Dubai in 2020, Doha in 2022: These professionals will be spoilt for choice of jobs

The region’s top recruitment experts are predicting a literal talent competition between the UAE and Qatar in a few years’ time on the back of the Doha Fifa World Cup 2022 and if Dubai’s bid for hosting the World Expo 2020 is successful.

Already, the ongoing major infrastructure projects across the Gulf, and especially in the two fastest growing GCC economies, have dramatically increased competition for talent.

According to experts at London Business School’s Middle East Management Forum, recruiters said that this will heighten even further if Dubai wins the Expo 2020 bid. There would be increased demand for top talent at senior leadership level across a range of sectors, including industrial, building and construction and technology expected.

In the run up to the Doha Fifa World Cup 2022, experts are predicting fierce competition for top candidates with global experience.

Mark Houghton, Managing Partner of Odgers Berndtson Middle East, is of the opinion that while some senior level changes in Doha have slowed decision-making temporarily, the opportunities in Qatar will increase rapidly over the next 12 to 18 months.

“There will be a huge competition for talent between the two countries if the UAE wins the Expo bid,” comments Houghton. “At this point, the UAE has a significant advantage over Qatar in terms of its existing infrastructure.”

Andy Flourou, Principal, Edward W Kelley & Partners, believes there is an increasing need for candidates to demonstrate cultural awareness and other ‘soft’ skills that are increasingly appearing on clients’ checklists.

“Clients in the region are looking for far more than just competent talent,” he explains. “Soft skills are equally important to fulfilling the role; including cultural awareness and how easily candidates settle into a new environment. In return, candidates are seeking more than just an increase in compensation with job enrichment and development being at the forefront.  This places the onus on employers to deliver and fulfill the promises they make”.

London Business School’s Middle East Management Forum, is part of a series of thought-leadership forums held at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) where the School has its base.

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