It’s been a rough few months for the Gulf countries as leaders work hard to put together an economic blueprint that looks beyond petrol. Now, there is reason to feel pumped.
The Monster Employment Index (MEI) for April 2016 shows hiring is strong in four sectors other than oil & gas—notably Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Production and Manufacturing, and IT & Telecom.
Consumer Goods/FMCG, Food and Packaged Food, Home Appliance, Garments/Textiles/Leather, Gems and Jewellery
Growing population and greater disposable income is driving growth in these sectors. The food and packaged food industry in particular is witnessing robust growth driven by a rise in the demand for ready-to-eat products.
This in turn has led to a requirement of sales executives, quality assurance officers, chefs and ‘mystery shoppers’—people hired to visit stores anonymously and report their experiences to the company.
Year-on-year growth: 27% | Find a job in Consumer Electronics and Food/Pacakged Food sector
Healthcare
The mushrooming of healthcare facilities in Dubai is leading many to view UAE’s largest city as the next global healthcare hub. The government’s decision to make health insurance mandatory has also given the medical sector a fillip.
There is a strong demand for specialist doctors, nurses, medical assistants, physiotherapists, hospital administrators and HR personnel.
Year-on-year growth: 14% | Find Healthcare jobs here
Production/Manufacturing, Automotive and Ancillary
As the Gulf nations try and wean away from their dependence oil, governments are turning to sectors such as production and manufacturing to diversify their economies.
The UAE has already announced plans to increase the contribution of manufacturing from the current 11% of GDP to 25% by 2025, while Saudi Arabia is investing in building six new “economic cities”.
The result is more jobs for a variety of posts, from technician and supervisor to accountant, salesmen, engineers and managers.
Year-on-year growth: 11% | Find Production and Manufacturing jobs here:
IT and Telecom
Economic growth, rising smartphone penetration and increasing data consumption have led to a robust growth in the IT and Telecom sectors.
Government initiatives have also led to the establishment of many ICT companies, several of which have their offices in Dubai.
Growth in IT and Telecom has led to a correspondingly large requirement for software engineers, team leaders, technicians, telecom engineers and other professionals.
Year-on-year growth: 8% | Find IT & Computer Software’s jobs here:
Clearly, there is no death of work opportunities in the Gulf. If you’re deciding on a career or looking for a change, it’s as good a time as any to send that application.
FAQ on Emerging Industries in the Gulf
Q1: What are the emerging industries in the Gulf that are currently hiring?
Answer 1: The Gulf region is experiencing significant hiring in industries such as technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Q2: What job opportunities are available in the technology sector in the Gulf?
Answer 2: Technology-related roles in software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence are in high demand.
Q3: How can I pursue a career in the renewable energy industry in the Gulf?
Answer 3: You can explore job roles in solar and wind energy, as well as energy efficiency and sustainability consulting.
Q4: What healthcare positions are in demand in the Gulf region?
Answer 4: Healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and healthcare administrators are needed to support the growing healthcare sector.
Q5: Are there opportunities in e-commerce for job seekers in the Gulf?
Answer 5: Yes, e-commerce companies are hiring for various roles in logistics, digital marketing, customer service, and supply chain management.
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