UAE jobs index shows growth across key sectors

The latest Robert Walters Middle East Jobs Index has revealed that the number of advertised vacancies across the United Arab Emirates has increased by 3% between the last quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017.

The two disciplines which saw the highest growth in the number of roles advertised were procurement and supply chain, as well as secretarial and business support, with growth at 35% and 12% respectively. 

“Job vacancies have increased from last quarter to this quarter which has been driven by a more stable oil price in the UAE over the past couple of months” said Jason Grundy, Country Manager - Middle East.

Job vacancies have increased from last quarter to this quarter which has been driven by a more stable oil price in the UAE over the past couple of months

Procurement and Supply Chain

The demand for procurement and supply chain professionals is a particularly positive sign.

The figures suggest an increased confidence among businesses that are still looking to fill vacancies traditionally associated with business growth.

It appears that budget approvals have allowed corporate functions to recruit again, as seen by the spike in the number of roles being advertised.

Sales and Marketing

Reduced oil prices have led to organisations gradually growing their sales and marketing functions. This is evident within the bottom line of sales and marketing recruitment.

Increased growth in the use of social media among businesses has led to a demand for professionals with digital skills as companies continue to make greater use of this to market their services and products.

As these firms grow, employers are looking to take on sales and marketing professionals with business development skills within the professional services space.

“While market conditions remain challenging for some sectors, especially legal and banking and we note the reduced number of roles between both years, I am pleased to see some sectors, in particular supply chain and sales and marketing, are seeing an increase in the vacancies advertised” continued Jason Grundy.

About the UAE Job Index

The Robert Walters Job Index tracks advertising volumes across leading job boards, across the accountancy and finance, banking and financial services, legal, sales, marketing, and procurement and supply chain, across the Middle East. The Index was launched in Q1 2015.

Find out how much you're worth with the Robert Walters Salary Survey