TL;DR:
- The
UAE ranks #1 globally in hiring optimism for Q3 2025 with aNet Employment Outlook (NEO ) of +48%, far exceeding the global average of +24%.
- 56% of UAE employers expect workforce expansion; only 8% anticipate downsizing.
- Top hiring sectors: Transport, Logistics & Automotive (+64%), Consumer Goods & Services (+60%), Energy & Utilities (+62%), all significantly above global norms.
- Employers are revising compensation, offering performance bonuses, housing/education allowances, wellness perks, remote/hybrid options to retain talent amid rising costs.
In a global job market marked by cautious optimism, the UAE has surged ahead as the world’s most promising destination for job seekers in Q3 2025. According to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, the UAE posted a record-breaking Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of +48%, making it the top-ranking country for hiring optimism globally. With over half of employers planning to expand their workforce especially in fast-growing sectors like logistics, consumer goods, and energy, the Emirates has firmly positioned itself as a hotspot for professional growth, talent attraction, and economic resilience.Industry-wise, the strongest hiring prospects in the UAE for Q3 2025 are seen in transport, logistics, and automotive, with a net outlook of +58%. This is closely followed by the consumer goods and services sector (+56%) and energy and utilities (+53%), reflecting the UAE’s ongoing push to modernize infrastructure and meet rising consumer demand. Notably, finance and real estate (+43%) and healthcare and life sciences (+42%) are also seeing a hiring surge, driven by post-pandemic investments and regional economic diversification goals.
Sector Leaders in Hiring Growth
- Transport, Logistics & Automotive: leads with a +64% hiring outlook, 41 points above the global average, driven by demand for supply chain, smart-mobility, and infrastructure roles.
- Consumer Goods & Services: posts +60%, reflecting recovery in retail, FMCG, and tourism demand.
- Energy & Utilities: records +62%, fueled by sustainable infrastructure investments and energy sector diversification.
Growth is mainly driven by business expansion (38%), tech innovations and AI integration (32%), and emerging industries (31%) that demand new skills and capabilities as per the survey.
Compensation Trends & Talent Retention
Amid rising living costs, UAE employers are shifting beyond traditional pay:
- Enhancements include performance-linked bonuses, stock or equity plans, and tiered benefits.
- Growing uptake of housing and education allowances, particularly for mid‑ and senior‑level staff.
- Employers increasingly offer mental health benefits, wellness programs, child‑care support, flexible hours, and hybrid setups to meet changing candidate expectations and improve retention
Broader Market Dynamics & Economic Context
The UAE’s robust hiring outlook aligns with broader economic indicators:
- April 2025 PMI data revealed its non-oil sector expanded for the 11th straight month, with employment growing at its fastest pace in nearly a year.
- Economic diversification efforts under Dubai’s D33 strategy and national AI investments are strengthening demand for high-skilled professionals across sectors.
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Emiratisation targets and talent localisation policies are increasingly influencing hiring, especially in roles requiring local compliance and national quota integration.
As Q3 2025 unfolds, the UAE job market stands out for its high employer confidence and robust hiring forecast. Strong momentum is visible across transformative sectors such as logistics, consumer services, energy, and innovation-driven industries. With compensation models evolving to meet workforce expectations and Emirati workforce targets gaining traction, the UAE cements its status as a prime destination for global talent and career growth.
