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

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Ship class: Meraviglia Class

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Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier

Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife

What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.

Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.

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What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.

It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.

There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.

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George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
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Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

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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

The%20specs

The stats

SUZUME

While you're here

While you're here

UPI facts

Towering concerns

While you're here

THE BIO

The Gandhi Murder

What is dialysis?

Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics

Sole survivors

Company%C2%A0profile

The%C2%A0specs%20

The%20specs

Islamophobia definition

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Jetour T1 specs

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