BUSINESS

Saudi Arabian jobs advertised in the professional sector surge in Q4

January 29, 2018

DUBAI — Advertised roles in the Middle East increased by 2% Year-on-Year (Y-on-Y) overall. Saudi Arabia is seeing the highest increase in advertised jobs with +35% Y-on-Y with UAE still showing decrease in jobs advertised with -10% Y-on-Y.

The Middle East has seen an increase of 1.5% in advertised jobs from Q3 2017 and Q4 of 2017 according to Robert Walters Middle East job index results.

Year-on-Year in Saudi Arabia, accounting roles were flat but we saw significant increases for sales & marketing and legal positions.

Banking & Financial services roles were down Y-on-Y but up from Q3 by 20%. Overall Saudi advertised jobs are significantly up both Y-on-Y (35%) and Q3 vs Q4 (21%)

Overall, the index advertised positions for the job sectors Robert Walters covers in the UAE were down 11% Year-on-year and 7% down quarter-on-quarter. Accounting and Sales & Marketing roles were down both Y-on-Y and Q3 vs Q4. Banking roles were down Y-on-Y but for the second quarter in a row were up showing a positive trend for that market in the last six months.

Jason Grundy, Robert Walters country head – Middle East commented, “Despite 2017 being a challenging year, there is an expectation of growth for 2018 as we have seen overall positive numbers for the region in the last two quarters.”

“It is exciting to see the biggest economy in the region growing its job market off the back of weak data in 2017.

“The increase of 35% of advertised jobs year-on-year in Saudi indicates the market is moving in a positive direction as the Kingdom focuses on growth and its 2030 plans.

“Overall the data coming out of the index points to a market in transition with some areas of the professional market growing while others are stagnant. This is happening from both a sector and geography point of view, he added.

Robert Walters in its 2018 Salary Survey states that broadly salaries will remain flat, but modest increases are expected in Saudi Arabia with legal professionals enjoying the strongest salary growth at 3%, with finance specialists seeing a 2% increase.

Grundy said: “While employers remain conservative in their salary projections for 2018, we do expect an upside in salary increases in Saudi, thanks to an improving economic situation as a result of the resumption of government spending, stabilized oil prices, and the effects of economic transformation programs.”

Saudi Arabia saw stronger salary growth at 2% on average across all professional roles. Accountancy and finance professionals saw the strongest salary growth at 7% on average, while legal professionals increased by 5%.

“Nationalization programs across the region have accelerated creating an exciting array of opportunities for UAE and Saudi nationals, particularly those who have experience working overseas combined with an understanding of local business culture.”

The Robert Walters Job Index tracks advertising volumes across leading job boards, across accountancy and finance, banking and financial services, legal, sales, and marketing, across the Middle East. The Job Index was launched in Q1 2015. — SG


January 29, 2018
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