By Fuhad Saneen | June 21, 2025
Dubai, UAE – A significant number of professionals across the UAE are gearing up to walk away from their current roles, with 65% saying they plan to find a new job before 2025 ends, according to a recent study by recruitment giant Robert Half.
The soaring cost of living is the leading motivator, with 30% of job seekers citing it as a major reason behind their career change. With inflation remaining stubbornly high, a growing number of employees – about 34% – say they need better pay just to stay afloat.
But the challenges don’t stop there. The study highlights a worrying trend: negotiating salary hikes is becoming tougher than ever, with three out of four employees (75%) admitting it’s now harder to secure a raise than it was a year ago. The glut of expatriate talent entering the UAE has given employers more hiring options, but it’s also causing salary stagnation and frustration among existing staff.
“If conditions improve, many of these workers won’t think twice before jumping ship – potentially leaving companies scrambling for talent,” warned the report.
Gareth El Mettouri, Middle East Director at Robert Half, noted that while the influx of expat workers has helped companies cut hiring costs, leaders must not overlook the emotional and financial toll on their existing teams.
“Employees are feeling stuck – unable to secure better pay in their current positions or elsewhere – and that’s eating away at job satisfaction and morale,” El Mettouri explained. “When the market tilts back in the job seeker’s favour, those feeling undervalued will be the first out the door.”
He also cautioned employers not to be lulled into complacency by the availability of new talent. “Hiring may seem easier now, but finding professionals with niche skills – especially Arabic speakers or those with UAE-specific experience – remains a real challenge. And while starting salaries may be dropping in some cases, competitive packages are still essential to attract top talent already based in the country,” he added.
