These Two UAE Cities Emerge As Preferred Work Destinations Globally: BCG Study Insights
A recent report titled "Decoding Global Talent 2024" by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), in collaboration with The Network and The Stepstone Group, sheds light on the UAE's position in the global talent landscape. The study, which is part of a BCG series that has been tracking talent trends since 2014, gathered the views of over 150,000 professionals from 188 countries.
The report reveals that the UAE has made significant progress in terms of attractiveness and now ranks 14th globally. It also highlights that Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the respondents' 3rd and 4th most preferred cities, respectively. When asked about the main reason for being drawn to the UAE, an impressive 73% of respondents cited the quality of job opportunities. Other factors that contribute to the UAE's appeal include income, tax, and cost of living considerations, which ranked at 62%, and the quality of life at 61%. These factors collectively position the UAE as a top destination for professionals seeking career growth. Moreover, the UAE's new visa schemes, introduced in April 2022, have expanded opportunities in sectors such as private equity, venture capital, and AI, further enhancing its appeal to global talent.
Maya El Hachem, Managing Director and Partner, UAE BCG Office Lead, highlighted the UAE's reputation as a fertile ground for career growth, stating that the country is setting the pace in the global talent marketplace. The strategic positioning of the Emirates, along with its safety and progressive outlook, makes it an attractive destination for ambitious professionals. The combination of exceptional job quality, competitive incomes, and a enriching lifestyle further solidifies the UAE's reputation as a beacon for global talent. The UAE's advancement in global ranks reflects its commitment to diversity and opportunity.
The report also delves into the trends and dynamics of international relocation for career advancement. Despite fluctuating global circumstances, the appeal of working abroad remains strong. In the UAE, the willingness to move abroad for work has increased from 55% in 2018 to 73% in 2023. However, the percentage of those actively seeking opportunities abroad has remained consistent at around 21-23%.
In terms of sector-specific dynamics, the report reveals that the UAE's workforce has shown a significant willingness to work abroad across various job titles. Engineering and technical roles have the highest willingness for mobility at 91%, followed by health and medicine at 82%, financial services at 73%, and marketing and sales at 63%.Financial motivations were found to be the most common reason for relocation among 67% of respondents in the UAE. Career considerations and a better overall quality of life were also important factors, with 53% and 56% of respondents citing them, respectively. Other reasons for relocation included having a concrete job offer, seeking personal growth and cultural experience, wanting more exciting or challenging work, better educational or training opportunities, a better social system and healthcare, political stability, a more inclusive society, environmental factors, and reuniting with family and friends.
Interestingly, the report reveals that 49% of UAE respondents prefer long-term international assignments for work, which is significantly higher than the global average of 29%. This reflects the growing international outlook of the UAE's workforce. The expectations for employment support among UAE workers align closely with global trends. Housing is a priority for 72% of UAE respondents, slightly lower than the global rate of 79%. Visa assistance is valued by 86% of UAE respondents, slightly above the global rate of 78%. Other expectations include relocation support, language support and training, and legal financial advice.
The report also highlights the increasing popularity of remote work both within the UAE and globally. From 2020 to 2023, the willingness to engage in remote work has increased in the UAE from 50% to 56%, and worldwide from 57% to 66%. This shift towards more flexible working arrangements is reflected in the growing interest in offshore opportunities from the UAE.
Dr. Leila Hoteit, Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG, Global lead for Education, Employment and Welfare, emphasized that global talent mobility is at a critical juncture and that understanding the evolving preferences and emerging opportunities is crucial for stakeholders to navigate the future of work. By harnessing the full potential of global talent mobility, mutual growth and development can be achieved.
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