The technology sector in the UAE has defied the global trend of layoffs and uncertainty by experiencing strong hiring and salary increases. According to recruitment specialists, the UAE’s technology industry was the most active in terms of hiring, with a significant percentage of organizations increasing their workforce.
This growth can be attributed to consistent investments in areas such as data, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions. Moreover, the UAE’s ambitious plan to establish itself as a leading metaverse economy is expected to drive further hiring activity in the coming years.
The government’s fiscal and monetary measures have also played a crucial role in the UAE’s job market recovery, making it an attractive destination for skilled technology professionals. This article explores the in-demand jobs, skills, and salary trends in the UAE’s thriving digital and technology sector.
Active Hiring in the Technology Sector
The Hays 2023 GCC Salary Guide reveals that the UAE’s technology sector saw the highest level of hiring activity, with 77% of organizations increasing their headcount. The consistent investments in areas such as data, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions have contributed to this growth.
Metaverse Economy and Job Creation
Dubai aims to become one of the world’s top 10 metaverse economies, and the government’s metaverse strategy unveiled last year plans to create 40,000 jobs and add $4 billion to the emirate’s economy in the next five years. This ambitious plan is expected to generate a flurry of hiring activity in the metaverse industry in 2023.
UAE Job Market Recovery
The UAE, as the second-largest Arab economy, has shown a robust recovery from the pandemic-induced slowdown. The government’s fiscal and monetary measures have played a significant role in revitalizing the economy. This positive economic activity and business confidence are great news for skilled technology job seekers.
Expected Salary Increases
The Cooper Fitch Salary Guide 2023 indicates that the majority of UAE companies plan to hire new employees throughout the year, and wages are expected to increase by just under 2%. More than half of the companies surveyed (57%) anticipate salary increases, with 45% expecting a 0-5% rise, 5% foreseeing 6-9% increases, and 7% planning to boost wages by over 10%.
In-Demand Jobs in the Technology Sector
According to recruitment consultancy Robert Half, the most sought-after roles in the UAE’s technology sector include software developers, IT infrastructure engineers, IT engineers, DevOps engineers, and digital marketing managers. The demand for data scientists, data analysts, data engineers, and machine learning professionals is also high due to the critical role of data in driving business growth.
Increasing Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
As the UAE has a high proportion of high-net-worth individuals, the region is more susceptible to cyber threats. Consequently, skilled cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. Roles such as chief information security officers, security managers, security architects, security engineers, and security analysts are highly sought after. The competition to secure these professionals is intense due to the overloaded talent network.
Rising Demand for Data and Automation Specialists
Finance companies, in particular, are increasing their hiring of cybersecurity experts and data and automation specialists to protect customer data. As retail continues to move online, digital marketing experts with skills in search engine optimization, pay-per-click, and social media are highly valued.
The Importance of Technical and Soft Skills
In-demand technical skills in the UAE’s tech companies include cybersecurity experience, data automation, Node.js, Java, and Python. Soft skills like stakeholder management, flexibility, leadership, storytelling, and business partnering are also highly sought after.
Attractive Benefits and Flexibility
While competitive salaries are essential, UAE technology companies are increasingly offering benefits that go beyond monetary compensation. These benefits include flexible working arrangements, fitness memberships, and wellness programs. Currently, flexible working is highly valued by tech employees, with nearly 59% having some form of hybrid or remote work options.
Highest Paying Jobs in the Digital and Technology Sector
According to industry reports, some of the highest paying jobs in the UAE’s digital and technology sector include chief digital officer, chief information and technology officer, chief information security officer, chief product officer, and product director.
The UAE’s technology sector has emerged as a beacon of growth and opportunity, even in the face of global challenges. With strong hiring activity and salary increases, the industry showcases the country’s commitment to technological advancement.
The demand for skilled professionals in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital marketing is high. As the UAE aims to become a top metaverse economy and attracts more investments, job prospects in this field are expected to further expand.
