JEDDAH — Middle East advertised job vacancies for professionals rose by 5.5% quarter on quarter despite overall decrease of 36% year on year, Robert Walters Middle East Jobs Index – Q3 2017 report said.

The number of advertised job vacancies for professionals, across accountancy and finance, banking and financial services, legal, sales and marketing, in the UAE rose by 6% in the third quarter of 2017 compared to quarter two of 2017.

Jobs growth was strongest in legal (17%), with banking and financial services (14%) also seeing healthy growth.

Accounting and finance sectors saw decline in advertised jobs for professionals with a decrease of 5%.

The number of advertised job vacancies for professionals, across accountancy and finance, banking and financial services, legal, sales and marketing, in Saudi rose by 5% in the third quarter of 2017 compared to quarter two of 2017 despite overall decrease of 32% year-on-year.

The latest Robert Walters Middle East Jobs Index has revealed that vacancies for professionals across the Middle East increased by 5.5% between Q3 2017 and Q2 2017.

Jason Grundy, Country Head at Robert Walters – Middle East, said:

“Market conditions remain tough in the professional space across the Middle East. Nevertheless, we have seen a significant increase in roles post summer and we are optimistic that we will see a stronger Q4”

”It is positive to see growth in the senior professional market quarter on quarter. However this is from a low base after a particularly quiet summer across the Middle East.”

“The year on year is so acute because Q3 2016 was the high point in terms of jobs advertised in the recent short term cycle. Post summer the market has picked up significantly and we expect strong results in Q4 2017.”

“The Saudi job numbers have accelerated overall quicker than the UAE. We believe this is because of the recent announcements in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.”

“The UAE job postings have also increased and the expansion of the non-oil sector appears to be driving this trend.”

“Both the private practice and in-house markets were unexpectedly quiet over the summer. The bigger private practice firms, with a broad regional reach, have benefited from an up tick in deals and projects getting the green light or coming back online. Finance teams have also benefited from increased activity on projects.”

“Positive feel in the market at the moment and Q4 job numbers are expected to be the best for the year,” it added. — SG