In the next six years, Dubai will put on the Middle East’s very first Expo 2020. As we join the world in looking to what the emirate will showcase, the mechanics backstage will see industries scramble to recruit skilled workers for Expo 2020 projects.
Recent predictions estimate the Expo 2020 is expected to create over 200,000 jobs over the next few years. With the increase in jobs, the Expo will add at least 1.5 per cent to Dubai’s GDP growth over the next six years. Our research tells us that the new jobs, of which a number will require short- to medium-term project-based work, will create a need for outsourced solutions.
Outsourcing solutions will become the trend over the next six years, and will prove to be a far more viable option than the alternative.
As industries such as construction, infrastructure, real estate, hospitality, travel and tourism gear up, they will look at investing in outsourcing solutions that are cost-effective and efficient.
Research indicates a large proportion of positions will be for white-collar professional roles. There will be an influx of specialised projects requiring specialised skills and leading to a demand in professionals and also forcing companies to seek short- to medium-term workforce for this period.
A quick and easy solution for these companies is to outsource all recruitment needs. The trend will lead large and small organisations to seek our recruitment services that offer outsourcing solutions across the UAE, including within the mainland and the free zones.
The prospect of short-term employment is the solution for those who are looking to be hired on a project basis, especially for the Expo 2020, a defining moment. It’s a solution for both employers and employees; they have the choice of parting ways quickly if things don’t work out. And if content with the work, it can lead to better opportunities.
While there are a number of locally-managed outsourcing companies, the limitations are for mainland only and do not cover free zone operations and can cause legal issues. The UAE offers a number of complexities within the outsourcing space.
It is essential that recruitment companies offer a compliant solution to clients, and always operate within the framework of the labour law.
— The writer is managing director at ManpowerGroup Thailand, Vietnam and Middle East.
