Making the UAE a Global Talent Hub: What It Takes to Attract and Retain International Talent

Insights from the Future Workforce Summit – A Fireside Chat with Susana Correia, LinkedIn MENA and Alice Weightman CEO, Hanson Search and The Work Crowd

At the Future Workforce Summit hosted by Khaleej Times Events, our CEO, Alice Weightman, joined Susana Correia, Regional Leader at LinkedIn, for a candid fireside chat on one of the most pressing issues facing the UAE’s business landscape: how to attract, retain and develop international talent at scale. The conversation, which brought together perspectives from both executive search and platform data, focused on what it will truly take for the UAE to realise its ambition of becoming a top-three global talent destination. Below, we’ve shared some of the key insights and takeaways that resonated with the Hanson Search team.

1. The UAE is Positioned to Lead, But Only If Business Matches Policy

The UAE government, in the 2031 Talent Attraction and Retention policy , has made it clear: becoming a global talent hub is a national priority. Currently ranked 22nd on the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, the goal is to break into the top 10, joining countries like the US, Switzerland and Singapore. Government initiatives are already in motion, but businesses must now rise to the challenge. That means rethinking how they define roles, assess skills and promote their EVP (Employer Value Proposition) to a global audience. This is not a policy challenge alone, it’s a leadership and HR challenge.

2.Skills-Based Hiring is the New Standard

LinkedIn data reveals a 10x increase in companies adopting skills-based hiring, shifting focus from job titles and academic credentials to actual capabilities. This shift is especially critical in the UAE, where many candidates come with cross-market experience or non-traditional career paths. As Alice Weightman highlighted during the session, organisations that assess for real capabilities—such as adaptability, curiosity, and learning agility—are far better positioned to build future-ready teams. In a world where AI is fundamentally transforming how we work, and the full impact is still unfolding, hiring for these core traits ensures a workforce that can evolve alongside the change. In a multicultural environment like the UAE, these qualities are doubly important. Curiosity about other cultures and the ability to adapt to diverse teams and working styles are essential for collaboration, innovation and long-term success

3. Flexibility and Trust Are Non-Negotiable for Top Talent

According to LinkedIn, 75% of professionals in the region now expect hybrid or flexible working. But flexibility today is about more than just policy, it’s about trust, autonomy and culture. As Susana Correia explained during the session, trust-driven flexibility doesn’t just boost morale, it directly impacts performance. However, to make flexibility work, it must be underpinned by clarity: clear KPIs, measurable outcomes and aligned expectations. It’s not about when or where people work, it’s about how they contribute and deliver. That said, implementing flexibility is not always straightforward, especially when it comes to new international hires. Many professionals relocating to the UAE are not only adjusting to new roles, but also to a new culture, environment and working style. While they value flexibility, they often seek structure and in-person connection to integrate more quickly. For Gen Z in particular, flexibility must be balanced with collaboration and learning by osmosis—being physically present to observe, absorb and adapt. And for organisations, the tension between business needs, productivity and employee well-being continues to evolve. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The takeaway? Flexibility must be thoughtfully designed, not just offered. And for global talent to thrive in the region, the best approach is still to work together, learn together and build trust through shared experiences.

4. It’s Not Just About Salary—It’s About Opportunity

While compensation remains important, especially for international candidates relocating to the UAE, it is no longer the sole driver of career decisions. Increasingly, top talent is prioritising:

• Career progression and learning
• Organisational purpose
• Leadership authenticity
• Workplace flexibility

As Alice Weightman pointed out during the discussion, attracting great talent isn’t just about the job, it’s about how you present the opportunity from the outset. Too often, businesses forget that recruitment is a two-way street. Candidates are assessing the employer just as much as the employer is assessing them. This means the “sell” begins from the first interaction: your job briefs, application journey and especially your interview process. If these aren’t thoughtfully designed, if your messaging is unclear, your process is slow, or your team fails to engage with candidates meaningfully, you risk losing high-potential individuals before you’ve even made an offer. A well-crafted talent attraction strategy must go beyond salary. It should reflect your culture, values and ambition—and be embedded into how your teams engage with prospective hires at every stage. Because first impressions count and in today’s competitive market, you rarely get a second chance.

5. AI and Learning Agility Are Key to Future-Proofing

LinkedIn’s AI-powered Learning Coach, which tailors upskilling journeys to individual needs, is a glimpse into how technology is reshaping workforce development. It’s not just about centralised L&D anymore, top talent wants to take control of their own development and expects employers to support that journey. Upskilling and internal mobility are now essential components of retention. And as Alice noted, increasingly, clients are asking how candidates of all levels are using AI, enabling high performance teams, great efficiency and continuous learning.

Final Reflections

The UAE has everything it needs to become a true global talent hub—visionary leadership, world-class infrastructure and a dynamic business ecosystem. But achieving this goal will depend on the ability of businesses to act: to rethink hiring for skills, embrace hybrid models, invest in learning, and create authentic, inclusive environments where people want to build long-term careers. At Hanson Search, we’re proud to be part of this journey, helping businesses across the region and beyond attract and retain leaders that drives innovation, resilience and sustainable growth.

Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. We excel in helping businesses recruit world-class, transformative talent for business-critical roles that drive revenue and manage reputation and risk. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures across the UAE, KSA, UK, US and Europe through our recruitment, interim and executive search processes. Get in touch today to discuss how we can help future-proof your team, or to explore your next career move.