A recent LinkedIn survey has revealed that three-quarters of professionals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia plan to explore new job opportunities in 2025, with 58% considering switching industries. Despite challenges in the competitive job market, optimism remains strong, with over half of respondents confident about landing a role this year.
Key Insights:
- Job Search Frustrations: 43% of professionals describe the job hunt as frustrating, while 44% report applying for more positions but receiving fewer responses.
- Sector Shifts: Over half of professionals are open to exploring roles in new industries, signaling a growing interest in diverse career paths.
- Optimism Persists: Despite the hurdles, 58% believe the job market will improve in 2025.
Market Challenges:
The job market reveals a mismatch between job seekers and recruiters. While 46% of hiring managers report challenges in finding qualified candidates, 69% state that less than half of applications meet role criteria. Additionally, 34% of job seekers admit to applying indiscriminately, which reduces their chances of success.
Emerging Opportunities:
Economic growth projections for 2025 show promising prospects in both countries. Non-oil sectors in the UAE are expected to grow by 4-5%, while Saudi Arabia targets a 4.9% growth rate. LinkedIn’s “Jobs on the Rise” highlights key roles such as Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Sustainability Manager, and Real Estate Consultant in the UAE, as well as BIM Coordinator, Health and Safety Manager, and Automation Engineer in Saudi Arabia.
Advice for Job Seekers:
To navigate the dynamic job market, LinkedIn Career Experts recommend:
- Strategic Applications: Focus on roles aligned with skills and leverage tools like LinkedIn’s job match tool.
- Skill Adaptability: Highlight soft skills, including communication and agility, to stand out.
- AI Optimization: Use AI-powered tools to refine resumes and profiles for recruiter filters.
- Explore Growth Roles: Consider emerging roles identified in LinkedIn’s job growth lists.
The job market transformation in 2025 presents challenges but also significant opportunities for professionals who adopt a strategic and skill-focused approach.