The UAE’s recruitment market recorded a 4% increase in hiring activity during the third quarter of 2026, making it the strongest-performing market among the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The improvement follows a 4% decline in the previous quarter and reflects a recovery in recruitment activity as businesses regain confidence.

According to Cooper Fitch’s Q3 2026 Gulf Employment Index, hiring activity across the GCC increased by 2% between July and September, following a 3% decline in Q2. The UAE recorded the largest increase, while recruitment trends across the other Gulf markets remained mixed.

Published: 3 November 2026 | Category: Business & Economic Updates

UAE Records the Strongest Recruitment Growth in the GCC

The UAE recorded a 4% increase in hiring activity in Q3 2026, reversing the decline experienced during the previous quarter.

Other GCC markets reported different levels of recruitment activity:

• Saudi Arabia: Hiring activity increased by 1.5%.
• Oman: Recorded an increase of 0.5%.
• Qatar: Experienced a 1% decline.
• Kuwait: Recorded a 2% decrease.
• Bahrain: Also reported a 2% decline.

Across the region, the overall 2% increase suggests that recruitment activity returned to growth after the slowdown in Q2. However, the recovery was not evenly distributed across all GCC markets.

Which Sectors Recorded the Highest Hiring Growth?

Several industries and professional functions experienced increased recruitment activity during the third quarter.

The energy sector recorded the strongest growth across the GCC, with hiring activity increasing by 7%. The improvement was supported by recruitment processes that resumed after being put on hold during earlier regional uncertainty, alongside major energy projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Other sectors and professional functions also recorded positive changes:

• Senior finance: Hiring activity increased by 6%.
• Strategy: Recorded a 6% increase, marking its first growth in 2026.
• Finance: Increased by 5%.
• Real estate, software and cybersecurity: Each recorded 4% growth.
• Sales and marketing: Increased by 3%.
• Public sector: Recruitment activity increased by 3%.

However, some areas experienced a decline. Banking hiring decreased by 4%, while investment management recorded a 5% reduction during the quarter.

These figures highlight how recruitment demand differed across industries, with some sectors continuing to expand while others remained more cautious.

Demand for Specialist Professionals Remains Strong

Despite the improvement in hiring activity, businesses continue to face competition when recruiting experienced professionals.

The energy industry, in particular, has maintained demand for specialised positions such as project directors, commissioning specialists and contracts leaders. Candidates with these technical skills remain highly sought after, with some receiving multiple employment offers.

This creates additional pressure on employers looking to secure qualified professionals for important projects and business operations.

For organisations, attracting the right talent involves more than simply opening vacancies. Competitive recruitment strategies and effective employee retention remain important considerations, particularly for positions requiring specialised experience.

Businesses Turn Their Attention to 2027

The improvement in recruitment activity is also influencing how companies approach their future workforce requirements.

Cooper Fitch CEO Dr Trefor Murphy noted that employers are becoming more positive about the year ahead. Businesses are beginning to consider longer-term appointments and strategic recruitment plans as they prepare for 2027.

However, the outlook remains subject to several challenges. Higher raw material and freight costs continue to affect business operations, while uncertainty surrounding international trade and shipping conditions may influence recruitment decisions in the coming months.

As a result, employers may continue to approach hiring selectively, prioritising essential positions and specialised capabilities rather than expanding their workforce across every department.

What the Hiring Recovery Means for UAE Businesses

The increase in recruitment activity provides a positive indication of improving confidence in the UAE business environment.

For companies, this may be an opportunity to review workforce requirements, prepare for potential expansion and strengthen their recruitment plans. Businesses operating in energy, real estate, technology, finance and professional services may also need to consider the growing competition for experienced professionals.

Planning ahead and identifying the skills required for future operations can help organisations respond to changing market conditions and maintain business continuity.

Conclusion

The 4% increase in UAE hiring activity during Q3 2026 marks a recovery in the country’s recruitment market and places it ahead of the other GCC countries for the quarter.

While businesses continue to navigate operational costs and regional uncertainty, the improvement suggests that employers are gradually becoming more confident in their recruitment plans.

As organisations prepare for 2027, attracting skilled professionals and building the right workforce will remain important factors in supporting sustainable business growth.

This article is intended for general informational purposes. The recruitment figures and market observations are based on the Cooper Fitch Q3 2026 Gulf Employment Index and supporting reports from established news organisations.

Sources

• Cooper Fitch – Reports and Gulf Employment Index
• The National – Hiring in the UAE rebounds in third quarter despite uncertainty fuelled by Middle East conflict
• ARN News Centre – UAE job creation rebounds 4% in third quarter
• Khaleej Times – Jobs in UAE: Hiring rebounds 4% in Q3 2026 as business confidence returns