From Gen Z skills to negotiation wins, a recruitment consultant answers your questions

The National's annual analysis of data and insights from recruitment firms across the Emirates has revealed a mixed picture for pay and hiring prospects this year.

With the UAE continuing to draw talented applicants, companies have the upper hand. Most employees will see modest salary gains, but some critical and high-demand roles are likely to receive lucrative offers or increases.

In this competitive market, with cultural shifts and Abu Dhabi's new human resources law favouring merit-based promotions and AI talent, the employment landscape is changing.

Watch the replay of our live Q&A with Viacheslav Shakhov, managing partner at Cooper Fitch, a leading professional recruitment firm based in Dubai.

Updated: January 30, 2026, 4:27 AM