Nearly half of recruiters in the UAE say artificial intelligence is now a crucial part of their work, helping them manage hiring tasks more efficiently and effectively on a daily basis.
UAE: Almost 50% of recruiters say AI has become essential to their daily work
The use of artificial intelligence in recruitment is accelerating across the UAE, with nearly half of hiring professionals — 47 per cent — saying they would struggle to perform their roles without AI, according to new LinkedIn research released on Monday.
The findings show that 76 per cent of recruiters believe AI has enabled them to close vacancies more quickly. At the same time, LinkedIn noted that many hiring professionals are grappling with the pace and scale of AI-driven change. More than two-thirds — 68 per cent — of UAE talent acquisition specialists admit they do not feel fully ready for the way AI is reshaping recruitment.
While recruiters acknowledge AI’s benefits, implementation remains a concern. Around 75 per cent worry that interviews powered by AI risk feeling detached if not designed carefully, and 80 per cent say they need better skills and knowledge to keep up with AI’s rapid development.
AI is also becoming deeply embedded in everyday work, particularly in automating routine and repetitive tasks. As a result, certain responsibilities are increasingly being handled by technology, encouraging job seekers to reskill and focus on more creative, strategic, and innovation-led roles.
The research further revealed that more than one in three job seekers are taking proactive steps to stay competitive. These efforts include acquiring in-demand skills, updating professional profiles, and widening the range of roles they are willing to consider.
Job seekers express uncertainty
Separate research by ServiceNow and education provider Pearson estimates that the UAE will need around one million professionals specialising in technology and artificial intelligence by 2030, highlighting the expanding influence of AI and the employment opportunities it is expected to generate.
Ali Matar, LinkedIn’s emerging markets leader for EMEA, said the findings point to a strong demand for clearer guidance, increased transparency, and stronger support systems as AI becomes a core part of hiring processes.
Although many candidates are adopting AI-powered tools, LinkedIn found uncertainty remains about how recruitment decisions are made. More than half — 56 per cent — of job seekers are unclear about how AI affects their visibility to employers, while 46 per cent are unsure how to differentiate themselves when automated screening is used.
These concerns are amplified by wider dissatisfaction with recruitment practices, with 35 per cent of applicants saying they receive no response after submitting job applications.
Despite these challenges, the study noted that professionals in the UAE rank among the most prepared globally for AI adoption. About 81 per cent reported feeling confident using AI at work, placing the country among the highest worldwide for digital readiness. Many professionals are already using AI to improve job applications, discover new opportunities, and prepare more effectively for interviews.
Experts say the growing dependence on AI in recruitment is also reshaping how hiring success is measured. Rather than focusing solely on the number of applications reviewed, recruiters are increasingly assessed on efficiency, quality of hires, and time-to-fill metrics. AI-powered tools help analyse candidate data at scale, flag suitable profiles, and reduce unconscious bias when used correctly. However, specialists caution that over-reliance on automation without human oversight could unintentionally exclude qualified candidates whose experience or skills do not neatly match algorithmic criteria.
Employers across the UAE are now investing in training programmes to help recruitment teams better understand and manage AI-driven systems. Many organisations are introducing workshops on ethical AI use, data interpretation, and human-centred hiring practices to ensure technology complements rather than replaces decision-making. Industry leaders stress that AI should act as an enabler, freeing recruiters from administrative tasks so they can focus on candidate engagement, relationship-building, and strategic workforce planning. This balanced approach is increasingly viewed as critical for sustainable talent acquisition.
From the candidate perspective, the rise of AI has changed how job applications are prepared and submitted. Resume optimisation, keyword alignment, and AI-friendly formatting have become essential strategies for improving visibility during screening. Career coaches advise job seekers to focus on clarity, measurable achievements, and skills relevance, while also preparing for technology-assisted interviews. Soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and critical thinking remain highly valued, as employers continue to seek human qualities that cannot be replicated by algorithms.
The growing integration of AI in hiring also raises important questions around transparency and trust. Candidates want clearer communication about how AI tools are used, what data is analysed, and how final decisions are made. Experts argue that organisations that openly explain their recruitment processes are more likely to attract and retain talent. Transparent practices can also help reduce anxiety among applicants and build confidence in AI-enabled systems, particularly as automation becomes more common across industries.
Looking ahead, analysts believe AI will continue to transform recruitment in the UAE as the country advances its digital economy goals. With strong government support for innovation and technology adoption, AI is expected to play a central role in workforce planning, skills forecasting, and career development. However, long-term success will depend on collaboration between employers, technology providers, and education institutions to ensure that both recruiters and job seekers are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven labour market.
