When to apply for a job in the UAE: Expert insights revealed

Dubai: Timing can make all the difference when landing your dream job in the UAE. Timing your job search strategically can significantly increase your chances of success. In the UAE, certain months witness a surge in recruitment activity, while others may see a slight dip.

To help you navigate the UAE job market, Gulf News spoke with recruitment experts to identify the best months to apply for a job and highlight periods when hiring tends to slow down. Whether you are actively searching or planning, this insight could give you the edge in securing your next role.

The UAE's job market is dynamic, with hiring activity peaking during specific months. Nicki Wilson, executive director at Genie Recruitment, a Dubai-based recruitment firm, shed light on the optimal times for job seekers to apply for roles in the region:

• January - The start of the new year is key for job seekers. Companies gear up for Q1 goals (which are from January to March), new projects are launched, and budgets for fresh hires are activated. The overlap of activity from December often falls into January, too.

• Pre-summer (May-June): There is often a flurry of hiring activity just before summer as companies try to fill key roles before decision-makers leave for vacations. However, some roles may be deferred to September.

• September - This is traditionally one of the busiest months for hiring, particularly in industries like food and beverage (F&B) and retail. Many decision-makers return from summer vacations, ready to finalise roles that were put on hold or delayed during the quieter months.

• December - Contrary to what some might expect, December is consistently a busy hiring period in the UAE. Factors like great weather, booming tourism, and companies closing out their budgets for the year often lead to increased hiring activity. Specific industries like event management, F&B and tourism see a spike in December.

While these periods offer heightened opportunities, it is crucial to remember that hiring activity continues throughout the year.

“The UAE's thriving economy ensures consistent employment opportunities across all quarters," Wilson emphasised. "Our data reveals that quarterly hiring revenue tends to be evenly distributed, indicating steady activity regardless of the month.”

Nevin Lewis, CEO and principal consultant at Black & Grey HR, a Dubai-based talent acquisition company, corroborated these findings, observing that January-February and September-November typically witness the most active hiring periods across the UAE.

“Budgets are refreshed in January, and the months leading up to year-end see a push to meet strategic hiring targets. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where multinational companies and government projects dominate, hiring during these months is particularly robust. Sharjah and the Northern Emirates may have less predictable cycles but often follow similar trends in sectors like education and healthcare,” he said.

According to Lewis, these are the periods of reduced activity for companies looking for new hires:

• Summer (June-August) - Recruitment activity generally slows down during the summer months, particularly in sectors like hospitality and retail, as many expatriates travel and decision-makers take leave.

• Ramadan - In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ramadan often brings a temporary pause to hiring activity, particularly within government entities. Decisions typically resume following Eid.

• December (late stage) - While December sees increased hiring, the year-end period may witness a slight slowdown as businesses finalise their fiscal year and decision-makers take holidays. However, this period is crucial for planning for the upcoming January hiring surge.

Certain industries maintain steady hiring demand, including healthcare, logistics, and education.

“Industries like healthcare, logistics, and education maintain consistent demand across the Emirates. For example, Dubai and Abu Dhabi see ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, while logistics hubs like Jebel Ali Free Zone drive year-round hiring,” he said.

He explained that seasonal hiring extends beyond the hospitality sector during peak tourist seasons.

“In Dubai, hospitality and retail ramp up recruitment before major events or tourist seasons. Abu Dhabi’s construction and oil and gas sectors are heavily project-driven, often tied to government initiatives. Meanwhile, the Northern Emirates, particularly Sharjah, show seasonal spikes in education hiring aligned with the academic calendar,” Lewis said.

If you plan to search for a job in 2025, it is essential to update your job-seeking skills and adopt a proactive, strategic approach, advised Nicki Wilson. “Connect with industry-specific recruiters year-round, as they often have insider knowledge and influence over hiring decisions,” she said.

“Remember, while timing plays a role, persistence, networking, and a targeted approach are key to standing out in the competitive UAE job market. Plus the tips only really work if you are strategic and passively looking,” Wilson highlighted. Here are her recommendations to gain an edge:

1. Plan strategically - Use quieter periods, like Christmas holidays or weekends, to map out your 2025 career goals.

2. Create a list - Identify 30 companies you want to work for and research their hiring managers or decision-makers.

3. Network proactively - Start connecting with these individuals in January and February. Attend industry-specific networking events by March to build your presence and ensure you become visible on LinkedIn, connecting with people in your industry and adding value with posts and comments.

4. Follow up - Consistently follow up with your contacts throughout the spring and summer to stay top of mind and by September you never know!

5. Be ready for the busy season - By the time September arrives, you will have built a strong network, positioned yourself strategically, and maximized your opportunities to land the right role.