Dubai executives worry about talent deficit

Dubai executives worry about talent deficit

Executives in Dubai, particularly in the finance sector, are positive about the year ahead but worries about finding the talent to fill the demand continue to grow...

August 30, 2012 12:50 by M. Aldalou

Despite growing concerns of the Euro zone crisis that many multi-national corporations continue to stomach, confidence in Dubai’s recruitment growth is soaring, according to International recruiter Robert Half. Seeping through the results of this international survey, one is pleased to read that confidence levels among financial executives in Dubai are certainly taking an upward trend. On the other hand, the city continues to lack adequate supply of talent to meet this demand and Kipp reckons that until that curve is fixed, the question of demand is moot.

In fact, the results of the survey come with a fluctuation of mixed messages. On one end the level of optimism among financial executives and recruiters is increasing, but whether this optimism is measured by statistical forecasts is unknown. A real statistic however is the 91 percent of Dubai executives who complain about the challenges of finding adequate talent to meet the openings they claim to be ready to create.

“Unfortunately demand outweighs supply and CFOs are reporting difficulties in sourcing the talent they require, particularly in the finance and compliance functions,” says James Sayer, associate director at Robert Half UAE.

Nevertheless, over fifty percent of those questioned confidently said that they are planning to hire full time employees before the end of this year, or at the start of the next. Considering that Dubai has made an internationally recognized business image for itself, finding the talent to fit the supply gaps shouldn’t be too difficult, should it?

“Confidence levels are high amongst executives who are looking for highly strategic and commercially-focused professionals to help leverage business growth opportunities. Workloads persist and additional M&A activity is resulting in increased demand for skilled finance professionals,” Sayer added.

All in all, brushing aside negative forecasts of a supply deficit, most executives and questioned recruiters paint a happier picture, particularly for the year ahead. Do you feel that 2013 will bring a brighter business year for Dubai and the Middle East?