Hiring and talent inflows improve by June after a volatile start to 2026, LinkedIn data shows.
Dubai: Job seekers in the UAE are seeing early signs of a recovery in hiring activity following a volatile start to 2026, according to new LinkedIn data, which ranks the country among the world’s strongest labour market recoveries since the pandemic.
The UAE Economic Graph Report 2026, prepared by LinkedIn in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Trade, found that hiring activity and inbound talent flows began to recover by June, following weaker conditions earlier in the year.
The UAE Economic Graph Report 2026, prepared by LinkedIn in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Trade, found that hiring activity and inbound talent flows began to recover by June, following weaker conditions earlier in the year.
The improvement follows a strong 2025, when the UAE recorded one of the highest hiring recovery rates among major global markets compared with pre-pandemic levels. It was also among a small group of countries where hiring remained above 2019 levels throughout the year.
Where hiring has held up
Real estate recorded the strongest hiring growth compared with 2019 levels, while education, construction, healthcare, administrative and support services, and transport and logistics also maintained hiring levels above the national average.
Professional services accounted for the largest share of LinkedIn members in the UAE at 14.5%, followed by manufacturing at 12% and accommodation and hospitality at 9.2%.
The figures offer job seekers a clearer picture of the sectors where employment activity has remained resilient as the wider labour market works through the volatility seen earlier this year.
“After a period of volatility in the region earlier this year, LinkedIn’s latest data points to impressive signs of recovery in the UAE across hiring and talent flows. This builds on the UAE’s exceptional performance in 2025, when it recorded one of the strongest post-pandemic hiring rates among top global markets and reinforced its position as a leading destination for global talent.”
Ali Matar, Head of LinkedIn MENA and EMEA Emerging Markets
UAE draws international talent
The UAE also remained among the leading global markets for net talent migration in 2025, reflecting the movement of skilled professionals into the country relative to those leaving.
Long-term visa programmes and the UAE’s business-friendly environment were among the factors supporting the country’s ability to attract internationally mobile professionals.
“The UAE government has developed an integrated strategy to attract and retain the best international talent, based on its belief that human capital is the main driver of sustainable economic growth. We will continue to develop this ecosystem to strengthen our economy’s readiness for the future, support innovation, and position the UAE as a global hub for talent and the new economy.”
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Attracting and Retaining Talent
Al Zeyoudi said talent and skills were central to strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy and consolidating the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, investment and innovation. He added that the report’s findings highlighted the success of the country’s economic policies in creating a business environment capable of attracting skilled professionals and quality investment.
FinTech and AI skills stand out
The report ranked the UAE first globally for FinTech skills and second for attracting artificial intelligence talent relative to its population size, highlighting the country’s growing appeal for professionals in emerging and technology-driven fields.
The country also ranked 10th globally in business skills and 11th in personal and behavioural skills. Technology and media, professional services, and manufacturing recorded the highest levels of digital skills penetration.
Operations accounted for the largest share of LinkedIn members by job function at 21.4%, followed by sales at 11% and business development at 9.1%.
Millennials and Generation Z make up the majority of workers across several sectors, particularly accommodation and hospitality, retail, and healthcare.
More women move into leadership
Female representation in leadership roles rose to 21.9% in 2025, up from 18.8% in 2015, according to the report.
Education recorded the highest share of women in leadership positions, followed by healthcare and entertainment, highlighting the sectors where female representation at senior levels is strongest.
