Employment UAE transport and logistics lead global hiring outlook By Gavin Gibbon June 16, 2025, 10:47 AM Alamy via Reuters The UAE is leading the world in hiring, with logistics, transport and automotive sectors showing the strongest intent to recruit Infrastructure and ecommerce growth UAE aviation sector expanding New rail projects launched Transport, logistics and automotive companies in the UAE have reported the strongest hiring intentions globally for the third quarter of the year, according to a new industry report. In a survey of 530 UAE-based employers by recruitment company ManpowerGroup, 68 percent of UAE companies in the sector said they were planning to recruit, 41 percentage points above the global average. “Several key factors are contributing to this surge: continued investment in infrastructure, ecommerce growth and ongoing demand for efficient last-mile delivery solutions,” said Alex Koumi, managing director at recruitment firm Kingston Stanley. The trend extends to aviation, a key pillar of the UAE economy. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways plans to recruit 1,500 more employees by the end of 2025, having already added 1,685 staff since the start of the year. Emirates and sister carrier Flydubai have also indicated a desire to add to their respective workforces. The UAE is also building its national rail link through Etihad Rail, with a connection between Dubai and Abu Dhabi planned to open next year. And earlier this week, Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially launched construction works on the Dubai Metro blue line. The UAE posted top-tier hiring outlooks in the consumer goods and services and energy and utilities sectors, with hiring expectations 27 and 43 percentage points above global averages, respectively. Dubai’s Metro Blue Line to be operational in 2029 DHL to invest $500m in the Middle East Emirates to squeeze more from fleet with parcel deliveries Overall, 56 percent of UAE employers expect to increase hiring in the third quarter, while 8 percent foresee staff reductions. The net employment outlook, the share of companies planning to hire minus those expecting cuts, stood at 48 percent. Filip Rideau, ManpowerGroup’s country manager for the Middle East, said there is a “strong demand for skilled talent across industries”. The findings follow S&P Global’s latest PMI data showing that UAE employment growth in May hit its highest level in a year, reinforcing broader signs of economic resilience. “The UAE is booming,” said Ian Giulianotti, executive director at recruitment firm Nadia Global. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
