Gulf Job Openings Fall by 3% across the GCC in the second quarter of 2026 as regional conflict and trade disruptions made companies more careful about hiring. According to Cooper Fitch, many businesses delayed new recruitment and focused only on essential positions. The slowdown followed a stronger hiring period in the previous quarter.
The biggest decline came in Qatar, where job openings dropped by 6%. Kuwait and the UAE each recorded a 4% fall, while Bahrain saw a 2% decline. Cooper Fitch said higher transport costs, weaker business activity, and uncertainty affected hiring decisions across the region. The UAE also reported its first private-sector employment decline in more than four years.
Saudi Arabia and Oman were the only GCC countries to record growth, with both posting a 1% increase in hiring. Saudi Arabia continued to benefit from Vision 2030 projects, industrial development, and hiring by Public Investment Fund companies. Oman’s logistics sector also supported recruitment through its major ports.
Despite the overall slowdown, some industries remained strong. Investment management and mining both grew by 6%, while finance increased by 5%. Data and AI hiring rose by 4%, showing that businesses are still investing in digital transformation. Cybersecurity, manufacturing, and real estate also recorded modest gains.
However, software, sales and marketing, public-sector recruitment, and cloud-related jobs declined during the quarter. Cooper Fitch said companies are becoming more selective and are giving priority to roles that support business continuity and financial performance.
Experts believe Gulf Job Openings Fall could improve in the second half of the year if trade routes stabilise and business confidence returns. Continued uncertainty, however, may keep hiring plans cautious across the GCC.
