Image credit: Getty Images
AI-powered recruitment tools are becoming quite prevalent across industries in UAE. Companies are increasingly relying on solutions that use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to screen resumes, source candidates, and identify best-fit applicants faster. These technologies significantly cut down time-to-hire and expand recruiters’ access to qualified talent pools.
Beyond efficiency, AI tools also help reduce unconscious bias and promote diversity and inclusion in hiring.
Read-The big question answered: Will AI take my job?
The report predicts that AI will contribute $96bn to the UAE’s GDP by 2030, underscoring its centrality to national strategic initiatives and future workforce planning.
“As the UAE positions itself as a global leader in AI innovation, these tools are becoming core to how companies hire and scale,” said Alfred Manasseh, COO & Co-Founder of Shaffra, a regional AI-driven recruitment platform.
The demand for artificial intelligence (AI) skills in the UAE has surged dramatically over the past four years, reflecting the nation’s growing reliance on emerging technologies across sectors. According to the newly released 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer – UAE Analysis, employers are placing an increasing emphasis on AI capabilities to drive innovation and efficiency.
The report shows a clear upward trajectory in AI-related job postings from 2020 to 2024. Specifically, the number of AI-focused job listings has doubled, rising from 5,000 in 2021 to 10,000 in 2024. This growth is not only a reflection of rising demand but also a sign of deeper AI integration into everyday business operations and strategic planning.
“The UAE job market is undergoing a transformation where AI proficiency is no longer niche — it is becoming essential,” the report notes.
Tech and recruitment sectors drive demand
While AI skills are increasingly valued across many sectors, the technology and professional services industries are driving the surge in demand. The Information and Communication sector saw the highest rate of growth, with 6.2 per cent of all job postings in 2024 requiring AI-related expertise, more than any other industry.
The Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities sector also recorded a notable rise, with 2.7 per cent of listings requiring AI skills. Meanwhile, even sectors like Education have started catching up, with AI-related job postings rising to 2.2 per cent, though the pace remains more modest compared to tech-centric fields.
Alongside demand growth, recruitment platforms are evolving quickly. Bayt.com, the Middle East’s largest job platform, now uses AI to recommend job matches for over 50 million professionals. LinkedIn, with its AI-powered candidate recommendations tailored to the MENA region, remains a critical player for sourcing talent.
Large employers in the UAE also rely on AI-integrated tools like Oracle HCM, which connects seamlessly with both Bayt and LinkedIn. Local innovation is booming as well, companies like Shaffra are offering region-specific recruitment AI solutions designed to meet the unique hiring challenges of GCC businesses.
“We’ve built an AI recruitment engine tailored for the region, automating tasks like candidate screening and sourcing,” added Manasseh. “The efficiency gains are massive.”
Skills over degrees: Hiring norms are evolving
Beyond tools and platforms, the UAE job market is also seeing a fundamental shift in hiring practices. There is growing momentum toward skills-based hiring, reducing dependence on traditional degree qualifications, particularly for roles less exposed to AI technology.
The report compares roles based on their level of AI exposure:
- Among the top 50 per cent of AI-exposed roles, 84 per cent required a university degree in 2024, only slightly down from 87 per cent in 2021.
- In contrast, least AI-exposed roles saw a steeper decline in degree requirements, from 37 per cent in 2021 to 28 per cent in 2024.
This shift suggests that while highly technical positions still demand academic credentials, employers are increasingly prioritizing practical skills, certifications, and hands-on experience in less technical or emerging job categories.
“We’re seeing a change where demonstrable capabilities are being valued more than formal degrees, especially in digital roles,” said Manasseh.
National initiatives fuel future-ready workforce
The UAE government is actively reinforcing this shift through large-scale initiatives focused on upskilling and digital literacy. Programs such as Coders HQ and the AI Talent Bridge aim to build a future-ready workforce, equipped with AI and coding skills aligned with global industry standards.
These efforts are seen as vital to sustaining the country’s economic competitiveness and ensuring that citizens and residents are well-prepared for jobs of the future. AI is not only seen as a tool for efficiency but also as a foundation for national innovation and economic growth.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Metaverse Strategy aims to create 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030, further amplifying the need for AI-savvy talent in new and evolving domains.
Why AI-powered recruitment is on the rise
AI-driven recruitment processes are fast becoming the norm in the UAE. Businesses adopting AI tools are seeing productivity improvements of up to 60 per cent and error reductions of up to 95 per cent, according to industry studies.
Shaffra, for instance, uses AI-powered agents to automate key recruitment tasks, from parsing resumes to onboarding, significantly enhancing candidate experiences and operational speed. These tools don’t just save time; they reduce hiring errors and ensure a better talent fit.
“AI isn’t replacing HR — it’s supercharging it,” said Manasseh. “The companies adopting it today are going to be tomorrow’s hiring leaders.”
With strong government backing, proven ROI, and a clear link to national development goals, AI is no longer optional in UAE recruitment — it’s foundational.
