High engagement and low stress position Gulf workplaces as global standouts

A new global study by Gallup highlights a resilient and optimistic workforce across the Gulf, with countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Kuwait outperforming regional and global benchmarks in employee engagement and well-being.

According to the State of the Global Workplace: 2026 Report, employees across the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), are more engaged, thriving, and optimistic about job opportunities compared to their counterparts worldwide. 

Saudi Arabia leads in workforce optimism

In Saudi Arabia, 26% of employees reported being engaged at work, significantly higher than the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regional average of 14% and the global average of 20%. The figure remains unchanged from the prior three-year rolling average, indicating stability in workplace engagement.

Employee well-being in the Kingdom also stood out, with 51% of workers describing themselves as thriving in their overall lives, well above the regional average of 26% and the global benchmark of 34%. Notably, only 28% of employees reported experiencing high levels of daily stress, far lower than the regional average of 48% and the global average of 40%.

Saudi Arabia also recorded lower levels of negative emotions, including anger (20%), sadness (18%), and loneliness (20%). 

Meanwhile, job market confidence remained exceptionally strong, with 77% of employees stating it is a good time to find a job, more than double the regional average of 36%.

UAE emerges as a regional benchmark

The United Arab Emirates reported the highest engagement rate among the countries studied, with 27% of employees engaged at work. This marks a one-percentage-point increase from the previous rolling average and places the UAE well above global and regional levels.

Employee well-being also improved, with 55% of workers thriving, the highest among the surveyed Gulf nations. While 33% reported experiencing daily stress, this remained significantly below regional and global averages. 

Additionally, 76% of employees expressed confidence in the job market, reflecting sustained economic momentum and employment opportunities.

Oman records lowest workplace stress

In Oman, employee engagement stood at 27%, surpassing both regional and global averages. The country reported the lowest stress levels among the surveyed nations, with just 22% of employees experiencing daily stress.

Half of Omani employees (52%) said they were thriving in their lives, while only 15% reported feelings of anger or sadness. 

However, job market optimism was comparatively moderate, with 51% believing it is a good time to find employment, closer to the global average.

Kuwait shows gains amid rising emotional strain

In Kuwait, employee engagement rose to 22%, marking a four-point increase from the prior rolling average. Half of the workforce reported thriving, underscoring improvements in overall well-being.

However, emotional indicators revealed mixed trends. Daily stress rose to 38%, while sadness and anger each stood at 19%. 

Loneliness emerged as a concern, affecting 34% of employees, well above both regional and global averages. Despite these challenges, 69% of workers expressed confidence in the job market, although this represented a decline from previous years.

A resilient workforce across the gulf

Overall, the report underscores a positive trajectory for the Gulf’s labour markets, with strong engagement, improving life evaluations, and high job market confidence distinguishing the region from global trends.

While the broader MENA region continues to grapple with lower engagement levels, the GCC economies, driven by economic diversification, labour reforms, and national development agendas, are setting new benchmarks for workplace experience and employee well-being.