By Staff Reporter
DUBAI, August 10, 2026 — The UAE has recorded one of the strongest post-pandemic recoveries in hiring among major global economies, with employment activity remaining above pre-pandemic levels throughout 2025, according to the UAE Economic Graph Report 2026.
The report, titled Labour Market Features and the Digital Economy in the UAE, was prepared by LinkedIn in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade. It found that hiring activity in the country remained above 2019 levels throughout last year, placing the UAE among a select group of markets that have sustained strong labour-market growth since the pandemic.
Early data from June 2026 also points to renewed momentum following a period of regional volatility earlier this year.
Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Attracting and Retaining Talent, said the findings demonstrate the impact of the UAE’s economic policies in creating an environment capable of attracting businesses, investment and skilled professionals.
He said the government would continue developing an integrated strategy focused on attracting and retaining global talent, which remains an important driver of sustainable economic growth.
The real estate sector recorded the strongest hiring growth compared with 2019 levels. Education, construction, healthcare, administrative services and logistics also performed above the national average.
Professional services remained the largest sector in terms of LinkedIn membership, followed by manufacturing and hospitality.
The report further highlighted the UAE’s growing appeal to international professionals. The country ranked among the world’s leading destinations for net talent migration in 2025, with long-term residency programmes and a competitive business environment contributing to its attractiveness.
The UAE also recorded strong performance in specialised skills, ranking first globally in FinTech expertise and second in attracting artificial intelligence talent relative to its population size.
Ali Matar, Head of LinkedIn MENA and EMEA Emerging Markets, said the latest figures point to a strong labour-market recovery following the regional volatility experienced earlier in 2026.
He said the results further strengthen the UAE’s position as a major global hub for talent and professional opportunities.
The report also showed gradual progress in female representation in leadership positions. The proportion of women in senior roles increased from 18.8 percent in 2015 to 21.9 percent in 2025, with the education sector recording the highest representation of women in leadership.
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