Adapting to New Opportunities: A Growing Trend in the Middle East
In recent years, an increasing number of professionals in the Middle East have been taking bold steps to switch careers, leveraging their existing skills to explore new industries. This trend is driven by a desire for financial improvement, personal growth, and the opportunity to acquire new skills in a rapidly evolving job market.
A Case Study: Ghassan Khairallah’s Career Shift
Lebanese expatriate Ghassan Khairallah exemplifies this trend. After spending 12 years as a customer relationship manager at a Dubai bank, where he sold credit cards, loans, and investment products, Khairallah faced unemployment during the Covid-19 pandemic. Motivated by the uncertainty of his previous role and encouraged by his former manager’s suggestion, Khairallah used his negotiation skills to enter the real estate sector. He joined Huspy, a property technology start-up, as an agent in 2022 and quickly climbed to a sales director position.
Khairallah attributes his success to his transferable skills and a commitment to integrity and customer loyalty—principles he applied in both banking and real estate. Today, Khairallah and his wife also run a property maintenance company, and he earns additional income from rental properties.
The Regional Shift Towards Career Flexibility
According to TASC Outsourcing’s Middle East Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2024, 44% of regional employees are considering changing employers within the next year, significantly higher than the global average of 28%. The survey highlights that 71% of respondents plan to ask for a pay raise, and 67% are seeking promotions. Notably, 67% of Middle Eastern employees are eager to learn new skills, compared to 47% globally.
This trend is fueled by rapid technological advancements, with 63% of Middle Eastern professionals expecting artificial intelligence and robotics to impact their jobs within the next three years, compared to 46% globally. Recruitment experts emphasize that skills such as effective communication, leadership, critical thinking, and digital literacy are highly valued across industries.
Challenges and Opportunities in the UAE Job Market
Despite the potential for career change, the UAE job market remains highly competitive, with more jobseekers than available opportunities. Mark Timms, founding partner of GRG, notes that candidates who fail to meet the majority of job criteria often struggle to secure interviews. Nevertheless, there is a growing appreciation for candidates with adaptable skills that can transcend industry boundaries.
Kristina Melsova, a Czech national, is another example of a professional successfully navigating multiple industries. Melsova has worked in banking, e-commerce, and the food ordering sector as an Agile coach, and recently launched her own start-up, atlaseek, in the travel and creator economy. She believes that having diverse experiences and being adaptable is crucial for success in today’s job market.
The Value of Transferable Skills
The ability to pivot between roles is increasingly valued by employers, as it demonstrates versatility and a capacity for growth. For professionals aged 30 to 45, the desire to change careers is often driven by the search for more fulfilling work and alignment with personal values and long-term goals. According to TASC Group’s Anil Singh, this demographic is the largest group actively seeking new opportunities.
The leisure and hospitality sectors are experiencing significant attrition due to high workloads, while healthcare and social assistance workers have been under immense pressure since the pandemic. Professionals in trade, transportation, utilities, and education are also grappling with challenges that drive attrition.
Navigating the Future of Work in the Middle East
The dynamic nature of the Middle East job market continues to open doors for professionals willing to embrace change. Organizations that adapt their recruitment strategies and prioritize upskilling can attract a diverse talent pool, fostering innovation and resilience. As the job landscape evolves, professionals and employers alike must be prepared to pivot and leverage the full spectrum of available skills to thrive in a competitive environment.
