LinkedIn: UAE job seekers are confident using AI, but don't know how recruiters use it

A massive 72% of UAE professionals plan to look for a new job in 2026, signaling a significant shift in the 2026 UAE job market outlook and the local workforce. According to new research from LinkedIn, this surge in job-seeking activity comes despite a growing sense of difficulty and AI confusion in the hiring process, with 65% of respondents stating that finding a new role has become tougher over the last year.

The data highlights a unique paradox in the region. While the UAE leads the world in AI adoption with high user confidence, there is a significant lack of clarity regarding how these technologies are actually used in the hiring process. This disconnect is creating anxiety for both job seekers and recruiters as they navigate a rapidly evolving employment landscape.

Understanding the AI Confidence Gap for UAE Job Seekers

The research paints a picture of a digitally savvy workforce that is unsure of the rules of engagement. On one hand, 81% of UAE professionals feel confident using AI at work—one of the highest rates of digital readiness globally. Many are already using these tools to refine their CVs and prepare for interviews.

But this confidence hits a wall when it comes to the employer's side of the equation. The report indicates that 56% of professionals are unsure how AI affects their visibility during the hiring process. Furthermore, 46% do not know how to stand out when algorithms are used to screen candidates. This uncertainty is compounded by a lack of feedback, with 35% of applicants reporting they often receive no acknowledgement of their applications at all.

• 81% of UAE professionals are confident using AI at work.
• 56% are unsure how AI impacts their application visibility.
• 46% don't know how to stand out in AI-screened processes.

UAE Talent Acquisition: Recruiters' Struggle with AI Transformation

It is not just candidates who are feeling the pressure. The research shows that 74% of UAE hiring professionals find it difficult to source qualified talent today. While AI has become essential infrastructure—with 47% of recruiters saying they could not do their job without it—many feel ill-equipped to handle the disruption.

Specifically, 68% of talent acquisition professionals in the UAE say they do not feel fully prepared for how AI is transforming their industry. There is also a concern about the human element, with 75% worrying that AI-led interviews can feel too impersonal if not implemented thoughtfully.

"UAE professionals are among the most digitally forward in the region and globally, but they are also navigating a hiring environment that is evolving incredibly fast," said Ali Matar, Emerging Markets Leader in EMEA at LinkedIn.

The data shows a clear need for more guidance, more transparency, and more support as AI becomes central to recruitment.

Implications for the 2026 UAE Job Market

For businesses and job seekers in the UAE, 2026 looks set to be a year of high turnover and high competition. The primary barrier cited by job seekers is heightened competition (63%), which aligns with the high percentage of people planning to enter the market.

The key takeaway for candidates is that simply using AI tools isn't enough; understanding how to navigate AI-driven recruitment platforms is becoming a critical skill. For employers, the data suggests that transparency regarding how AI is used in screening could help attract better talent and reduce anxiety in the application process.

As AI trends continue to reshape workflows, the ability to bridge the gap between digital confidence and hiring clarity will likely define who succeeds in the 2026 job market.

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