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.
UAE salary guide 2023 - in pictures
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
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- 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
The%20specs
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GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
FIXTURES
All kick-off times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Brackets denote aggregate score
Tuesday:
Roma (1) v Shakhtar Donetsk (2), 11.45pm
Manchester United (0) v Sevilla (0), 11.45pm
Wednesday:
Besiktas (0) v Bayern Munich (5), 9pm
Barcelona (1) v Chelsea (1), 11.45pm
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
UAE squad
Rohan Mustafa (captain), Ashfaq Ahmed, Ghulam Shabber, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Boota, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Shaiman Anwar, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Qadeer Ahmed, Mohammed Naveed, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan
The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The%20specs
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Company%20profile
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BLACKBERRY
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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
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
What drives subscription retailing?
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.
The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.
UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.
That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.
Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.
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
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
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Vikram%20Vedha
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Wednesday's results
Finland 3-0 Armenia
Faroes Islands 1-0 Malta
Sweden 1-1 Spain
Gibraltar 2-3 Georgia
Romania 1-1 Norway
Greece 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Liechtenstein 0-5 Italy
Switzerland 2-0 Rep of Ireland
Israel 3-1 Latvia
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5