The UAE recorded one of the strongest post-pandemic hiring recoveries among leading global markets in 2025, while early data from June 2026 indicates renewed momentum following regional volatility earlier in the year.
The findings were published in the UAE Economic Graph Report 2026, prepared by LinkedIn in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Titled “Labour Market Features and the Digital Economy in the UAE,” the report uses LinkedIn workforce data to support economic policymaking and strengthen labour market competitiveness.
According to the report, the UAE was among a small group of countries that maintained hiring activity above 2019 levels throughout 2025. The performance highlights the resilience of the national labour market and the effectiveness of economic policies designed to sustain growth during a period of global uncertainty.
Although regional hiring and talent migration experienced volatility in early 2026, LinkedIn data for June showed improvements in both recruitment activity and inbound talent flows. The recovery could help the UAE build on its 2025 gains as market conditions continue to stabilise.
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Attracting and Retaining Talent, said talent and professional capabilities remain central to strengthening the UAE’s economic competitiveness and its position as a global centre for trade, investment and innovation.
He said the report’s findings demonstrate the success of national policies in creating an attractive business environment for skilled professionals and high-quality investments. He added that the government would continue developing its talent ecosystem to support innovation, sustainable growth and economic readiness for the future.
Real estate recorded the strongest hiring growth compared with 2019 levels. Education, construction, healthcare, administrative and support services, and transport and logistics also maintained recruitment levels above the national average.
Professional services represented the largest sector among LinkedIn members in the UAE, accounting for 14.5 percent. Manufacturing followed at 12 percent, while accommodation and hospitality represented 9.2 percent.
The UAE also remained one of the world’s leading destinations for skilled international professionals in 2025, ranking highly for net talent migration. The report attributed this appeal to long-term visa programmes, economic opportunities and a competitive business environment.
In terms of workforce capabilities, the UAE ranked first globally for FinTech skills and second for attracting artificial intelligence talent relative to its population. It also ranked tenth in business skills and eleventh in personal and behavioural skills.
Technology and media, professional services, and manufacturing recorded the highest levels of digital skills penetration, demonstrating the workforce’s readiness for an increasingly advanced and technology-driven economy.
Ali Matar, Head of LinkedIn MENA and EMEA Emerging Markets, said the latest data showed strong signs of recovery across hiring and talent flows after volatility earlier in the year. He noted that the improvement builds on the UAE’s exceptional performance in 2025 and reinforces its position as a preferred destination for global talent.
Operations accounted for the largest share of LinkedIn members in the UAE by job function at 21.4 percent, followed by sales at 11 percent and business development at 9.1 percent.
The report also found that Millennials and Generation Z represent the majority of workers across several sectors, particularly accommodation and hospitality, retail, and healthcare. This young workforce is expected to support innovation and accelerate the adoption of new technologies.
Female representation in leadership positions continued to improve, rising from 18.8 percent in 2015 to 21.9 percent in 2025. Education recorded the highest proportion of women in leadership roles, followed by healthcare and entertainment.
The UAE Economic Graph Report 2026 is the sixth edition published since the launch of the National Strategy for Attracting and Retaining Talent. It reflects the continued partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Trade and LinkedIn to provide workforce insights that support policymaking and advance the UAE’s position as a global hub for talent and the digital economy.
