Companies in the UAE are increasingly shifting towards skill-based hiring, prioritizing candidates’ abilities and experience over traditional qualifications, according to recruitment experts and industry reports.
A new report by Innovations Group, titled Workforce Trends and Market Insights, highlights that employers are moving away from conventional hiring criteria—such as degrees and career paths—in favor of candidates who demonstrate real-world skills and a proactive attitude.
Experience Over Education
Recruitment professionals say this shift is widening the talent pool, fostering innovation, and reshaping workplace culture.
Zoe Charlton, a recruitment consultant at Genie Recruitment, emphasized that hiring managers are now focusing on work ethic and practical expertise rather than academic credentials.
“About 70% of our clients hire solely based on skills,” she said. “Only around 15% of them consider educational background as a key factor. Experience and attitude are becoming the deciding factors in the hiring process.”
Charlton also noted a growing reluctance among employers to hire fresh graduates without work experience, adding, “We’ve seen candidates assume they’ll secure high-paying roles just because they have a degree. But companies are now looking for individuals who bring more than just academic qualifications to the table.”
Shifting Priorities in Recruitment
For many years, education played a critical role in securing interviews, particularly for early-career positions. However, experts say that dynamic is changing.
“The move towards skill-based hiring ensures that talented individuals are not overlooked simply because they lack a degree,” Charlton explained. “This is a significant change, and it means companies are now focusing on long-term growth and potential rather than just immediate performance.”
Aws Ismail, General Manager at Marc Ellis, Dubai, echoed this sentiment, calling the shift towards skill-based hiring a “game changer” for the UAE job market.
“Companies are realizing that having a degree doesn’t always make someone the best fit for a role,” he said. “What matters more are problem-solving abilities, hands-on experience, and soft skills.”
Impact on Tech and Marketing Sectors
Experts say that the impact of this shift is particularly evident in fields like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing.
“Employers are prioritizing candidates with hands-on training, certifications, and strong portfolios rather than just academic credentials,” Ismail said. “In marketing and digital fields, practical skills and creative ability outweigh where or what someone studied.”
A LinkedIn report cited by Ismail found that around 45% of companies in the UAE are already adopting skills-based hiring, a practice long established in Europe but relatively new in the region.
A New Era for UAE’s Workforce
Industry professionals stress that companies must adapt to evolving market trends to attract and retain top talent.
Nikhil Nanda, Director at Innovations Group, emphasized the need for recruitment agencies to develop strategies that address skill mismatches and hiring challenges.
“The UAE is a dynamic hub with a highly skilled workforce,” Nanda said. “To stay competitive, businesses must embrace these changes and focus on hiring the right people based on their capabilities rather than just academic credentials.”
As more organizations adopt skill-based hiring, experts predict it will lead to stronger, more adaptable teams, ultimately driving business success in an increasingly competitive job market.
