UAE and Saudi Arabia to Create Over 1.5 Million Jobs in 5 Years – A Major Opportunity for Indian Workers

Riyadh/Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are expected to generate nearly 3 lakh new jobs annually over the next five years, according to a recent research study. By 2030, both countries could see a demand for over 1.5 million additional workers, presenting a significant opportunity for Indian professionals.

Despite the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Global Workforce Study indicates that human labor demand in the Gulf region will not decline. On the contrary, robust economic growth, large-scale development projects, and expanding public and private service sectors are expected to drive the need for skilled workers.

Saudi Arabia’s Workforce Demand
Saudi Arabia’s labor requirements are growing rapidly under Crown Prince’s Vision 2030 initiatives, which include major investments in construction, infrastructure, tourism, manufacturing, logistics, and new economic zones. The study estimates that Saudi Arabia will require approximately 650,000 additional workers to support its expansion plans, even with increased productivity through AI and automation.

Rising Opportunities in the UAE
The UAE is also expected to see a sharp increase in workforce demand, with the total labor market projected to grow by 12.1% by 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing labor markets among the studied countries. In comparison, workforce growth in the US and UK is estimated at only 2.1% and 2.8%, respectively. Saudi Arabia’s labor market is projected to grow by 11.6% in the same period.

Why This is Good News for Indian Workers
The study highlights increased demand in sectors such as manufacturing, education, retail, healthcare, financial services, and technology, which are areas where Indian workers have traditionally been competitive. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to continue relying heavily on foreign talent, making Indian professionals highly sought after in the coming years.

With large-scale job creation on the horizon, Indian workers are well-positioned to benefit from the growing employment opportunities in the Gulf.