GEC NEWS WIREHalian highlights the remarkable 142% increase in the number of contractors registered in the UAE and the broader MENA region since 2022.
A direct response to the increasingly dynamic business landscapes in these countries’ robust, independent economies, the demand for flexible workforce solutions is at an all-time high, explains Halian.
Offering businesses a high level of operational agility and flexibility, as well as the opportunity to scale quickly, contractors have become vital components in the region’s employment sector, with major projects, such as NEOM in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), driving the demand for skilled workers.
Another key factor driving the recruitment of skilled contractors in the region is the growing implementation of AI and the demand for AI specialists.
With 93% of companies worldwide investing in AI and Generative AI, this demand is only set to increase, especially locally, as a forecast by PWC indicates that the Middle East, which is currently home to over 1,800 AI start-ups with combined funds of more than AED44 billion, will make up 2% of the global AI market by 2030.
This has resulted in a significant regional deficit in skilled contractors in AI-led sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and automotive industries, with 67% of United Arab Emirates (UAE) businesses currently struggling to find qualified individuals to drive AI and innovation in their companies, highlighting the high demand skilled AI professionals.
In addition, emerging macro trends such as Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and sustainability, data analytics, and procurement are further increasing the demand for experts in the IT, banking, finance, real estate, construction, energy, and hospitality sectors. High-demand positions include Data Scientists, Project Managers, Software Engineers, and specialists in fields like SAP and ERP.
With an average of 10.1 years of experience and a median day rate of $544, skilled contractors are not only cost-effective but also reduce hiring risks for companies while simultaneously allowing them access to niche expertise that may not be available in-house.
Stuart Fry, Group Chief Executive Officer for The Halian Group, said, “As contractors continue to play a pivotal role in shaping today’s modern workforce, their expertise and flexibility have become invaluable assets for businesses, especially in the MENA region. Our expert recruitment services are dedicated to connecting businesses in the region with top-tier contractor talent.”
