The United Arab Emirates has emerged as the most promising country in the world for job seekers in Q3 2026, with 48% of employers planning to increase their workforce, according to the latest research by ManpowerGroup. This impressive figure places the UAE at the top of global hiring optimism, ahead of other fast-growing markets such as India (42%), Costa Rica (41%), and Brazil (33%).
The comprehensive global study surveyed over 40,000 employers across 42 countries, revealing a generally upbeat hiring outlook, especially in dynamic economies. The UAE’s continued economic expansion, supported by population growth and a favourable business environment, is fuelling a surge in recruitment across a wide range of industries.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, remain key hubs for international professionals and investors. The absence of personal income tax, combined with low corporate taxes, safety, and a high standard of living, continues to attract talent from around the world.
This outlook is consistent with findings from Cooper Fitch, which reported that the UAE led job creation across the GCC region in Q2 2026, with a 4% rise in hiring activity. Sectors such as financial services, real estate, technology, and artificial intelligence have shown especially strong growth. Companies are no longer just strategizing—they are actively building dedicated teams to implement and scale operations.
According to ManpowerGroup, while 40% of UAE employers intend to expand their workforce this quarter, 16% expect to make cuts, and 42% plan to maintain their current staff levels. Only 1% of companies remain uncertain.
Interestingly, 37% of firms are hiring to expand existing roles, while 27% are recruiting to support new business initiatives. In terms of scale, 27% of employers plan to hire between 1,000 and 5,000 employees, while another 27% aim to hire over 5,000. Mid-sized recruitment plans are also prevalent, with 26% of companies planning to hire between 250 and 999 workers.
Hiring is expected to be most active in the transport, logistics, automotive, energy, utilities, and consumer goods sectors—highlighting the UAE's diversified economy and commitment to infrastructure and innovation.
As the third quarter unfolds, job seekers in the UAE can look forward to a market full of opportunities, driven by sustained growth and forward-looking investment across key industries.
