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28 March 2024

Is it the right time for UAE employees to change jobs?

Published
By Shuchita Kapur

If you are trying to change your job and move up the career ladder, this may be the time to do so. The job market is definitely not as robust as it was a few years back but confidence is slowly returning and it may not be premature to take some risk.

According to recruitment experts in the country, many candidates are considering a change now, especially those who feel  they’ve not grown at all during the part two years or so.

“I feel stifled in my current position. I’m on the lookout and will definitely consider moving out if something worthwhile comes along,” said a financial analyst on the condition of anonymity.

Gareth El Mettouri, Associate Director of Robert Half UAE, says many people stayed put as they feared losing their jobs in a new company but this is changing as confidence returns to the market.

“Over the past few years we’ve seen a lot of employees decided to stay with their current employer, concerned that a job change may result in a ‘last in, first out’ outcome if the new employer was required to make headcount reductions. Confidence has greatly improved and we’re seeing a lot more movement in the job market. Many candidates have felt that their career progression had been stalled in recent times and are now taking this opportunity to move forward. Employers are feeling the pressure as well. According to a survey of Dubai executives, 85 per cent are concerned about losing top performers,” Mettouri told Emirates 24|7.

Lama Ataya, CMO, Bayt.com believes that changing a job largely depends on the individual’s circumstances. “There is no one answer that applies to all,” she said.

“Professionals who are satisfied and happy with their current jobs would have no reason to look for another one whereas those who are unemployed or who feel unchallenged and unfulfilled or underemployed in their current jobs can start a job search,” she added.

For those who are on the lookout, the Bayt.com expert has some good news. According to a survey conducted by the job portal there are more jobs expected in the coming months, giving candidates more options to choose from.

“Our latest job index survey showed that 66 per cent of UAE employers are looking to hire within the next 12 months. Over 11,000 jobs are advertised on an average day on [our site] which is a healthy and robust increase from last year.

“For those seeking opportunities, it is worth bearing in mind that the industries that are still perceived to be attracting/retaining the top talent in the UAE are: banking/finance (34 per cent), oil, gas and petrochemicals (32 per cent) and telecommunications (27 per cent),” she said.

The September 2012 Monster Employment Index Middle East rose by 10 per cent on an annual basis, giving credibility to the claims about increased number of jobs in the market but the global economic condition is still a drab on the market.

“While The Monster Employment Index Middle East registers a positive annual growth, the employers are cautious about ramping up hiring activity in the region owing to the current global economic scenario,” said Sanjay Modi, Managing Director, Monster.com (India/ Middle- East/ South East Asia).

Some analyst have a caution for job seekers. Do not rush in, is their advice and a calculative decision is best in the current market scenario.

“If your current position is secure and you are getting paid on time every month, then my advice is stay where you are for now as the jobs market is not yet stable. If you decide you really need to make a move make sure you do your homework on any new prospective employers before you sign on the dotted line. Stay cautious when it comes to big decisions such as a change of job and stay close to the specialist recruiters for your sector to keep upto date on what’s happening in the jobs market,” said Brian Cartwright, Managing Director, Middle East & Africa at Logistics Executive.