JobXDubai

While most UAE companies plan to increase their headcount in the next 12 months, some are delaying hiring or even freezing recruitment due to global economic uncertainty.

According to a recent study by Robert Half, 63% of UAE companies are still planning to increase their headcount, but 33% are waiting for the outcome of elections and 32% are waiting for interest rates to stabilise before making hiring decisions.

Global issues, such as multiple elections and unstable inflation, are driving these recruitment delays. As a result, one in three UAE executives has introduced a hiring freeze, according to the report.

Tackling Global Uncertainty

UAE firms with regional and global operations are rethinking their policies to tackle challenges arising from global issues. Gareth El Mettouri, director for the Middle East at Robert Half, notes that despite the UAE economy booming, global uncertainty is impacting hiring intentions.

Rush for Skilled Talent in Late 2024

The study highlights that 37% of firms expect the availability of technical skills to be a significant challenge over the next 12 months. Organisations should focus on retaining talented workers to avoid a competitive market once hiring freezes are lifted.

Strong Growth Prospects

Despite hiring delays and freezes, two-thirds of UAE business leaders feel “very confident” about their organisation’s growth prospects for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, driven by increased demand for products and services, expanding business opportunities, and a better economic situation.

What does this mean for skilled talent in the region? Share your thoughts in the comments!