Unpacking the Middle East job market with bayt.com’s Dina Tawfik

In H1 2024, the Middle East job market experienced a significant uptick in activity, with notable job growth in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Sectors like real estate, retail, and technology are fuelling this demand, as employers prioritise candidates skilled in digital transformation. Gulf Business chatted with Dina Tawfik, VP of Growth at bayt.com, who provided key insights into current trends, the role of AI in recruitment, and the evolving skill sets that today’s leaders must embrace to stay competitive.

How has the job market in the Middle East evolved during H1 2024 compared to the same period in 2023? Can you share any key trends you have observed in terms of job postings and hiring activity?

In 2024, the UAE witnessed a 17 per cent increase in job postings in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2023. This surge has resulted in nearly 1.7 million job applications, leading to over 500,000 successful job matches, improving the match ratio to 34 per cent, up from 30 per cent last year. The private sector, including industries like real estate, retail, and construction, has been a key driver of this demand.

Which industries have shown the highest demand for talent in 2024 so far? What factors are driving growth in these sectors?

The private sector in the UAE has shown the highest demand for talent, particularly in industries such as real estate, retail, wholesale, and construction. Companies like Al Futtaim Group and Amazon have been actively hiring, driven by the dynamic needs of the market and growing opportunities in these sectors.

What roles are currently in most demand, particularly at the executive or C-suite level? Are there specific skills or experiences employers are prioritising when hiring for these high-level positions?

There is a broader trend across industries emphasising leadership roles in sectors like real estate, retail, and technology. Employers are likely prioritising candidates with a proven track record of managing and adapting to digital transformation, especially given the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The increasing demand for talent in these specific industries would potentially lead to acquiring talent at the executive level or higher to manage them. Additionally, as AI continues to penetrate different industries, the demand for leadership qualities in change management, strategic decision-making, and the ability to lead organisations through technological advancements is increasing across several industries.

How has the average time-to-hire changed over the past year? Are employers making decisions faster due to increased competition for talent?

The growing integration of AI in recruitment processes is likely to have impacted the time-to-hire positively. Automated tools like AI-driven CV searches and job description generators allow employers to screen candidates more efficiently, and at bayt.com there are continuous efforts to enhance current AI tools as well as develop additional innovative tools. This likely results in a faster hiring process, especially in competitive sectors where there’s high demand for talent​ and because some job postings on online job sites receive job applications in thousands.

In which countries or regions of the Middle East are you seeing the highest job growth? Are any markets emerging as key employment hubs?

While the UAE was specifically highlighted for its job growth, markets like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also emerging as key employment hubs, driven by major ongoing economic efforts to promote diversity in those markets, as well as government initiatives to attract talent globally. These countries are increasingly investing in sectors such as construction, technology, and healthcare, leading to a surge in job opportunities.

How is AI transforming the job market and the recruitment process at Bayt.com? Tell us about AI-driven tools or technologies that are currently being used to optimise recruitment.

At Bayt.com, AI has revolutionised the recruitment process. AI-powered tools such as automated job descriptions, CV writing assistance, candidate assessments, and AI-driven searches have transformed how employers and job seekers interact. Tasks that previously took hours, such as CV screening and job description generation, can now be done efficiently with a few clicks.

How do you foresee AI reshaping the types of skills and roles in demand across industries? Are you seeing new job categories emerge as a result of AI advancements?

Artificial intelligence is already affecting job availability across sectors, particularly in areas such as creative content writing, software coding, customer service, and financial analysis. As AI continues to advance, there will be an increasing demand for roles requiring higher levels of education and advanced skills in AI, while other more repetitive tasks may decline.

What opportunities do you see for AI to create new jobs or enhance existing ones?

Artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities to enhance productivity and create new roles. It allows workers to focus on higher-level tasks while automating routine work. The key will be to upskill workers to handle sophisticated tasks and work alongside AI.

What are some of the key challenges companies face today when hiring for C-suite positions? Has the demand for C-suite talent in the region changed over recent years?

One of the biggest challenges companies face when hiring for C-suite roles is finding leaders who can effectively manage digital transformation. The rapid adoption of AI and other advanced technologies has made it essential for executives to have a strong understanding of these tools and how to leverage them for the growth of their respective entities, as well as the development of their teams. Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on finding leaders who can promote innovation and adaptability within their organisations to keep pace with changing market demands.

Which leadership traits and skills are most sought after in the current market? How important is a leader’s ability to manage digital transformation, particularly with the rise of AI?

In today’s market, leaders who can manage digital transformation effectively are in high demand. This includes skills like strategic thinking, technological proficiency, and the ability to lead teams through change. With AI becoming increasingly integrated into business processes, the ability to guide organisations through these technological advancements is crucial. Leaders must also have openness to innovation to succeed in the current business landscape.

With many industries undergoing rapid change, what advice would you give to executives looking to future-proof their careers? How important is continuous learning for leaders at the C-suite level?

To future-proof their careers, executives must prioritise continuous learning, particularly in emerging technologies like AI. Staying updated on industry trends and embracing a culture of innovation within their organisations will be essential for long-term success. Executives should also seek out opportunities to enhance their leadership skills by focusing on managing and adapting to digital transformation and AI’s disruptiveness.

Are there any specific industries where you expect to see a higher demand for C-suite talent in the coming years?

The technology, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors are anticipated to experience a rise in demand for C-suite talent as these industries grow rapidly and require leaders skilled in innovation and technology. Insights from recent discussions suggest that while there is some debate about when exactly the hiring wave will begin, the focus on sustainability is driving a heightened need for executives with green leadership skills, particularly in renewable energy according to the Economic Times. Additionally, studies on the future of work underscore the importance of leadership that can adapt to evolving trends and drive growth in these dynamic sectors according to McKinsey.

Given the rapid changes in the job market and technology, what do you predict the future of work will look like in the region over the next five to 10 years?

The future of work in the Middle East is expected to be significantly influenced by AI. AI is already reshaping recruitment and the types of jobs available. As organisations adopt more AI-driven tools, the demand for advanced skills and new roles will grow, transforming the labour market and necessitating ongoing learning and adaptation.