The UAE has seen a significant rise in the use of artificial intelligence-powered recruitment tools, with adoption rates soaring by 90% since 2022, as both major tech firms and startups increasingly turn to these advanced technologies.
The finding was published as one of the conclusions of the UAE Future Talent Tech Report, published by the UAE Ministry of Economy, in collaboration with Integra Seven. The report was officially unveiled during a special session at GITEX x Expand North Star 2024.
The report looked at the hiring strategies employed by both established corporations and emerging startups across nine economic sectors, including healthcare, financial services, and logistics.
In addition to the rise of AI-driven hiring tools, the report also stressed the growing strength of the UAE’s national brand as a recruitment magnet for top-tier talent. Approximately 80% of employers believe that the country’s reputation is a significant asset in attracting elite technology professionals.
In terms of talent acquisition, the survey showed that nearly half (48%) of employers acknowledge that local talent is available in abundance. Moreover, discussions around Emiratization have gained momentum, with a 110% increase in references by over 50,000 companies across social media, job portals and industry forums.
However, two-thirds of employers agree that they face challenges when recruiting specialised, senior-level professionals, particularly in niche roles like blockchain, AI and machine learning, with more than 95% actively seeking professionals from outside the region.
“The findings of the latest UAE Future Tech Talent Report affirm that the UAE continues to be a powerful magnet for the world’s best and brightest minds,” said Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Economy.
“The report also validates our efforts to create an environment in which these talents can thrive, offering not just outstanding career progression but high living standards, safe and secure communities and exceptional educational opportunities. In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, tech talent is proving to be a key source of competitive advantage, and we are determined to stay top-of-mind when they seek opportunities that match their ambition.”
Notably, the report challenges conventional assumptions about talent attraction. While government incentives are often seen as essential, many UAE businesses rank them lower in importance. Nearly 30% of employers, however, express support for a targeted programme that offers incentives directly to top talent, rather than to companies as a whole.
Natalia Sycheva, Managing Director of Integra Seven, commented, “The UAE continues to attract companies with its access to global and regional markets, secure and stable environment, and business-friendly regulations. While access to tech talent is critical, it hasn’t yet emerged as the primary factor drawing businesses to the region. We can’t but ask an important question: How many more global enterprises would establish their operations in the UAE if access to skilled talent locally and offshore were further streamlined?”
The UAE Future of Tech Talent 2024 report was officially unveiled during a dedicated session at GITEX x Expand North Star 2024, where industry leaders from du, Coffeee, and Signum AI shared their expert perspectives.
