The Talent Challenge Behind the UAE’s Tech Ambitions

By Cathy Farley, CEO of Talent Higher

The UAE’s tech sector is racing ahead, driven by bold ambitions, big government investments, and a vibrant startup scene that’s buzzing with energy. AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity – you name it, the UAE wants to lead it.

But while all the shiny announcements make headlines, there’s a quieter challenge bubbling under the surface: finding enough skilled tech talent to keep up with the pace of innovation.

This is what we’re seeing on the ground:

A Talent Shortage Taking Shape

The demand for tech professionals has been climbing steadily over the past few years, but 2025 feels like a tipping point. With fresh cash flowing into AI, cloud projects, and data infrastructure, companies are chasing the same small pool of specialists: software engineers, data scientists, cloud architects, cybersecurity experts, and product managers. Industry estimates suggest that critical roles in AI and cloud are going unfilled for three to six months at a time.

Leadership roles like Heads of Engineering and CTOs are even tougher to fill. 27% of companies are struggling to fill mid-senior roles in leadership, management, and sales arenas, demonstrating the depth of the talent gap. When candidates do come on board, they often get tempting counteroffers from global companies offering remote work and big pay checks.

What’s driving all this demand? A few big factors.

First, the UAE’s national push for digital transformation is happening at rapid speed. Projects that used to take years, like predictive AI in healthcare or date-driven smart city tech, are now rolling out in months. That means businesses need talent yesterday.

Second, startups in fintech, health tech, edtech, and Web3 are raising large amounts of capital and attempting to hire aggressively. They want top, experienced tech talent too, but they’re competing with established giants for the same people.

Third, the cloud and data centre boom is real and happening. Abu Dhabi alone is building hyperscale campuses projected to deliver over 300 megawatts of IT power. And that’s one project of many. That creates huge demand for cloud security pros, DevOps engineers, and platform architects.

And finally, this isn’t just a local issue. Tech hubs in Europe, North America, and Asia are chasing the same talent, often with fully remote roles that give candidates flexibility and global opportunity.

How Employers Are Responding

Hiring has changed. Recruitment cycles are longer. Candidates juggle multiple offers. Salaries and perks are rising. Some companies are getting creative by investing heavily in upskilling their existing teams, or outsourcing work to specialists in other regions like Eastern Europe or LATAM.

But these are stopgaps. The real question is: how does the UAE build a sustainable, homegrown tech workforce to match its ambitions?

Building That Workforce

There are promising signs. Government initiatives aim to train tens of thousands of AI and digital professionals by 2030, top institutions like MBZUAI are expanding their programs, and visa reforms are making it easier for global talent to live and work here.

But talent attraction is about more than just visas and salaries. More needs to be done to make the region a long-term destination, not just a short-term opportunity.

Employer branding matters more than ever. Tech professionals want to join teams that inspire them, with projects that challenge and environments where they can grow. Companies that fail to articulate this value proposition will struggle to compete, no matter how attractive the offer on paper.

Retention is key too. With so many options, companies need to offer clear career paths, continuous learning, and leadership that genuinely supports growth.

A Spotlight on Women in Tech

Women in tech are a talent pool that’s often overlooked. They’re still underrepresented in STEM roles around the region, but getting more women into tech isn’t just about diversity, it’s a solution to a workforce challenge. Helping women start and grow their careers in tech could open up a whole new source of skilled professionals.

What’s Next?

The UAE has everything it needs: infrastructure, money, policies, and ambition. The missing piece is talent.

If that gap isn’t filled, digital projects won’t scale, innovation will slow, and competitors will move faster.

The good news is that forward-thinking organisations are already stepping up. They’re investing in brand, training, inclusion, and flexible work.

But the clock is ticking. Can the UAE’s tech ecosystem attract, grow, and keep the talent it needs to lead the future?