Select a Country Site
Changing your site will take you to the URL for that ManpowerGroup location.
“The UAE’s workforce dynamics are entering a new era where growth, technology, and human priorities intersect. Employers are expanding and innovating, yet they face the dual challenge of attracting specialized talent and managing high application volumes. These trends underscore a fundamental shift: success in the UAE labor market will depend on how well organizations balance digital transformation with a people-first approach,” comments Mr. Filip Rideau, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup Middle East. "While expansion and diversification continue to fuel hiring, UAE employers are equally focused on optimizing processes and adapting to new skill demands. At the same time, retention strategies are shifting toward recognition, flexibility, and work-life balance—clear indicators that organizations are prioritizing both performance and people in a continuously transforming economy”, Mr. Rideau adds.
Employers in UAE maintain a high appetite for hiring: UAE’s Net Employment Outlook (NEO) for Q4 2025 is 45%, continuing to rank first globally for its employment expectations, 22 points above the global average, and only 3% less than the previous quarter.
The UAE continues to outperform global averages across all major sectors. The most competitive sectors in the UAE are Consumer Goods & Services and Financials & Real Estate, both with an outlook of 57%, followed by Transport, Logistics & Automotive, with a percentage of 53%.
Employers keep staffing levels stable due to confidence in existing teams: Close to a third of employers in UAE (32%) plan to maintain current staffing levels in Q4, with 44% indicating that their existing teams are sufficient to meet business goals.
The greatest challenges faced by Talent Acquisition teams are managing high application volumes (42%) and attracting qualified candidates (40%), with the Transport, Logistics & Automotive, Financials & Real Estate, and Consumer Goods & Services sectors scoring the highest percentages in these areas.
Employers in UAE cite changes in required skills as a key factor influencing workforce reductions, with 30% of employers reporting this. Other factors include automation (29%), and process optimization (29%).
To discuss the results personally or explore how ManpowerGroup can help you find the talent and solutions needed to propel your organization forward, contact us today.