Jobs in UAE are becoming tougher as a recent survey reveals that 50% of employees in the UAE feel pressured to work beyond their scheduled hours, while 45% believe their workload can be completed within a standard workweek.
The findings come from the 2025 GCC Market Report and Salary Guide by recruitment and IT services firm Halian, which surveyed over 2,700 professionals across industries such as technology, finance, marketing, healthcare, and construction.
Impact on Health and Well-Being
Work-related stress is taking a toll on employees, with 45% of respondents reporting negative health effects due to their workload. Experts warn that while these health issues may not immediately hinder productivity, long-term impacts on employee performance and overall company output are inevitable.
The strain of excessive working hours is also driving employees to seek new opportunities, with 85% expressing plans to change jobs within the next year.
Desire for a Healthier Work Environment
The survey highlights a demand for improved work-life balance, with 35% of UAE employees rating their work-life balance as fair. Nearly half voiced a need for greater flexibility, particularly in taking breaks.
Opportunities of Jobs in UAE
Despite challenges, many employees remain optimistic about their future in the UAE job market. Approximately 41% of respondents expressed confidence in securing employment opportunities, while 37% felt very optimistic about career prospects.
To stay competitive, employees are actively pursuing additional education and certifications, with 47% of professionals investing in upskilling to prepare for future roles.
Salary Growth for jobs in UAE
The report also shed light on salary trends in the GCC:
– 40% of professionals reported salary increases of 5–10% in 2024.
– Among these, 49% received raises for performance, while 14.9% benefited from job changes.
– 44% of employees expect further salary increases before the end of the year.
Promotion prospects also appear promising, with 24.3% of respondents hopeful for upward movement within their current organizations.
Medical insurance emerged as the most desired benefit, with 80% of respondents ranking it as a priority. Air tickets (55%) and flexible work arrangements (41%) followed closely behind.
Why Employees Are Switching Jobs
The primary drivers for job changes in the Gulf region are better compensation and benefits as well as opportunities for career advancement.
The survey underscores a mixed outlook for the UAE workforce: while many grapple with work-related pressures, a significant portion remain optimistic about opportunities for growth, driven by efforts to enhance skills and seek better work environments.
