Workers in the Middle East remain confident over the future jobs market, despite changes brought on by technology, according to Bayt.com and YouGov’s Future of Work in MENA 2024 survey.
The survey showcases a region that is positive about its professional future, with 80 per cent of the respondent’s expressing confidence in the future of work and achieving success despite the rapidly changing job landscape, and less than 20 per cent feeling uncertain about the future.
The confidence is stronger within the GCC markets, highlighting a positive outlook for upcoming opportunities and career progressions.
Middle East jobs
Ola Haddad, General Manager at Bayt.com, said: “Our extensive database of over 52m job seekers was instrumental in conducting this research, and the results of this survey reveal a positive outlook among the workforce and underscore the growing importance of soft skills and hard skills, in addition to the anticipated shift in future recruitment processes”
The demand for certain professions, including software engineers (79 per cent), healthcare professionals (74 per cent), and electrical engineers (73 per cent), is predicted to rise significantly. Conversely, traditional roles such as copywriters and journalists may see diminished demand.
In an era where skill requirements are perpetually in flux, the study identifies critical competencies deemed necessary by professionals.
Today, time management (97 per cent), communication (96 per cent), teamwork, and technology/computer skills (both at 95 per cent) stand out as essential.
Looking a decade ahead, the anticipation shifts slightly with technology/computer skills (93 per cent), strategic vision (91 per cent), time management, communication, and creative thinking (all three at 90 per cent) earmarked as vital for future success.
Nearly equal numbers foresee a future where both technical and soft skills maintain equal importance, particularly in North Africa.
Digital transformation is influencing recruitment processes, with online job sites such as Bayt.com (46 per cent) and company websites (45 per cent) currently being utilised as primary channels for talent sourcing.
Furthermore, 80 per cent of recruiters anticipate changes in these processes in the future, reflecting a dynamic shift in recruitment strategies.
Significantly, 65 per cent of industry experts predict that online recruitment will become a key facilitator, vastly improving efficiency compared to traditional methods.
Notably, 60 per cent of employees currently participate in the hiring processes within their organisations, indicating a broad-based involvement in recruitment activities.
Recruitment practices are also under transformation, with previous job experience (91 per cent) and CV and cover letter presentation (85 per cent) considered crucial in current hiring decisions.
This trend is expected to continue, accompanied by an increased emphasis on cultural fit (79 per cent) and CV presentation (79 per cent).
Maintaining a compelling employer brand has emerged as a pivotal focus for 91 per cent of recruiters, highlighting its importance in attracting top talent.
Future job-seeking avenues are anticipated to lean heavily on online job boards, career websites, and professional networks, each regarded by 62 per cent of respondents as reliable resources for future employment opportunities.
The data underscores the necessity for adaptability and technological proficiency in navigating the evolving employment landscape.
79 per cent acknowledge the significant role of technology in reshaping work, while economic (47 per cent), political (44 per cent), and socio-cultural (41 per cent) factors are also identified as vital influencers on job dynamics.
Zafar Shah, Account Director at YouGov said: “The survey unveils a paradigm shift within the MENA job market, highlighting a robust optimism among professionals and a clear roadmap for future workforce trends.
“As we navigate the complexities of the modern employment landscape, the results serve as a pivotal resource for employers and job seekers, aiming to foster a more efficient, inclusive, and adaptive job market.”
Data for the Future of Work in MENA 2024 was collected online from May 30 to June 13, 2024. Results are based on a sample of 738 respondents from the following countries:
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Lebanon
- Jordan
- Iraq
- Palestine
- Syria
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Tunisia
- Sudan
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