Latest news with #RamyLabaky
Khaleej Times
14-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: ‘It's peak hiring season this Ramadan'; roles with high demand revealed
Contrary to the common belief that recruitment slows down during Ramadan, hiring activity in the UAE remains strong. Many industries are rather seeing a surge in demand, making this period a valuable opportunity for job-seekers. A survey by revealed that 79.1 per cent of professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region use Ramadan to focus on their job search and professional growth. Despite shorter working hours, industries like FMCG, F&B, logistics, e-commerce, and healthcare are witnessing an increase in hiring as businesses prepare for enhanced consumer demand. Ramy Labaky, general director of highlighted that Ramadan becomes a dual nature for jobseekers, both challenging and opportunistic. 'Yes, things might slow down a bit, but companies are actively looking for talent,' he said. 'Patience and persistence are key. A personal connection during this time can make a lasting impact.' Other experts also agreed with Labaky and said recruiters are not only hiring in Ramadan but are also in a rush to finalise candidates before Eid al Fitr. Nicki Wilson, owner and managing director of Genie Recruitment, said: 'We are absolutely inundated with jobs this Ramadan. Since Ramadan and Eid fall within the peak hiring season, many companies are rushing to finalise hiring before the extended Eid break.' She added that the idea of hiring slowing down during Ramadan is a misconception. 'We have seen strong recruitment activity, especially in FMCG, F&B, and support roles, as businesses scale up for the season,' said Wilson. The survey also found that 69 per cent of professionals believe hiring actually increases during Ramadan, especially in customer service, supply chain management, and temporary roles. Many firms also use this time to finalise hiring strategies for post-Ramadan projects, making it a strategic period for both employers and job seekers. Networking over iftar Recruiters highlight that business iftars and suhoor gatherings provide excellent networking opportunities. These informal settings allow professionals to connect with industry leaders. 'Iftar and suhoor gatherings are great networking opportunities. People are more relaxed and open to conversations. A simple introduction at the right event can lead to unexpected career opportunities,' said Wilson. Pre-Eid rush vs post-Eid delays Experts said hiring trends during Ramadan vary. Some companies fast-track decisions to close positions before Eid, while others postpone hiring until after the holiday. When asked whether hiring speeds up or slows down, experts responded with a 'yes and no.' 'It depends on timing,' said Wilson. 'If you catch the right person at the right moment, urgency can actually speed up the process. We have seen quick placements happening because companies want to finalize hires before the break.' Follow-ups are important With reduced working hours, jobseekers must be strategic with follow-ups, experts advised. 'Follow up professionally, but don't overdo it. Hiring managers are balancing multiple tasks, so a well-timed, polite check-in is more effective than excessive follow-ups,' said Wilson. For jobseekers hesitant about applying during Ramadan, Wilson's advice is: 'Don't slow down your job search. Hiring is still happening.'
Gulf News
13-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
UAE jobs: Does hiring slow down during Ramadan? Here are industries that ramp up recruitment
Dubai: Is Ramadan a good time to change jobs? Contrary to popular belief, Ramadan presents a unique opportunity for job seekers looking to take their careers to the next level. According to recruiters, the Holy Month is when UAE professionals contemplate their career moves. Moreover, in some sectors, hiring is accelerated during this time. For those who approach it strategically, Ramadan can be the perfect time to reflect on their career goals and take actionable steps toward securing a job, has said. 'Ramadan is a time of reflection, spiritual growth, and resetting personal goals. For professionals, this can be the perfect opportunity to reassess career aspirations, refine job search strategies, and invest time in career development,' the search engine said. According to Bayt, nearly 80 per cent of professionals in the MENA region report using Ramadan to focus on their job search and professional growth. 'Despite the slowdown in regular work pace for many during this period, it gives professionals a window to revisit their CVs, upgrade skills, and explore fresh opportunities with a clearer mindset,' it said. One of the most common misconceptions about job hunting during Ramadan is that businesses stop hiring or that hiring activity slows down. 'While it's true that some industries may experience a temporary dip, several sectors ramp up hiring efforts during this time. Industries such as hospitality, retail, e-commerce, logistics, and health services often see an increase in recruitment to meet the demand that Ramadan brings,' said Bayt. Furthermore, many companies use this time to finalize recruitment strategies for post-Ramadan projects. Sixty-nine per cent of professionals from a previous survey believed that hiring activity increases during the holy month, particularly for positions related to customer service, supply chain management, and temporary roles. Ramadan could be a prime opportunity for job seekers in these sectors to find new career prospects. Despite the global challenges in job markets, the UAE's labour market remains robust, said Ramy Labaky, General Director of 'The country continues to attract talent across various sectors, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects, the growth of tech, finance, and healthcare industries, and the government's efforts to diversify the economy,' he said. Labaky added, 'Ramadan is a unique time for job seekers, offering challenges and opportunities. While it's true that things slow down a bit, it's also a period where companies are looking for additional talent. Patience and persistence go a long way, and job seekers should remember that a personal connection during this time can make a lasting impact.' Networking over Iftar is a game-changer Ramadan isn't just about searching for jobs online or sending out applications—it's about leveraging the unique networking opportunities the month provides. Business Iftars and corporate Suhoor gatherings present ideal informal yet valuable networking settings. Bayt said these events, which frequently occur during Ramadan, offer a relaxed atmosphere to connect with industry leaders, recruiters, and potential employers. 