A recent research has revealed that the UAE’s attractiveness as a preferred place to work among international professionals continues to rise and the country’s swift response to the COVID-19 outbreak has boosted the country’s reputation and ranking globally.
According to a study conducted by American management consulting firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and MENA’s leading job site Bayt.com, the UAE jumped six positions to become the 13th most preferred work destination in the world, based on responses from 209,000 people in 190 countries.
Dr. Christopher Daniel MD & Partner BCG Middle East
“The UAE’s status as being less impacted by the pandemic than other countries is a key factor behind its heightened appeal on the world stage, with several notable cities considered much less appealing compared to two years ago. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the latest success stories in the global city ranking, solidifying their improved positions on the back of the UAE proving to be a regional safe haven in a year of an unprecedented healthcare crisis.”
According to the statistics available on the Our World in Data website, the UAE is still second highest in the world in terms of cumulative COVID-19 doses administered per 100 people, after Israel.
The UAE government’s aggressive vaccination campaign boosted the country’s reputation as a safe and stable place to live and work.
The survey found that Dubai climbed from sixth place in 2018 to third place in 2020, with respondents citing revived Expo 2021 potential and the private sector’s fast restart and support amid the COVID-19 challenges as key motivators.
The government’s dedication to overhauling its structures, the proximity of people to leadership, high government spending, and a new economic growth policy helped Abu Dhabi’s rankings to rise from 51 in 2014 to 14 in 2018 and fifth last year.
Around 90 percent of those who took part in the survey in the UAE were expatriates with an average age of 38, which reflects the demographics of the country’s population.
“Given that the national workforce is heavily comprised of foreign workers, the country attracts a highly mobile workforce and 94 percent of UAE workers were also willing to work abroad in 2020 compared to 50 percent globally,” added Dr. Daniel.
Ola Haddad, Director of HR at Bayt.com said, “The job market has witnessed many changes over the past few months. The COVID-19 pandemic that is being battled across the globe has redefined major operations and processes, placing companies in every industry under pressure to make the transition to virtual workplaces. As such, the vast majority of professionals and businesses have adopted remote working, enabling them to remain competitive and ensure continuity.”
“Restrictive immigration policies have already weakened the mobility trend. COVID-19 is a new variable that is making people cautious about considering international relocation. And with the rise of remote working, many may feel that they can further their careers virtually, without needing to move at all,” commented Rainer Strack, Senior Partner at BCG.
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