000
- Doctor (consultant): Dh60,000 – Dh160,000
- Regional sales manager (life sciences): Dh30,000 – Dh55,000
- Marketing manager (life sciences): Dh30,000 – Dh50,000
Retail
Positions in demand: trainer, store manager, marketer with e-commerce experience, buyer for online channels, sales staff
Online shopping took hold in 2020 after governments around the world introduced movement restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. However, more physical retail stores are expected to open in the UAE in 2022, leading to more jobs, a Robert Half report says.
“Businesses will continue their evolution towards moving online … while also managing their brick-and-mortar investments as having a physical presence is still extremely relevant in the Middle East and this is evident with multiple online brands opening physical stores in the region.”
Hiring recommendation: “Businesses need to invest in training their key functions to maintain a balance between the online and offline world, as well as investing in structures that support a well-established omnichannel experience,” Robert Half says.
Salaries:
- Trainer: Dh15,000 – Dh30,000
- Store manager: Dh15,000 – Dh25,000
- Marketing manager: Dh25,000 – Dh45,000
- Buying manager: Dh27,000 – Dh40,000
- Sales staff: Dh5,000 – Dh15,000
Human resources
Positions in demand: talent acquisition and recruitment manager, regional HR manager, talent and performance management specialist
The demand for human resources and recruiting specialists in 2022 is “unprecedented” and driven by the trend towards creating an engaged workforce across the new hybrid working models, the Robert Half report says.
Start-ups are also looking to create HR departments, which means that candidates with experience in building an HR function from scratch will be in demand, the report says.
“[There is] a bigger emphasis on launching employee well-being initiatives, especially around mental health support and work-life balance,” it adds.
“This is often led by HR and examples of creative initiatives are sought out by employers when reviewing CVs of candidates.”
Hiring recommendation: “Focus your CV on quantifiable and qualitative achievements related to employee engagement, workplace culture and performance management,” the report advises.
Salaries:
- Talent acquisition manager: Dh30,000 – Dh40,000
- Regional HR manager: Dh33,000 – Dh48,000
- Talent and performance management specialist: Dh20,000 – Dh28,000
Oil and gas
Positions in demand: operations manager, project manager, commissioning/decommissioning manager, logistics manager, estimating/cost manager
The oil and gas sector’s shift in focus to reducing greenhouse gas emissions has resulted in many companies investing in new technology, including cloud-based data platforms and AI machine learning to boost productivity.
“As the UAE has committed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the energy sector will transition to green energies and we will see an increase in process engineers and technology specialists,” says Ms Sud of Plum Jobs.
However, the industry is facing recruitment challenges, particularly with fresh talent, says the Robert Half salary report.
“Oil and gas companies are looking for employees who have a wide range of skills and backgrounds to help them become more differentiated as new business strategies and new innovations emerge,” it says.
Hiring recommendation: “Organisations should recognise that innovation and digital transformation will be critical to increasing efficiency and accelerating sustainability, and can be used as key employer branding pillars to attract and retain talent,” the report says.
Salaries:
- Operations manager: Dh40,000 – Dh50,000
- Project manager: Dh32,000 – Dh45,000
- Commissioning/decommissioning manager: Dh28,000 – Dh40,000
- Logistics manager: Dh20,000 – Dh35,000
- Estimating/cost manager: Dh30,000 – Dh42,000
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Day 2, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Pakistan’s effort in the field had hints of shambles about it. The wheels were officially off when Wahab Riaz lost his run up and aborted the delivery four times in a row. He re-measured his run, jogged in for two practice goes. Then, when he was finally ready to go, he bailed out again. It was a total cringefest.
Stat of the day – 139.5 Yasir Shah has bowled 139.5 overs in three innings so far in this Test series. Judged by his returns, the workload has not withered him. He has 14 wickets so far, and became history’s first spinner to take five-wickets in an innings in five consecutive Tests. Not bad for someone whose fitness was in question before the series.
The verdict Stranger things have happened, but it is going to take something extraordinary for Pakistan to keep their undefeated record in Test series in the UAE in tact from this position. At least Shan Masood and Sami Aslam have made a positive start to the salvage effort.
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THE SPECS
Aston Martin Rapide AMR
Engine: 6.0-litre V12
Transmission: Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic
Power: 595bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh999,563
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl
Power: 153hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: Dh99,000
On sale: now
Formula One top 10 drivers' standings after Japan
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 306
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 234
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 192
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 148
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 111
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 82
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 48
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 34
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Korean Film Festival 2019 line-up
Innocent Witness, June 26 at 7pm
On Your Wedding Day, June 27 at 7pm
The Great Battle, June 27 at 9pm
The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion, June 28 at 4pm
Romang, June 28 at 6pm
Mal Mo E: The Secret Mission, June 28 at 8pm
Underdog, June 29 at 2pm
Nearby Sky, June 29 at 4pm
A Resistance, June 29 at 6pm
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More coverage from the Future Forum
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
Scoreline
Al Wasl 1 (Caio Canedo 90 1')
Al Ain 2 (Ismail Ahmed 3', Marcus Berg 50')
Red cards: Ismail Ahmed (Al Ain) 77'
ON%20TRACK
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
The specs
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm
Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh130,000
On sale: now
