Adapting to New Opportunities: A Growing Trend in the Middle East
The job landscape in the Middle East is witnessing a significant shift, with a growing number of professionals exploring new career paths. This change is largely driven by the desire for better financial prospects, personal development, and the acquisition of new skills in an evolving market.
Ghassan Khairallah’s Journey: A Case Study in Career Transformation
One example of this trend is Ghassan Khairallah, a Lebanese expatriate who reinvented his career after 12 years in banking. Previously employed as a customer relationship manager at a Dubai bank, Khairallah found himself unemployed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Faced with uncertainty, he leveraged his negotiation skills to pivot into real estate, joining Huspy, a property technology start-up. Within a year, he rose to the position of sales director.
Khairallah credits his success to his ability to transfer skills like customer loyalty and integrity from banking to real estate. Alongside his new role, Khairallah and his wife have also launched a property maintenance business, and he has diversified his income with rental properties.
A Shift Towards Career Flexibility Across the Region
According to TASC Outsourcing’s Middle East Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2024, 44% of professionals in the region are contemplating changing employers within the next year—much higher than the global average of 28%. Additionally, 71% of respondents plan to request pay raises, and 67% are aiming for promotions. A striking 67% of Middle Eastern professionals are eager to learn new skills, compared to 47% globally.
This drive is partly fueled by rapid technological advancements. The survey reveals that 63% of Middle Eastern professionals expect artificial intelligence and robotics to impact their roles within the next three years, compared to 46% globally. Recruitment experts highlight that skills such as effective communication, leadership, critical thinking, and digital literacy are becoming increasingly important across all industries.
Challenges and Opportunities in the UAE Job Market
While career changes are on the rise, the UAE job market remains highly competitive, with more candidates than available roles. Mark Timms, founding partner of GRG, notes that candidates who do not meet most job requirements often struggle to secure interviews. However, there is a growing appreciation for adaptable skills that can transcend various industries.
Kristina Melsova, a Czech national, exemplifies how diverse skill sets can lead to success across multiple sectors. Melsova has worked in banking, e-commerce, and the food ordering industry as an Agile coach. Recently, she launched atlaseek, a start-up in the travel and creator economy. She believes that adaptability and diverse experience are crucial for thriving in today’s job market.
The Increasing Value of Transferable Skills
Employers are increasingly valuing the ability to pivot between roles, seeing it as a sign of versatility and growth potential. For professionals aged 30 to 45, career changes are often motivated by a desire for more meaningful work that aligns with their personal values and long-term goals. According to Anil Singh from TASC Group, this age group is the most active in seeking new opportunities.
Certain sectors, such as leisure and hospitality, are experiencing high turnover due to heavy workloads. Meanwhile, healthcare and social assistance workers have been under substantial pressure since the pandemic. Professionals in trade, transportation, utilities, and education are also facing challenges that contribute to job attrition.
Preparing for the Future of Work in the Middle East
The evolving job market in the Middle East offers new opportunities for professionals ready to embrace change. Companies that adapt their hiring strategies and focus on upskilling can attract a diverse talent pool, driving innovation and resilience. As the job landscape continues to shift, both professionals and employers must be ready to adapt and harness a wide range of skills to succeed in this competitive environment.
