The UAE is showing signs of a renewed hiring recovery, with early June 2026 data. This data shows stronger recruitment activity and improving inflows of skilled workers, according to LinkedIn’s latest economic report.
The country recorded one of the strongest hiring recoveries from pre-pandemic levels in 2025. It was also among a small group of countries that kept hiring activity above 2019 levels throughout the year. The latest figures suggest the UAE could build on that momentum as regional market conditions stabilize after a period of uncertainty earlier this year.
The findings come from the sixth edition of the UAE Economic Graph Report 2026, prepared by LinkedIn in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Trade. The UAE ranked first globally for FinTech skills and second for attracting AI talent relative to its population. It also ranked tenth for business skills and eleventh for personal and behavioural skills.
Technology and media, professional services, and manufacturing recorded the strongest levels of digital skills penetration. The UAE also recorded a high level of net talent migration. The measure tracks the movement of skilled professionals into the country compared with those leaving.
Real estate recorded the strongest hiring growth compared with 2019 levels, according to the report. Education, construction, healthcare, administrative and support services, and transport and logistics also recorded hiring levels above the national average.
Professional services had the largest share of LinkedIn members in the UAE at 14.5%. Manufacturing followed at 12%, while accommodation and hospitality accounted for 9.2%. The figures point to a labor market spread across both traditional industries and sectors with growing digital requirements.
Millennials and Gen Z account for much of the UAE workforce. Their presence is particularly strong in accommodation and hospitality, retail, and healthcare. The report also found a gradual increase in women's representation in leadership. Women held 21.9% of leadership positions in 2025, compared with 18.8% in 2015.
Education recorded the highest share of women in leadership roles, followed by healthcare and entertainment. The latest hiring data gives the UAE a stronger base as it seeks to attract businesses, investment and skilled professionals.
Minister of Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi said talent and skills are central to improving the country's economic competitiveness and strengthening its position as a global hub for trade, investment and innovation.
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