It’s not only competition; many companies are intentionally holding back on hiring, even when positions are vacant.
In a shifting job market, many UAE companies are slowing recruitment and focusing on upskilling their existing workforce. A recent report revealed that 42% of employers are prioritizing employee training over new hires, a trend that is reshaping opportunities for jobseekers across the country.
According to the Hays 2026 US Salary & Hiring Trends Guide, the challenge goes beyond competition — many business owners and hiring managers are deliberately pausing or slowing recruitment, even for positions that appear to be open.
UAE Jobs: Hiring Slows as Companies Focus on Upskilling Existing Staff
In the UAE, many companies are slowing recruitment and investing in the skills of their existing workforce, reflecting a broader shift in hiring strategy. According to the Hays 2026 US Salary & Hiring Trends Guide, the challenge isn’t just competition — many business owners and hiring managers are deliberately pausing or slowing hiring, even for roles that appear open.
“From where I sit as a training academy co-founder and a recruitment firm co-founder, this shift toward upskilling is less about freezing opportunities and more about employers becoming cautious and pragmatic,” said Zaid Alhiali, Co-Founder, Marc Ellis.
He added, “Budgets are tighter, attracting the right talent is harder, and skills are evolving quickly. Rather than bringing in new employees and waiting months for them to get up to speed, many organisations are choosing to invest in the people they already trust.”
Candidates Must Upskill Alongside Job Search
For jobseekers, experience alone may no longer be enough. “Candidates securing roles today are those who are actively learning, adaptable, and aligned with current business needs — whether that’s digital skills, commercial awareness, or leadership capability,” Alhiali explained. “We strongly advise candidates to upskill alongside their job search, pursue targeted certifications, and clearly demonstrate how their skills can solve immediate business problems.”
Dave Brown, CEO of Hays Americas, added, “Many employers aren’t rushing to hire — they’re waiting for the right person. Candidates who sit back rarely get the call. The ones who succeed are proactive, show clear value, and make it easy for a business owner to say yes.”
UAE Companies See Benefits
Several UAE firms are already reaping the rewards of this approach. Shabeel Ummer, Head of HR at V Group International, Middle East, explained: “We focus on training our sales associates in advanced product knowledge, personalised customer service, and digital sales tools. Instead of hiring new employees for specialised roles, we upskill current staff to manage high-value clients, online orders, and loyalty programs effectively.”
He added, “This strategy improves customer experience, sales performance, and employee retention, while keeping headcount stable. Hiring new staff can be time-consuming and costly, whereas investing in training allows companies to fill skill gaps faster and retain experienced talent.”
Karuna Agarwal, Director of Future Tense UAE, highlighted the advantages of developing known talent: “Employees with proven performance and potential are familiar with the organisational DNA, making them more attractive to upskill than hiring someone new. Time and trust are the main drivers for this preference.”
Employers Seek Specialised Skills
While many roles appear open, they aren’t being filled immediately, raising questions about which sectors are genuinely hiring. Agarwal noted, “This trend reflects employers’ clarity on what they want and their patience in waiting for the right talent. It also indicates that companies are looking for more specialised skills. Hiring demand exists across all sectors, but mass recruitment is slowing down.”
Experts emphasise that continuous learning is now crucial. Jessie Joy, Head of HR at Magnitude Creative, Abu Dhabi, said: “Existing employees already understand systems, clients, and culture. Upskilling them closes the productivity gap faster. Investing in employee growth boosts morale and loyalty. Recruitment mainly happens when revenue, regulation, or delivery risks require additional capacity.”
