UAE professionals show strong plans to remain in the country, but LinkedIn research finds many are not actively using professional networks to build career opportunities.
The UAE continues to attract professionals looking to build long-term careers, with 91% of surveyed workers saying they plan to live and work in the country over the next six to 12 months.
However, new research from LinkedIn points to a gap between professionals’ interest in career growth and their participation in online professional networks.
The study found that 74% of UAE professionals always or often browse work or career-related content online without actively participating. LinkedIn describes this behaviour as ‘quiet scrolling’.
UAE professionals see networking as key to career growth
Despite limited participation, professionals recognise the value of their networks.
According to the research, 96% of UAE professionals say their professional network is important for navigating careers shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid workplace change.
At the same time, 42% say they are unsure how to get started with networking. Another 41% say they do not know how to turn professional connections into meaningful relationships.
Confidence also remains a barrier. Around 40% worry about bothering people or wasting their time, while 33% are concerned about being judged.
In addition, 58% say they have not received enough guidance on building professional relationships or growing their networks.
Skills remain the biggest factor in accessing opportunities
Professional skills and experience remain the strongest route to new opportunities, according to the survey.
Some 39% of UAE professionals say having the right skills and experience gives them the strongest chance of accessing new opportunities. Meanwhile, 25% point to a strong professional network and 23% cite online visibility.
The research also highlights the practical value of professional communities.
For example, 42% of respondents say online professional communities have helped them increase their knowledge. A further 41% say they have made a connection that supported their career.
Most UAE professionals are willing to help others
The findings suggest that professionals may be more open to networking than many people assume.
Some 86% of UAE professionals say they would be likely to respond to or support someone seeking career help, even if they did not know that person personally.
Najat Abdelhadi, LinkedIn MENA Career Expert, said skills alone may not be enough in a rapidly changing labour market.
“Skills alone are not always enough. Visibility and relationships also matter.”
She added that networking does not need to begin with a major request. Instead, professionals can start by commenting on a post, asking a question or sharing their own experience.
According to LinkedIn, members are almost three times more likely to receive a connection request and almost five times more likely to receive a message if they have interacted with a post from one of their connections.
How UAE professionals can move beyond ‘quiet scrolling’
LinkedIn recommends starting with people who share a common interest, such as a university, industry or professional topic.
Professionals can also follow people before sending connection requests. This can help them understand the conversations those people are part of and provide a more natural reason to connect later.
Moreover, LinkedIn advises professionals to build relationships before they need them. A reaction, comment or question can become the starting point for a longer professional relationship.
The findings come as the UAE continues to position itself as a hub for talent and innovation. LinkedIn and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade have also reported a strong post-pandemic hiring recovery in the UAE in 2025, while early data from June 2026 pointed to renewed recovery in hiring and international talent flows.
The latest LinkedIn research was conducted by Censuswide between 20 July and 10 August 2026. It surveyed 625 UAE residents aged 18 to 80 who work either full-time or part-time.
