Wanted! Young talents to boost local firms
dubai — Almost 60 per cent of the UAE’s workforce is currently employed by local companies, a key data demonstrative of the investment local companies are making in the youth of the country, a new research shows.
The study by LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, also shows how some sectors such as banking, aviation, telecommunications, hospitality and retail are staunchly supporting young UAE talent. “The research shows that Emirati companies come up on top in terms of supporting the local labour force despite hundreds of international companies being regionally headquartered in the UAE,” said the report.
The research, which provided insight into the UAE economy, shows that the UAE is becoming a thriving hub for business and industry. The findings of the research are aligned with the UAE government’s vision which aims to further aid the country’s economic development in industries and infrastructure.
The UAE Economic Graph has been built on the data of the country’s three million registered users of professionals. The findings were released at LinkedIn’s Dubai headquarters in partnership and the presence of Dr Ahmad bin Abdulla Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Cabinet Member and Minister of State for Higher Education, and Dr Aisha bin Bishr, director-general of the Smart Dubai Office.
Dr Al Falasi said the Economic Graph would be integral to shaping the higher education landscape in the UAE to ensure that our students are graduating with the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
“This innovative in-depth analysis of data aligns with our purpose of maximising happiness for individuals in Dubai. By better understanding the UAE economy and pool of talent, we can work together to empower our residents,” said Dr Bin Bishr. The study shows that 58 per cent of the UAE-based workforce is now employed by established local companies, SMEs and startups. The remainder of the UAE-based workforce is employed by companies based in the US, India and Europe.
When it comes to finding local employment, the majority of graduates prefer to work for companies in the UAE, 75 per cent of those who studied at UAE universities have chosen to remain in the UAE
By better understanding the UAE economy and pool of talent, we can work together to empower our residents
Dr Aisha bin Bishr, Director-general of the Smart Dubai Office
and have shown great interest in contributing and developing the local community. Conversely, the employment sector that employs the most people in the UAE is professional services (16 per cent). Architecture and engineering (14 per cent), financial services (10 per cent), retail and insurance (10 per cent), aero/auto/transport (eight per cent) and oil and energy (eight per cent) also dominate the list.
The research has also mapped the primary skill clusters for the future of innovation in the UAE. Robotics, data science, 3D printing and the Internet of Things are the core skills that the World Economic Forum classes as the main physical and digital drivers of the fourth industrial revolution. These skills are highly sought after in the UAE and big data certification adds an edge to job applicants’ profiles.