Why tech jobs are in demand in the Middle East

It is common knowledge that the technology sector is currently facing huge challenges, both internationally and locally.

Many information technology companies are scaling back hiring, while most of the bigger names are making thousands of their employees redundant.

However, there are still some areas of growth within tech and in some cases, there is huge demand for certain niche skills.

We are experiencing a skills shortage locally, resulting in many international candidates relocating to the region for new opportunities.

With large infrastructure projects such as hotels, shopping malls, leisure and residential developments showing no signs of slowing down in the region, there is still a need for connectivity, physical security and the software to support them.

This demand has steadily risen over time, also due to a growing population and an appetite for data, with the implementation of technology such as 5G.

In the past few days, UAE telecoms and technology company e& announced a $400 million investment in the Careem Super App, which is a huge deal for a Dubai-based company that was founded only more than 10 years ago.

It proves that regional telecoms providers are financially healthy, with many large-scale digital transformation programmes happening across the GCC.

Possibly the largest growth area within the tech industry is cyber security, which is an increasingly important field in the Middle East.

The growing threat of cyber attacks and the increasing dependence on digital infrastructure means a rise in demand for cyber security professionals in the region. There are many other factors driving this demand.

Government initiatives

Many governments in the Middle East are investing heavily in cyber security as part of their national security strategy.

They are also unveiling initiatives to promote the development of the cyber security industry, which is creating job opportunities in the region.

Most governments want to localise their IT infrastructure, data centres and talent, which is all fuelling demand for jobs.

Military and defence

Cyber warfare is real and countries are investing billions to protect themselves and prepare for any threats.

The growth and development of artificial intelligence for applications such as drones, has dramatically increased in recent years, but there will be many other uses for this technology.

Even soldiers, pilots and naval personnel will rely heavily on using the best technology available.

Public safety

Similar to the defence sector, public sector workers such as police and rescue workers also use secure means of communication, which are similar to mobile network technology.

These networks will be modified or replaced in the coming years, which requires huge investment.

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Increased cyber threats

The Middle East has been a target of several high-profile cyber attacks in recent years, such as the Shamoon malware attack in 2012 and the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017.

This has raised awareness of the need for stronger cyber security measures and is contributing to the demand for cyber security professionals.

These threats will only continue; thus the demand for cyber security jobs will also increase in tandem.

Digital transformation

The Middle East is experiencing rapid digital transformation, with many organisations adopting new technologies, such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things and AI.

This is creating new vulnerabilities and risks that need to be managed by cyber security professionals.

Again, the appetite to keep the support local rather than offshore will only increase the need for these skills.

Mega projects

Neom, a flagship business and tourism destination being built in Saudi Arabia, has a surface area larger than Kuwait and is set to receive enormous IT investment over the coming years.

There are many similar mega projects and, once completed, there will be ongoing ICT support contracts awarded for decades.

Watch: Some of the stats behind the UAE's hiring boom

The growth opportunity in the Middle East is second to none and there seems to be no slowing down.

Overall, the demand for cyber security professionals in the Middle East is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, making it a promising field for those looking to pursue a career in this field.

If recruiters are having to headhunt some of these skills from all over the world, it would be a good idea for technology professionals in the Middle East to upskill and try to get into the cyber security ecosystem.

Students and graduates should also be encouraged to explore opportunities in this field.

John Armstrong is founder and managing director of JCA Associates

Key findings of Jenkins report

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Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."

The specs

Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors

Transmission: two-speed

Power: 671hp

Torque: 849Nm

Range: 456km

Price: from Dh437,900

On sale: now

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The%20specs

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Rating: 4/5

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The Bio

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The%20specs

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Company%20profile

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Profile of Tamatem

Date started: March 2013

Founder: Hussam Hammo

Based: Amman, Jordan

Employees: 55

Funding: $6m

Funders: Wamda Capital, Modern Electronics (part of Al Falaisah Group) and North Base Media

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Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.

The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.

The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.

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The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo

Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic

Power: 242bhp

Torque: 370Nm

Price: Dh136,814

EU Russia

The EU imports 90 per cent of the natural gas used to generate electricity, heat homes and supply industry, with Russia supplying almost 40 per cent of EU gas and a quarter of its oil.

How to help

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
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Vikram%20Vedha

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Why tech jobs are in demand in the Middle East

Growing threat of cyber attacks and increasing dependence on digital infrastructure are driving demand for IT professionals

Government initiatives

Military and defence

Public safety

UAE salary guide 2023 - in pictures

Increased cyber threats

Digital transformation

Mega projects

Watch: Some of the stats behind the UAE's hiring boom

Key findings of Jenkins report

The specs

While you're here

The%20specs

While you're here

While you're here

FIXTURES

Our commentary on Brexit

The Vile

The Bio

COMPANY%20PROFILE

The%20specs

Company%20profile

BLACKBERRY

Profile of Tamatem

The candidates

What drives subscription retailing?

Who's who in Yemen conflict

The specs

EU&nbsp;Russia

How to help

Vikram%20Vedha

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

The burning issue

Wednesday's results

Avatar: Fire and Ash

While you're here

EU Russia