This month, the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Future of Employment Report 2025, which sets out key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the global labour market, provides a roadmap for addressing the transition to the future of the labour market.

How does the employment landscape in the Middle East look in 2025?

The report analyses the global employment landscape, including trends in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), a region facing geo-economic shifts, technological adoption, and labour force adaptation. It covers topics ranging from technology's growing influence to the rise of the green economy.

A central theme emerging from the report is the region's increasing awareness of geo-economic fragmentation. With nearly half of MENA employers identifying this as a driving factor for business transformation, concerns over global trade and investment restrictions dominate discussions. The heightened anticipation of operational relocations compared to global averages underscores the need for strategic planning to mitigate disruptions.

Moreover, MENA’s emphasis on cultivating specific competencies mirrors global trends. Analytical thinking, resilience, and agility have emerged as top priorities for employers, reflecting the region's desire to build an adaptable and future-ready workforce. Yet, the report notes a comparative lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in MENA. For example, pay equity reviews are less common, with only 23 percent of companies planning to conduct them. Similarly, efforts to enhance inclusion among disadvantaged groups trail behind their global counterparts. This gap highlights an opportunity for businesses and policymakers to champion equitable practices, fostering a more inclusive work environment.

Identiying potential barries..

Organisational culture and resistance to change present significant barriers to transformation in MENA, with 46 percent of employers citing this as a major challenge. This surpasses the global average, emphasising the difficulty of aligning legacy systems with the rapid pace of technological and economic evolution. Nevertheless, a cautiously optimistic outlook prevails regarding talent availability, as businesses in the region recognise the need for robust skill-building frameworks.

One of the report's core insights is the critical importance of technology and transversal skills. Expertise in artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity is indispensable globally and regionally. Alongside these technical abilities, attributes such as creative problem-solving, flexibility, and leadership will differentiate successful professionals.

To remain competitive, the region must accelerate its investments in education and workforce development. Businesses, governments, and educational institutions must collaborate to establish retraining and upskilling initiatives that meet these demands.

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The global employment outlook

The Future of Jobs 2025 Report projects a net global employment growth of 14.1 million jobs between 2025 and 2030, driven primarily by advances in technology, digitalisation, and sustainability efforts. However, this optimistic outlook is tempered by the anticipated loss of 9.9 million positions, mainly in administrative and clerical roles. Automation and artificial intelligence are transforming these traditional jobs, emphasising the urgency of reskilling efforts.

Technology-related roles such as AI specialists, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals are expected to experience robust growth.

Similarly, the green transition will generate new opportunities in renewable energy, environmental protection, and sustainability-related fields. These trends underscore the dual forces shaping the future workforce: technological innovation and the urgent need to combat climate change.

The report also advocates for a multi-stakeholder approach. Governments, businesses, educators, and civil society must collaborate to create policies and programs that empower workers to thrive. In addition to promoting technical skills, stakeholders should emphasise inclusivity and ensure equitable access to opportunities.

Flexible working models, including hybrid and remote setups, are identified as crucial strategies for attracting and retaining talent.

Companies must also embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion to unlock the full potential of a global workforce. Policymakers, on the other hand, are encouraged to foster environments conducive to investment in skills and employment growth.

Takeaways:

• Net job growth: A net increase of 14.1 million jobs is projected globally from 2025 to 2030, largely driven by technological and green transitions.
• Technological roles in demand: AI specialists, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts are among the fastest-growing roles.
• Green transition opportunities: Sustainability-focused jobs, including renewable energy specialists, are expected to rise significantly.
• Decline in traditional roles: Administrative and clerical positions are anticipated to see substantial declines due to automation and AI advancements.
• Essential transversal skills: Skills such as analytical thinking, creativity, resilience, and leadership will remain critical across industries.
• Reskilling imperatives: Investment in reskilling and upskilling initiatives is essential to help workers adapt to new roles.
• Importance of collaboration: Multi-stakeholder collaboration among governments, businesses, educators, and civil society is vital to effectively navigate labour market transformations.
• Focus on inclusion: Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion remains a key recommendation for fostering a fair and dynamic workforce.

The Middle East’s nuanced labour market dynamics offer valuable lessons for global audiences. The region’s efforts to integrate technology, prioritise adaptability, and address cultural resistance highlight the importance of context-specific approaches. However, the lag in diversity initiatives and organisational transformation reminds us that progress requires sustained commitment and collaboration.