Despite tumultuous times in the Middle East and North Africa region, job prospects are at their best in at least six months, the results of one new measure show.
Job demand among regional employers was up 4 per cent last month compared with February, and has risen 29 per cent over the past six months, according to an index by the job-search company Monster Gulf.
The data is based on a real-time review of millions of job postings culled from online employment boards and corporate career websites. The data also highlight industries in the UAE with the strongest and weakest growth.
For job seekers looking to capitalise on the demand for their services, a competing website, Bayt.com, is hosting a "virtual job fair" starting on Thursday. The site features 3D booths for employers, which include information about particular companies and a CV drop for specific positions advertised online.
Users can also interact with potential employers online through text-based or video chat.
Students can seek opportunities at more traditional events such as the Al Ain Education and Career Fair, which runs for three days starting next Monday.
Jobs will be targeted at graduates and young Emiratis, whose unemployment level runs at 23 per cent, according to fair organisers.
While students will find companies such as Etihad Airways, Etisalat and du offering career opportunities, they might get a head start on their competition by hitting the web in advance.
Ershaad.ae, an online job portal dedicated to UAE nationals, lists more than a dozen jobs in the oil and petroleum sector - from a procurement analyst to those who can analyse contracts or provide legal assistance.
With the price of oil trading at about US$125 a barrel, employment demand in the oil and gas sector is among the highest increases in the Emirates over the past six months, according to Monster Gulf.
Postings for engineering and production specialists have grown 23 per cent in the same period. Data also show rising demand for marketing and communications professionals, which is up 15 per cent.
"From a job seeker's perspective, [this information] gives you an idea of how employment activity is moving across industry sectors, functions as well as a particular geography you may be interested in," says Sanjay Modi, the managing director for Monster in the Middle East, South East Asia and India.
"Hence, I can prepare myself to capitalise in case the market is improving [and] be sure there will be opportunities for me."
The index also shows fields with the lowest growth opportunities in the Emirates. Occupations involving health care are down 19 per cent over the past six months, while those in software, hardware and telecommunications have declined 20 per cent.
Professionals in the fields of finance and accounting may experience the toughest time finding a new job, as postings for these positions are down 22 per cent.
nparmar@thenational.ae
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
The specs
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder
Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT
On sale: now
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FLIP5
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
Expert input
If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?
“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett
“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche
“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox
“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite
“I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy
“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Sri Lanka Test squad:
Dimuth Karunaratne (stand-in captain), Niroshan Dickwella (vice captain), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Milinda Siriwardana, Dhananjaya de Silva, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Mohamed Shiraz, Lakshan Sandakan and Lasith Embuldeniya.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
