The newly released Naukrigulf Hiring Index indicates that hiring intent across the UAE, Qatar, and Oman softened during April and May 2026 compared to the same period last year. Regional tensions affected the overall hiring momentum across these Gulf markets, although sequential demand remained steady in several sectors.
Regional Trends in the Naukrigulf Hiring Index
The UAE recorded the largest pullback in recruitment activity, with hiring intent running 23% lower than the same period in 2025. Despite this broader market slowdown, technology-related hiring continued to outperform other sectors. Specifically, the IT and digital sector recorded the smallest decline among major industries, with technology roles decreasing by only 3% year-on-year.
Within the technology sector, demand for artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data-related roles remained the strongest. These specialized fields continue to attract consistent employer interest despite the wider economic headwinds affecting the region.
Sector Growth in Qatar and Oman
Qatar demonstrated relative stability during this period, with overall hiring intent easing by 10% year-on-year. The banking, financial services, and insurance sector grew by 28%, while real estate and construction expanded by 11%, and manufacturing and industrial roles rose by 9%. Meanwhile, technology, engineering, and finance functions remained flat.
In Oman, overall hiring intent dipped by 17% year-on-year, driven by declines in real estate, financial services, and technology. However, the manufacturing and industrial sector recorded a growth of 36%, and the retail, FMCG, and consumer sector expanded by 23%. The oil, gas, and energy sector remained stable, maintaining activity in the country’s core economic areas.
Executive Insights on Regional Recruitment
“The first edition of Naukrigulf Hiring Index shows that hiring intent is moving at different speeds across markets, sectors and functions. While overall activity softened compared to last year, several segments continued to attract employer demand.”
Sharad Sindhwani, EVP & Business Head at Naukrigulf
Sindhwani stated that technology roles held up better than the broader market in the UAE, while Qatar recorded growth across financial services, construction, and manufacturing. He added that Oman continued to see strength in industrial and consumer-facing sectors.
Methodology of the Employment Tracker
The Naukrigulf Hiring Index tracks more than 220,000 hiring mandates annually across more than 7,000 employers in the UAE, Qatar, and Oman. It measures hiring intent through outbound activity, such as new job postings and applicant reviews, as well as inbound activity, including database searches. The index is calculated monthly from January 2024, with findings published quarterly.
