As the Middle East region accelerates towards a rapid economic transformation, the region’s HR leaders stand at the forefront of dizzying change. Ambitious national visions—such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Centennial Plan—are driving diversification, digitalisation and workforce localisation at a scale never seen before. Against this backdrop, HR is evolving from a support function to a strategic architect of business success, responsible for navigating complex regulatory landscapes, harnessing technology and building inclusive, future-ready organisations.

For HR and business leaders across the Middle East, understanding these profound shifts proactively is vital. As organisations and HR leaders traverse uncharted territories—from attracting global talent to integrating AI and complying with evolving regulations—the SHRPA State of HR Industry 2025 survey offers a unique opportunity to share your perspective and influence the trajectory of HR in the region. 

Contribute to the survey today and help design HR’s future roadmap in the Middle East. 

The Middle Eastern workforce: Diversity, dynamism and disruption

The Middle East’s rapid legislative evolution, particularly in the GCC, introduces significant regulatory complexity for HR. Governments are continually updating labour laws, visa regulations and compliance requirements to align with national visions and international best practices. Given that the region’s workforce is a unique blend of local talent and expatriates, with expatriates comprising up to 89% of the population in countries like the UAE, this diversity is both a strength and a challenge.

As governments push for workforce localisation—mandating that 10–30% of roles be filled by nationals—organisations must balance regulatory compliance with the realities of talent shortages, especially in high-growth sectors such as technology, renewable energy and financial services. These economic and labour realities of the region can result in 40% skills gaps in crucial areas like AI, cybersecurity and green energy, leading to loss of talent and prolonged hiring cycles, costing organisations upwards of $27,000 per violation. 

For HR leaders, the challenge is clear: build resilient talent pipelines, leverage overseas partnerships and future-proof the workforce, while simultaneously balancing nationalisation mandates and cultural expectations.

How is your organisation navigating nationalisation mandates? Share your strategies in the SHRPA State of HR Industry 2025 survey.

Embracing digital transformation and data-driven HR

In the Middle East, digital transformation is accelerating at a heightened pace, with governments and organisations investing heavily in technology to drive economic diversification. The World Economic Forum notes that the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have made significant strides in adopting digital technologies across sectors, from government services to healthcare and finance.

The digital revolution is also reshaping HR across the Middle East. Over 80% of businesses in the UAE now rely on HR software to manage payroll, benefits and performance tracking, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. Moreover, AI-driven talent analytics, automated recruitment and personalised learning platforms are enabling HR teams to make smarter, data-backed decisions.

Data-driven HR is no longer optional; it is the key to predicting turnover, identifying skill gaps and optimising talent management. Yet, many organisations still struggle with legacy systems and fragmented data, hindering their ability to adapt rapidly to market demands.

Is your HR team leveraging the power of people analytics? Contribute your insights to the SHRPA State of HR Industry 2025 survey.

The strategic evolution of HR in the Middle East: From operational to transformational 

As HR leaders lead this journey of transformation, collaboration and knowledge sharing become essential to guide the next generation of HR strategies. Your insights are vital for mapping the Middle East’s HR landscape and influencing the next wave of people-centric innovation. Participate in the SHRPA State of HR Industry 2025 survey to:

• Benchmark the Middle East’s HR and technology adoption and maturity against regional and global standards

• Share challenges, successes and priorities for 2025 and beyond

• Influence HR technology adoption and investment across the region

• Gain early access to actionable insights that can benefit your workplace

• Join a thriving community of dynamic leaders shaping the Middle East’s HR transformation

Take a few minutes to complete the SHRPA State of HR Industry 2025 survey today. Your responses will remain confidential and contribute to aggregate insights that benefit the entire HR community.

Together, let’s unlock the full potential of talent and technology and shape the next chapter of HR in the Middle East.