Fresh graduates face shrinking entry-level job opportunities in UAE

Fresh graduates entering the UAE labor market are finding fewer opportunities as employers increasingly prioritize practical experience, digital skills and immediate productivity over academic qualifications, according to a report by employment platform Indeed cited by Khaleej Times.

The trend is cutting the number of traditional roles that once allowed graduates to build experience from the ground up.

Why are entry-level jobs declining for UAE graduates?

Entry-level jobs are declining because AI and automation are replacing routine tasks once assigned to junior employees, while employers are reducing onboarding costs and demanding faster returns from new hires. Roles that traditionally served as starting points for graduates now require candidates to arrive with skills, portfolios and certifications already in hand.

The challenge extends beyond the UAE. In India, 70% of jobseekers said securing a first role has become harder than it was a few years years ago, with many citing growing expectations for prior experience even in positions marketed as entry-level.

How is AI changing what employers expect from new hires?

Nageeba Suleman, senior manager for People and Culture at Hotpack, said automation and AI are replacing tasks historically assigned to junior staff, including data processing, basic reporting and routine coordination. She said the UAE's rapid adoption of technology is raising the bar for candidates entering the workforce.

"A degree signals potential, but what they want is proof of performance," Suleman said. She added that internships, project portfolios, freelance work and certifications have become minimum requirements for many graduates. Graduate recruitment, she said, has effectively become early-career professional recruitment.

Aws Ismail, director at Marc Ellis Consulting and Training, said AI is also eliminating the lower-level tasks that once helped graduates develop on the job. "The research, first drafts, and basic admin tasks we used to assign to graduates are now done by AI in seconds, so employers need fewer people at that stage," he said.

What skills give graduates the best chance at landing a first job?

Ismail said graduates should focus on skills that AI cannot easily replicate. Candidates who understand AI tools, build proof of experience and develop strong communication skills will hold an advantage. Networking also remains an important factor in securing first jobs in the UAE, he said.

Nisha Nair, recruitment manager at Innovations Group, said automation is reducing traditional support roles and leading employers to create fewer positions structured around learning on the job. She said global economic uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions, inflation and recent conflict-linked instability, has prompted companies to scrutinize workforce costs more closely.

"Hiring has not stopped, but companies are placing greater emphasis on immediate productivity and measurable return on investment from new hires," Nair said.

Do entry-level jobs still exist in the UAE?

Entry-level jobs still exist in the UAE, but expectations have shifted considerably. Candidates with relevant project experience now tend to stand out more than those with stronger academic records alone, Nair said.

Employers increasingly value adaptability, problem-solving and a demonstrated willingness to learn quickly. AI literacy, data analysis, digital marketing, cybersecurity awareness, project coordination and communication skills are becoming important across most sectors, she added.