UAE jobs: Which industries ramp up hiring in September

Dubai: September marks a shift in the UAE jobs market as companies return to full operational mode, revisit vacancies put on hold during the summer and prepare their teams for the final quarter of the year.

For jobseekers, that can mean more opportunities, but recruiters say simply being available will not necessarily be enough to secure one.

Companies have been increasingly looking for candidates who can demonstrate the value they can bring to the business, whether that means improving efficiency, increasing revenue, strengthening customer experience, or helping an organisation adapt to new technology.

Hospitality is one of the sectors where the return of hiring has been expected to be particularly noticeable.

Sean Delfin, cluster talent acquisition executive for hotel properties, has noted that September is when hiring in the hospitality sector “switches back on” after the summer slowdown.

Hotels begin preparing for the final quarter as they anticipate rising occupancy, more tourists, and increased events activity.

“Hotels typically focus on strengthening guest‑facing operational roles, including front office, concierge, F&B service, and housekeeping,” Delfin told Gulf News.

He has bared that the recruitment process becomes more urgent in September as hotels across the UAE compete for the same pool of qualified talent.

“Hotels prioritise talent with fast onboarding readiness, and prior UAE or GCC experience, enabling them to perform with minimal training or supervision.”

For candidates, strong customer service skills, knowledge of hotel systems, and bilingual or multilingual communication can therefore be valuable.

Technology has been another area where recruiters expect demand, but the skills required are no longer limited to traditional technology positions.

J Formanes, managing partner-principal consultant at People Bureau International, has highlighted that companies have been looking beyond the skills needed immediately and considering the capabilities they will require in the future.

"Recruitment activities will increase but will be more demanding in terms of talent search criteria, capabilities, and transferrable skills due to rapid automation and need for transformation," revealed Formanes.

He has identified technology, data and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as cyber security, among areas where demand is expected.

According to Katrina Cariño, HR manager for food services industry, financial services are also among the sectors expected to see stronger hiring activity.

Similarly, Formanes has mentioned finance and fintech as areas where demand is seen to continue. His outlook has pointed to a broader change in the types of skills employers are seeking as jobs evolve.

For candidates, having functional expertise remains important, but recruiters have been looking for people who can combine that expertise with capabilities that support transformation and changing business requirements.

Moreover, healthcare has been another sector identified by recruiters as an area of demand.

"We see roles in healthcare like nurses, specialists, carers or support roles, engineering, real estate, project management, business development managers, and digital marketing managers," shared Formanes.

He added, "We foresee that the question of hiring would not just include the skills of staff needed now, since jobs are simultaneously changing by design, but the capabilities that shall be needed in the future."

For logistics and supply chain professionals, the final quarter could also bring opportunities.

Cariño has underscored stronger hiring activity in logistics and supply chain, as well as retail, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and food service.

"In sectors like FMCG, food service, and distribution, the final quarter is particularly important because of increased business activity and seasonal demand. Hiring tends to focus on sales, operations, supply chain, finance, technology, and specialist roles that directly support business growth and efficiency," explained Cariño.

Additionally, real estate and property management have been among the areas where there is demand.

"Real estate and property management, construction, events and exhibitions, hospitality and tourism, will also increase in business activities during this period although it will not be as much as it was the previous years," stated Formanes.

The nature of the jobs being sought has been changing as businesses respond to automation, productivity requirements, and global positioning.

Across the different industries, recruiters have seen that companies are becoming more selective. Cariño has stressed that employers are not simply looking to add headcount.

“They want people who can demonstrate that they can contribute to revenue, efficiency, customer experience, or operational improvement,” exclaimed Cariño.

She has emphasised that employers are looking for a combination of functional expertise, business skills, and digital skills.

“Communication, adaptability, problem-solving, stakeholder management, commercial awareness, and the ability to work across cultures remain critical, particularly in the UAE's highly diverse workforce.”

For jobseekers hoping to benefit from increased September activity, recruiters say the way experience is presented can make a difference.

Cariño has urged candidates not to simply list their responsibilities. Instead, they should demonstrate their impact.

That could include revenue generated, costs reduced, teams built, processes improved, targets exceeded, or projects delivered.

Her advice is to be intentional about the job search, understand the role, research the company, and tailor the application.

“In a competitive market, a candidate who can clearly articulate ‘this is the problem I can solve for your business’ will always stand out,” said Cariño.

For hospitality applicants, Delfin has noted that preparation and communication are particularly important.

Candidates should be authentic and allow their personality to come through during an interview. He has also encouraged candidates to listen carefully and communicate their thoughts clearly.

“Perfect English isn’t required, but expressing your thoughts confidently and coherently is essential,” remarked Delfin.

Candidates should research the company, understand its brand, and arrive at the interview with clarity about their professional goals. This helps an interviewer understand the candidate's direction and how the company may support their career path.

For jobseekers, the return from the summer period could create a fresh window of opportunity across several UAE industries.

Hospitality is preparing for increased guest demand. Technology and AI remain important as businesses automate and transform. Finance and fintech continue to evolve, while healthcare, logistics, supply chain, real estate, engineering, and other sectors are also expected to seek talent.

Employers want candidates who understand their business, can demonstrate measurable results, and have the skills to adapt as jobs change.

And for anyone preparing to apply, recruiters say that candidates should not just look for the industries that are hiring. Rather, look at the problems those industries need people to solve and show that you can solve them.