A potential 'mass exodus' of tech talent from Europe is anticipated to enhance recruitment efforts at companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Eastern and southern Europe are set to become significant sources of IT talent for firms based in the UAE, particularly for roles involving data, infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
A study by workforce solutions and recruitment firm Hays reveals that Middle Eastern companies offer more than double the salaries for crucial IT positions compared to some European nations. Hays' study on the EMEA region's tech and IT talent market indicates that over a third of European tech professionals plan to leave their jobs this year, primarily due to low salaries.
'Tax-free salaries continue to make the UAE a highly attractive place to work,' said Eamonn Hart, senior manager – Technology at Hays Middle East. 'Firms can typically offer higher salaries here than in most European countries. With strong market conditions and organizations ramping up operations in the region, it presents many attractive career prospects for specialists looking to leverage their skills.'
Other factors driving European tech professionals to seek new opportunities include a lack of development opportunities, career progression, and long-term prospects, as well as roles not being challenging enough. 'Organizations in the UAE can satisfy tech professionals' thirst for AI and exciting projects,' Hart added. '82 per cent of all EMEA tech professionals desire AI training. IT specialists crave exciting work with the newest, most impactful technologies. Indeed, 40 per cent of all tech professionals in EMEA cited 'challenging roles or projects' as the biggest factor they look for in an organization after pay.'
The Tech Talent Explorer, which surveyed over 5,000 IT specialists across 20 EMEA countries, found that 22 per cent of techies in the Middle East expect a salary increase of 20 per cent or more this year, compared to less than 10 per cent in Europe. According to Hart, UAE-based companies will be recruiting for both the remainder of 2024 and well into 2025. 'With technology playing a critical role for businesses wanting to innovate, digitally transform, keep up with competition and market demand, technology professionals will be paramount. There is currently a key focus on AI positions with cybersecurity becoming increasingly more important,' he said.
The study also provides average salaries for key IT positions across the EMEA region, highlighting significant disparities between the Middle East and European countries. This data suggests that the second half of 2024 will be a crucial period for hiring from Europe, as many professionals will be open to new opportunities.
