Employers in the UAE continue to prioritize interpersonal abilities above technical demands, with communication emerging as the most sought-after qualification across local job listings. Data compiled by the AI career platform SkillDrift shows that communication appears in 22.4 per cent of analyzed vacancies. SkillDrift counts 15 core AI terms that an employer names as a required skill.
The findings stem from an examination of 7,025 job postings in the UAE. Leadership and problem-solving followed as key priorities in 9.1 per cent of listings, while customer service was explicitly requested in 8.4 per cent of roles. Additional sought-after traits included organizational capabilities, time management, and teamwork. What really happened aboard flydubai FZ1073 during attempted terror attack. UAE investigation finds flydubai co-pilot tried to carry out terrorist act. Teamwork and time management, among others, the other major skills that UAE employers are seeking include organisational skills.
Deepanker Mahajan, founder and chief executive of SkillDrift, noted that employers still look first for candidates who can effectively manage customer relations, lead teams, and communicate clearly, with communication appearing in more than one out of every five postings. US withdraws all bomber planes from UK airbase used in Iran strikes: Pentagon. Yemen presidential council head announces military ops to retake territory from Houthis.
In contrast, artificial intelligence requirements appeared in just 0.4 per cent of the UAE postings, representing 28 listings. By comparison, AI is specified in 4.1 per cent of US listings tracked by the platform. SkillDrift noted that its regional index largely targets operations, sales, engineering, and hospitality sectors, meaning the AI figure reflects a baseline measure rather than total market share. According to iranian President, Country adopts new measures as economic pressure intensifies.
Language requirements also varied across the region. English was requested in 21.3 per cent of UAE postings, whereas Arabic appeared in 7.4 per cent of listings—roughly half the rates recorded in Saudi Arabia at 13.2 per cent and Qatar at 13.5 per cent.
Internship opportunities accounted for 3.7 per cent of UAE vacancies. Sharjah recorded the highest local share of internships at 6.4 per cent, while Abu Dhabi registered the lowest at 1.6 per cent.
When evaluating experience thresholds across the broader index, 14.1 per cent of listings requiring stated experience were open to applicants with one year or less in the field, while 35.4 per cent demanded five years or more.
Mahajan advised jobseekers to identify and bridge specific gaps between their resumes and desired roles. He emphasized that unlisted skills carry no weight in the hiring process, stating that any capability not displayed on a CV effectively does not count.
