UAE Leads GCC Job Growth with Significant Increase in Employment

The UAE is leading job growth in the GCC, achieving an impressive 8% increase in employment in Q3 2024, followed by Saudi Arabia at 7%, as reported by Cooper Fitch. This growth is expected to continue into 2025, supported by strong performances across both oil and non-oil sectors.Key drivers of this employment surge include strategy, banking, real estate, legal, investment, AI, software development, and supply chain management.

High oil prices and robust growth in tourism, aviation, and finance sectors have drawn a wave of professionals to the UAE, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi experiencing notable population and investment growth.The strategy consulting sector alone recorded a 14% jump in job opportunities, with significant growth in technology, media, transportation, and retail.

Real estate also saw a 9% increase as companies implement their 2024 hiring plans. Cooper Fitch forecasts a 5% increase in job creation across the GCC for the final quarter, signaling a strong start to 2025.