'Networking during Ramadan isn't just about exchanging business cards—it's about building genuine relationships in a setting that reflects the region's culture of collaboration and trust. These connections could become key to unlocking job opportunities in the future,' it said. Job seekers should begin by refining their CVs and online presence. Ensuring that their CV is up to date and tailored for the roles they are targeting is key to standing out. Patience and persistence are essential during this period, as response times may be slower due to reduced working hours. However, job seekers should continue applying for roles and following up when appropriate, as recruiters are still screening applications and setting up interviews. Networking also plays an important role during Ramadan, offering a more relaxed environment in which to engage with industry professionals. Whether through online platforms or in-person at Iftar events, this period offers valuable opportunities for meaningful connections that can lead to future job opportunities. Furthermore, demonstrating cultural awareness is a must in the UAE. Candidates who respect Ramadan's customs, such as being mindful of fasting hours, scheduling interviews at suitable times, and understanding the importance of the holy month, can differentiate themselves from others and leave a positive impression on employers. Sign up for the Daily Briefing Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
How a job site in the Middle East is driving growth and empowerment for millions of professionals in 2025
MENA: In 2024, increasing numbers of professionals and businesses across the Middle East and North Africa turned to the Middle East's leading job site. By embracing their needs, played a pivotal role by connecting over 53.3 million professionals with opportunities and helping businesses across the Middle East and North Africa navigate a rapidly evolving job market. With 17.4 million job applications submitted and over 4.6 million CV views recorded, cemented its position as the region's trusted partner for career advancement and recruitment success for 2025. Throughout the year, over 2.8 million job seekers joined adding their expertise to a dynamic and diverse talent pool, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates leading the region in engagement, recording 6.9 million and 5.8 million applications, respectively. With over 76.1 million visits, the platform has become an essential resource for professionals seeking connections, guidance, and career opportunities. Employers also found meaningful value on collectively viewing 4.6 million CVs as they searched for the right talent to meet their business needs. In 2024, led 51 events, engaging 23,700 job seekers and 4,500 employers. Highlights included 38 workshops tailored for job seekers, 20 university partnerships involving 4,000 students, and impactful initiatives like Emiratization programs that attracted 1,500 Emirati participants. For young professionals taking their first steps into the workforce, became a bridge between academia and industry. Through career fairs, training programs, research, and tools designed to support fresh graduates. The 2024 Fresh Graduates in MENA Survey, driven by the voices of recent graduates, revealed that 82% were satisfied with the quality of education they received, while 63% gained work experience during their studies to enhance their career readiness. Responding to their aspirations, connected these emerging talents with internships and entry-level opportunities through targeted career fairs and specialized training programs, helping them take the first steps toward fulfilling careers. Across the region, professionals and employers faced an evolving job market that demanded adaptability. Surveys conducted during the year by captured these changing dynamics. The 'Leadership Qualities' survey revealed that 85.4% of professionals emphasized emotional intelligence as a critical trait, while 82.5% pointed to adaptability. Similarly, studies highlighted the UAE's strong corporate culture, where 68% of employees felt pride in their organization's products and services, and 54% actively recommended their workplace. These insights reflect the needs of a workforce seeking supportive environments and opportunities for growth. Reflecting on the year, Ramy Labaky, General Director of remarked: 'In 2024, we reaffirmed our commitment to empowering the region's workforce. By connecting millions of professionals with opportunities and providing innovative tools, we're not just addressing the present needs of the job market but shaping its future. We're excited to continue this journey in 2025 which will be our Silver Jubilee year, focusing on inclusivity, innovation, and impact.' As the job market evolves, the need to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity has become increasingly important for millions of professionals navigating today's job market. In response, efforts are underway to introduce features that simplify the recruitment process and expand access to opportunities across emerging markets. -Ends- About is the leading job site in the Gulf and Middle East, connecting job seekers with employers looking to hire. Thousands of new job vacancies are listed on the award-winning platform from the region's top employers daily. Over 60,000 global employers use the portal and have a database of over 52 million professionals. Media Contacts Daniel Atallah Adel Al-Sharie adel@
