In-Demand Skills for 2020 in the Middle East

Having operated as recruitment industry leaders for over 14 years in the Middle East, we at Michael Page are at the coalface of employment and have unrivalled knowledge of the skills landscape. It has never been more important to understand which skills, both soft and technical, are the most sought-after across your sector, and the wider market.

Digital

UX Design

Creating a unique user experience that is easy to follow and satisfying for your customers is the key to repeat business and a happy client. Not only should you look for skills in UX development but combining this with integrated design and digital skills will mean that you have a professional that can take your processes to the next level. Consistency in your user experience and brand representation in this space will keep up conversion rates and encourage completions.

Data Analytics

The world is moving to become fully digitised. This means that businesses need to change their approach to data and what they do with the information they are capturing from their clients and staff members. Data analytics is becoming more and more of a commonplace in the digital industry. Factual information helps you understand your market and your prospects which in turn would help you with decision making.

Engineering & Manufacturing

Leadership and communication skills  

The ability to lead a workforce/project and to be able to communicate it well to its employees is crucial for line managers & business leaders in the Engineering and Manufacturing Sector; how do you effectively manage a workforce whilst capitalising on the culture it creates to drive towards commercial objectives? Strong and adaptable leaders know how to develop individuals and implement strategies that can evolve with the pace of technological, societal, and business change.

Critical thinking and problem solving 

Every business will face challenges, therefore the ability to problem solve has become a highly sought-after skill. A new solution to a growing problem normally requires lateral thinking, as well as an innovative approach to challenging scenarios. For that reason, critical thinking and problem-solving have become a key skill at all levels of seniority. However, adept problem solvers will need other skills too, such as emotional intelligence, research skills, and risk management proficiency. They will need to know when to solve a problem intuitively and this will cement their valuable position in the market making them indispensable.

Property & Construction

Asset Management

The asset management industry in the GCC is set for steady growth over the next decade, supported by the region's diversification away from oil and encouragement of foreign investment. To help plan for the challenges of 2020 and beyond, it is important that businesses are not overvaluing sites that are at risk of potentially negative market impacts.

Technology

Cyber security

In the past decade, business and process in the Gulf region has become digitalized or are in the process of becoming one. However, through increased digitization, comes increased cyber hackers and therefore the increased trend of cyber security. Cyber-attacks in the Gulf has been happening since the past decade and experts now predict that events such as Expo 2020 and the Qatar World Cup 2022 will only increase the risk of such attacks. Therefore, businesses in the Gulf are now on a constant lookout for Cyber security professionals.

Procurement & Supply Chain

Lean Six Sigma certification  

Lean Six Sigma is a management approach which is highly beneficial in the procurement & supply chain industry. Getting a green and black certification is preferred over the others. Lean improves your speed, efficiency and helps you become a master of eliminating waste out of a process whereas six sigma focuses on elimination of errors and effectiveness. When both are combined and implemented, it can be a powerful management tool that can improve an organisations performance, by providing a structured approach to resolving problems.  

Retail

Omni-channel retail experience

With the upcoming Expo 2020 in Dubai, the retail sector across Middle East is expected to increase tremendously in the next 5 years. Officials at the 2019 Middle East Forum spoke about the evolution of omnichannel retail and how it is creating a smart, experiential and differentiated shopping experience. With major international brands such as Virgin Atlantic, Disney now using omni-channel retail to provide customers a seamless experience, brands in the GCC such as Namshi, Noon and Amazon started following as well. Therefore, individuals with experience in omni-channel retail are highly appreciated in the retail industry.

Whether you are a candidate looking for a new role or a client hiring talent, our specialist teams across the Middle East are available to help you take your next step.  For more trending skills per sector and salary benchmarks, download our 2021 Salary Guide & Hiring Insights. You can also access our job market surveys here.  

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