The state of economies are ever changing and the world’s economy is set to grow in2018, but what about the regional economies? The latest results from the Middle East Job Seeker Confidence Survey carried out by Bayt.com, the Middle East’s number one job site, and global market research company, YouGov, indicates that nearly three quarters (74%) of those who answered the question regarding business conditions in the UAE expect business conditions in the UAE to improve.17% said they expect business conditions to “remain the same,” while only9% said they could get worse.
Job Satisfaction
With regards to job satisfaction levels,50% of UAE respondents are satisfied towards their career growth opportunities and24% are neutral.
A similar pattern was seen when it came to training and professional development.50% of respondents said they are satisfied with this aspect while19% were neutral.
In terms of work-life balance,48% of UAE respondents said they were satisfied, while24% were neutral.
Looking at future career growth opportunities,53% of UAE respondents believe that career growth opportunities will get better over the next six months,35% said they will remain the same, while only12% said they could get worse.
This positive outlook by respondents was also reflected on their expectations for compensation in the next six months, with47% believing that it will get better.38% expect their compensation to remain the same, while only15% said it could get worse.
“As the leading job site in the Middle East, it is our role to provide all professionals with insights on the economic and financial conditions and how they connect to the job market and availability of career opportunities,” said Suhail Masri, Vice President of Employer Solutions, Bayt.com. “At Bayt.com, we aim to empower professionals, job seekers and employers alike, so that they can address and overcome any economic changes and make room for improvements in their careers. Our organisation works with over29 million professionals and provides them with the necessary tools and technologies to enhance their profiles and CVs on our portal. We have also worked with over40,000 companies who advertise over10,000 vacancies on Bayt.com on any given day, as well as use Bayt.com’s CV Search tool to find and recruit thousands of qualified job seekers for their business.”
Personal Economic Conditions
UAE respondents were asked about their personal financial conditions. Out of those who provided an answer,63% of UAE respondents believe that their or their family’s financial position will “improve” in the next six months.24% of respondents expect their financial conditions to “remain the same as it is now,” while only12% them to become worse.
Looking at current business conditions, more than eight in10 respondents who provided an answer (82%) think they are “good”, “very good”, or “average”. UAE respondents are also very optimistic about future business conditions within the next year, where nearly three quarters (74%) of those who answered the question expect business conditions in the UAE to improve.17% said they expect business conditions to “remain the same,” while only9% said they could get worse.
Anjali Chhabra, Senior Research Manager, YouGov, said: “It is important for us to regularly conduct thorough research regarding job seekers’ and employed individuals’ sentiments and opinions and share that information with the region. The Middle East Job Seeker Confidence Index survey gives us many insights into the personal, business and economic conditions of the region. For instance, the majority of respondents are anticipating significant improvements in business conditions and availability of jobs. If this holds true, it will surely reflect positively in many other areas in the economy.”
Data from the2017 Bayt.com Middle East Job Seeker Confidence Survey was collected online from August1st,2017 to August24th,2017. Countries included the UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and others.