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UAE Leads Global Hiring Trends in Q3 2025: ManpowerGroup Middle East MEOS Insights

​The UAE Tops Global Hiring Sentiment with a +48% Net Employment Outlook for Q3 2025

The latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey (MEOS) has revealed that the United Arab Emirates ranks #1 globally for hiring optimism heading into Q3 2025. With a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of +48%, the UAE’s labor market continues to reflect exceptional strength, agility, and forward momentum—marking a standout performance compared to the global average of +24%.

According to the survey of over 530 UAE employers, 56% plan to increase hiring, while only 8% anticipate a decrease. This positions the UAE as a clear leader in global hiring sentiment, further cementing its reputation as the top destination for career opportunities in the Middle East.

UAE’s Most Competitive Sectors for Hiring

1. Transport, Logistics & Automotive

  • +64% Outlook

  • Highest globally, outperforming the international average by 41 percentage points

  • Driven by infrastructure investments, smart mobility initiatives, and strong demand for supply chain talent

2. Consumer Goods & Services

  • +60% Outlook

  • 27 points above the global sector average

  • Reflects growing retail, FMCG, and tourism-related demand post-pandemic and ahead of seasonal demand spikes

3. Energy & Utilities

  • +62% Outlook

  • Surpasses global average by 43 points

  • A result of continued diversification in energy investments and sustainable infrastructure

Why Are UAE Employers Hiring?

The Q3 2025 survey shows strong hiring activity tied to three main drivers:

  1. Company Expansion (38%)
    UAE-based companies continue to grow, backed by a stable economy and strategic market access.

  2. Tech Advancements (32%)
    Businesses are hiring talent with specialized skills to support digital transformation across sectors.

  3. New Business Areas (31%)
    Employers are actively creating new roles aligned with emerging industries and innovation initiatives.

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Automation and Market Shifts Impacting Talent Needs

While hiring demand remains high, the survey also reveals trends in workforce optimization:

  • 33% of UAE employers are reducing roles to optimize processes

  • 28% cite automation as a factor driving changes in workforce structure

  • Market shifts and evolving business models continue to reshape organizational talent needs

As Mr. Filip Rideau, Country Manager at ManpowerGroup Middle East, shares:

"The UAE is leading the global employment landscape with exceptional confidence in hiring for Q3 2025. With a Net Employment Outlook of +48%, the highest globally, our labor market is reflecting not just resilience, but a robust appetite for growth. The transport, consumer goods, and energy sectors are driving this momentum, signaling a strong demand for skilled talent across industries.”

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Global Comparison: How UAE Stands Out

Across Europe and the Middle East, the hiring outlook varies significantly. While the region as a whole remains steady at 19%, the UAE stands out:

  • UAE: +48%

  • Netherlands: +30%

  • Ireland: +29%

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What This Means for Job Seekers and Employers

For Employers:

This is the time to rethink workforce strategies and align with emerging technologies and evolving candidate expectations. Partnering with a workforce solutions expert like ManpowerGroup Middle East ensures agility and access to top-tier talent across all business sizes and industries.

For Candidates:

If you're exploring new opportunities, the UAE is the region to watch in 2025. With unmatched hiring demand across industries—especially in transport, energy, IT, and consumer goods—there are exciting roles available for both local and international job seekers.

Explore Opportunities or Learn More

To explore open roles or read more about the Q3 2025 Employment Outlook:

The Q3 2025 MEOS findings confirm that the UAE labor market is not only expanding but evolving. Businesses are ready to hire, transform, and invest in future-forward talent. And with the highest hiring Outlook worldwide, the UAE stands as a beacon for opportunity, innovation, and career growth in the region.

Whether you’re a candidate seeking a new role, or a business aiming to scale with the right talent, now is the time to connect with ManpowerGroup Middle East—your workforce partner in the region.