Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE ranks first globally for hiring optimism heading into the third quarter of 2025, according to the latest Employment Outlook Survey (MEOS) released by the UAE-based recruitment company ManpowerGroup.
With a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of +48% - double the global average of +24% - the UAE's labour market demonstrates strength, agility, and forward momentum.
The survey, which polled over 530 UAE employers, revealed that 56% plan to increase hiring activity in the coming months, while only 8% expect 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," the report stated.
The hiring confidence in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region as a whole is at 19%, according to the survey.
Filip Rideau, Country Manager at ManpowerGroup Middle East, said in a statement: "With a Net Employment Outlook of +48%, the highest globally, our labour market is reflecting not just resilience, but a robust appetite for growth."
"The transport, consumer goods, and energy sectors are driving this momentum, signalling a strong demand for skilled talent across industries."
Among the top-performing sectors, transport, logistics, and automotive lead with a hiring outlook of +64% - the highest globally and 41 percentage points above the international average.
This surge is attributed to infrastructure investments, smart mobility initiatives, and strong demand for supply chain talent. The consumer goods and services sector also posted a +60% outlook, outperforming the global sector average by 27 points.
According to the report, this outlook reflects growing retail, FMCG, and tourism-related demand post-pandemic and ahead of seasonal demand spikes.
Meanwhile, the energy and utilities sector stands at +62%, outpacing the global average by 43 points, as a result of the UAE's ongoing diversification in energy investments and sustainable infrastructure.
The Q3 2025 survey ties the strong hiring activity to several strategic factors. Company expansion is the leading catalyst, cited by 38% of employers.
Another 32% pointed to technological advancements prompting businesses to hire talent with specialised skills, while 31% said hiring is linked to the development of new business roles aligned with emerging industries and innovation efforts.
The survey also revealed trends related to workforce restructuring in the UAE. Thirty-three percent of employers are reducing roles to optimise processes, and 28% cite automation as a factor driving changes in workforce structure.
