UAE Sees One of Strongest Post-Pandemic Hiring Recoveries, Shows Signs of Rebound in 2026

The UAE recorded one of the strongest post-pandemic hiring recoveries among leading global markets in 2025, with hiring activity remaining above 2019 levels throughout the year, according to the UAE Economic Graph Report 2026 by LinkedIn in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Trade.

Early data for June 2026 also points to a recovery in hiring activity and inbound talent flows following a period of regional volatility earlier this year. The report, titled “Labour Market Features and the Digital Economy in the UAE,” draws on LinkedIn workforce data to examine hiring, talent migration, and skills trends in the UAE.

“Talent and competencies are a key pillar in enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy and consolidating the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, investment and innovation,” Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, minister of foreign trade and minister in charge of attracting and retaining talent, said. “The results of this report confirm the success of the country’s economic policies in building a global business environment that attracts the brightest minds, talents and quality investments, in support of our national goal of building a more competitive and sustainable economy.”

“The UAE government has developed an integrated strategy to attract and retain the best international talent, based on its belief that human capital is the main driver of sustainable economic growth. We will continue to develop this ecosystem to strengthen our economy’s readiness for the future, support innovation, and position the UAE as a global hub for talent and the new economy,” he added.

Real estate recorded the highest hiring growth rate of any sector compared with 2019 levels, while education, construction, health care, administrative and support services, and transport and logistics also recorded hiring growth above the national average.

Professional services accounted for the largest share of LinkedIn members in the UAE at 14.5%, followed by manufacturing at 12% and accommodation and hospitality at 9.2%.

The UAE also ranked among the leading global markets for net talent migration in 2025, a measure of the flow of skilled professionals entering the country compared with those leaving.

The report found that the UAE ranked first globally in fintech skills and second in attracting artificial intelligence talent relative to population size. It ranked 10th in business skills and 11th in personal and behavioral skills.

Technology and media, professional services, and manufacturing recorded the highest levels of digital skills penetration. By job function, operations accounted for the largest share of LinkedIn members in the UAE at 21.4%, followed by sales at 11% and business development at 9.1%.

The report also found that millennials and Generation Z make up the majority of workers in many sectors, particularly accommodation and hospitality, retail, and health care.

Meanwhile, female representation in leadership positions increased from 18.8% in 2015 to 21.9% in 2025, with education recording the highest share of women in leadership roles, followed by health care and entertainment.

The UAE Economic Graph Report 2026 is the sixth edition published since the launch of the National Strategy for Attracting and Retaining Talent.

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