Gulf Region Report June 2011

It's not just the weather that is warming up in the Middle East, so is the HR recruitment market. Buoyed by the current positive sentiment and a growing sense of optimism over the recovery of key market sectors in the region the outlook for HR professionals has improved. Many of the big players in the Consulting and Professional Services arena, often a good barometer of market conditions due to their restructuring and M&A work, have outlined ambitious regional growth plans. Record profits recently reported from major employers such as Emirates Airlines and the successful debt restructuring of Dubai World also send out positive vibes but the recent regional unrest and continued tough global trading conditions should not be underestimated. Political stability is of paramount importance to any investors and the UAE could actually benefit within the region with Bahrain most likely to suffer in the short and medium term.

We are a long way from the days of reckless recruitment activity aimed purely at growing an organisation. Clients have rightly become more demanding, highlighting pre requisite skills that are required, using longer more detailed interview processes involving multiple stakeholders and there is a greater use of psychometric tools to establish the right cultural fit. Interestingly, there seems to be a greater appetite for contract and interim professionals, a less developed market than elsewhere in the world primarily due to visa issues and perhaps perceived loyalty issues by local organisations.

In reality, HR as a function in the region has come a long way in a relatively short period of time but the depth of employment legislation falls short of more developed markets. As a result the need for HR professionals that can put a commercial business case forward for adopting global best practice and navigate through established hierarchies and corporate bureaucracy are welcomed by local and international businesses alike. The global brand name above the door at an organisation here does not always equate to having the developed HR offering one might expect!

Simon Stephens, Manager, Frazer Jones, Dubai Office
E: simonstephens@frazerjones.com
T: +9714 448 7770

"Record profits recently reported from major employers such as Emirates Airlines."

"Clients have rightly become more demanding and highlighting pre requisite skills that are required."