91% of UAE professionals plan to stay long-term, but most are not networking effectively

Dubai: Workers in the UAE intend to establish their professional roots in the country, but many remain on the margins of networks that could help them showcase their expertise and access opportunities, according to new research from LinkedIn. The research revealed that 91% of professionals in the UAE intend to continue living and working in the country over the next six to twelve months, with 66% saying they "definitely" intend to stay. This comes at a time when the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for talent and innovation. Recent data from LinkedIn and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade showed that the country recorded one of the strongest post-pandemic job recovery rates in 2025 among major global markets. Preliminary data released in June 2026 also indicate a renewed recovery in employment after a period of volatility in the first half of this year. While professionals in the UAE show a serious intention to build their future in the country, many of them still do not actively participate in professional communities that could help them build and enhance their success at work. This is not due to a lack of awareness, as 96% of them said that their professional networks are important to help them keep up with changes in the world of work, but on the other hand, 74% admitted that they browse work-related content on the internet without participating in it. The research points to a clear gap between recognising the value of professional networks and knowing how to use them, with 42% of workers in the UAE saying they do not know where to start, while 41% said they do not know how to turn networking into useful professional relationships. Many of these barriers are due to social and psychological factors related to trust, as four out of ten (40%) fear being a nuisance to others or wasting their time, and 33% fear being judged. More than half, 58%, said they did not receive enough guidance on how to build professional relationships or develop their networks. But the results also suggest that professionals underestimate how willing others are to support them, with 86% saying they are willing to respond to or support someone seeking professional help, even if they do not know them personally. Skills still drive career growth opportunities in the UAE, but professional networks help the workforce demonstrate these skills in the right and useful context, enhancing relationships and success at work. While 39% confirmed that skills and experience give them the best chance of securing new job opportunities, 25% pointed to the importance of a broad professional network, and 23% to having an online presence. This is where the value of digital networks and communities really shines through, with 42% saying that online professional communities helped them expand their knowledge, while 41% said they formed a relationship that supported their career path. Najat Abdelhadi, LinkedIn’s future of work expert for the Middle East and North Africa, said: “The UAE continues to solidify its position as a destination where people come to build ambitious and long-term career paths.