UAE sees a drop in the number of advertised job vacancies

The latest Robert Walters Middle East Jobs Index which charts vacancy numbers posted to online platforms shows a decline in the second quarter of 2017 as well as a year-on-year decrease.           

Jason Grundy, Country Head at Robert Walters – Middle East, comments:

“Market conditions remain tough in the professional space across the Middle East.  The timing of Ramadan and Eid falling in Q2 this year has had an impact in the significant reduction in advertised jobs. Nevertheless, we have seen a significant increase in roles post the Eid holiday week and I am optimistic that we will see a stronger Q3”

Banking and financial services sector most positive

The banking and financial services sector saw an increase in demand for finance professionals in the second quarter of the year in comparison to Q1 2017.

Jason Grundy, Country Head at Robert Walters – Middle East, continues:

 “The exception was banking and financial services which increased significantly in the second quarter of the year.  Traditionally, the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second is when bonuses have (or have not) been paid and this leads to a spike in replacement job advertisements”

Market overview

The first half of the year has been tough on job numbers advertised in the professional services sector. Not all professions have faired equally.  For example, the procurement and supply chain sector has seen a strong decline for professionals despite seeing a steady Q1. While many of Robert Walters other specialist sectors fell in single digits  or were flat (finance & accounting, legal, sales & marketing, IT).

Jason Grundy, Country Head at Robert Walters – Middle East, concludes:

“Despite tough market conditions, We predict a double digit increase in professional jobs advertised in the professional space when comparing Q3 2017 to Q2 2017 and will report the result in early October”

About the Jobs 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.

For more information please contact:

Jason Grundy, Country Manager (UAE)
Tel:  +971 4 8180 102 
Email: jason.grundy@robertwalters.com

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