UAE to create thousands of jobs as it aims to draw Dh128 billion in FDI; key hiring sectors unveiled

Vijay Valecha, Khaleej Times, March 12, 2025

UAE’s aim to attract Dh128 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) over the next 6 years will create thousands of jobs across various sectors, especially manufacturing, technology, hospitality, retail, finance, healthcare, logistics, and renewable energy.

Analysts see roles of AI, cybersecurity, software development and analysts in cloud computing; researchers and engineering in renewable energy; wealth managers and credit risk analysts; skilled supply chain and warehousing workers; and experts in 3D printing, automation will be in high demand as a result of fresh FDI flows over the next 6 years.

On Monday, the UAE Cabinet approved the National Investment Strategy to more than double its annual foreign investment inflows over the next six years from Dh112 billion in 2023 to Dh240 billion by 2031.

Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer, Century Financial, said FDI projects, especially in sectors like technology and manufacturing, lead to the establishment of new businesses in a country. “Such a move would directly create newer job opportunities in these establishments. Secondly, these would result in indirect job creation. For instance, increased manufacturing activity would also increase activity in the infrastructure and construction industries, and such a move would induce job opportunities here as well.”

He said the National Investment Strategy 2031 aims to develop key sectors like industry, transport and logistics, financial services, renewable energy and water, telecommunications and information technology.

“It would be safe to assume that these sectors could see the maximum job creation as a result of new FDI inflows. It should be noted that the Cabinet also reviewed the progress of the National Digital Economy Strategy 2031, which was launched to raise the digital economy’s contribution to GDP from 9.7 per cent to 19.4 per cent, indicating that focus on job creation might be given to the sector,” he added.

Diversification of non-oil economy

Valecha said the increased FDI inflows can also encourage entrepreneurship and boost existing business activity, directly leading to not only a reduction in unemployment but also attracting a skilled workforce from across the world.

Source

Khaleej Times