The UAE Skills Platform, launched by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, has unveiled a comprehensive and updated map of labor market needs, highlighting the most in-demand specializations, emerging jobs, declining roles, and the highest-paying positions across the country.

The data shows a strong surge in demand for roles linked to digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the non-oil economy, while traditional jobs continue to decline due to automation and rapid technological advancement, with business administration leading job postings at 20%, followed by finance, banking, insurance, marketing, and advertising at 8% each, and hospitality and food services at 6%.

The platform identified the most in-demand jobs as accountant, sales manager, restaurant manager, administrative assistant, and civil engineer, driven by factors such as the expansion of digital commerce, growth of startups, increasing regulatory compliance requirements, and the ongoing development of infrastructure, tourism, and logistics sectors, alongside the shift toward green economy initiatives.

On the emerging front, five roles are rapidly gaining traction including data analyst, user experience analyst, operations manager, project manager, and artificial intelligence engineer, reflecting the accelerated adoption of smart services, data-driven decision-making, and advanced technologies across multiple industries.

At the same time, the platform highlighted a decline in several traditional roles such as ambulance drivers, HVAC technicians, debt collectors, oil and gas production managers, and legal administrative assistants, mainly due to increased reliance on automation, AI systems, digital solutions, and the global shift toward renewable energy and operational efficiency.

The report also confirmed that executive and leadership roles dominate the highest salary brackets, with monthly salaries reaching up to AED 163,000 at senior levels, including positions such as Chief Executive Officer, Airport CEO, Chief Operating Officer, venture capitalist, and heads of higher education institutions, depending on experience, skills, and market conditions.

Finally, the platform emphasized the critical role of educational qualifications in shaping career opportunities, noting that a bachelor’s degree is required in 52% of job postings, followed by a master’s degree at 21% for specialized and leadership roles, technical diplomas at 18%, and high school certificates at 9%, particularly in retail, customer service, hospitality, and administrative support sectors.