The UAE recorded one of the strongest post-pandemic hiring recoveries among leading global markets in 2025, according to the UAE Economic Graph Report 2026 by LinkedIn and the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
The country was among a small group of markets to sustain hiring activity above 2019 levels throughout 2025, highlighting the resilience of its labour market amid global economic uncertainty.
Early data from June 2026 points to a return to positive momentum after regional volatility earlier in the year, with both hiring activity and inbound talent flows improving.
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Attracting and Retaining Talent, said talent and competencies were central to strengthening the UAE’s competitiveness and position as a global hub for trade, investment and innovation.
He said the government would continue developing an ecosystem to attract and retain international talent, support innovation and prepare the economy for future growth.
Real estate leads sector growth
Real estate recorded the highest hiring growth rate of any sector compared with 2019 levels, while education, construction, healthcare, administrative and support services, and transport and logistics also maintained hiring above the national average.
Professional services accounted for the largest share of LinkedIn members in the UAE at 14.5 percent, followed by manufacturing at 12 percent and accommodation and hospitality at 9.2 percent.
The UAE also remained a leading destination for international talent in 2025, ranking among the world’s top markets for net talent migration.
The measure tracks the flow of skilled professionals entering the country relative to those leaving, with long-term visa programmes and the business environment supporting the UAE’s appeal.
UAE strengthens digital skills position
The report ranked the UAE first globally in FinTech skills and second in attracting AI talent relative to population size. It ranked tenth in business skills and eleventh in personal and behavioural skills.
Technology and media, professional services, and manufacturing recorded the highest levels of digital skills penetration, highlighting the workforce’s readiness for an increasingly digital economy.
By job function, operations accounted for the largest share of LinkedIn members at 21.4 percent, followed by sales at 11 percent and business development at 9.1 percent.
Women gain ground in leadership
Female representation in leadership positions increased to 21.9 percent in 2025 from 18.8 percent in 2015.
Education recorded the highest share of women in leadership roles, followed by healthcare and entertainment.
The report also found that Millennials and Generation Z comprise the majority of workers across many sectors, particularly accommodation and hospitality, retail and healthcare, supporting technology adoption and innovation.
LinkedIn’s Head of MENA and EMEA Emerging Markets Ali Matar said the latest data showed “impressive signs of recovery” in hiring and talent flows after regional volatility earlier in 2026.
The UAE Economic Graph Report 2026 is the sixth edition published since the launch of the National Strategy for Attracting and Retaining Talent.
