ServiceNow’s Workforce Skills Forecast shows technology roles growing 54%, far outpacing overall workforce expansion
The UAE is on track to become one of the world’s fastest-growing job markets, with more than 1.03 million new workers expected to be added by 2030, according to ServiceNow’s Workforce Skills Forecast 2025, developed in collaboration with Pearson. The projected 12.1% increase in the workforce places the UAE well ahead of major global economies such as the US, UK, and India, underscoring the country’s rapid economic expansion and accelerating digital transformation agenda.
The report highlights that growth will be driven by both traditional and emerging sectors. Manufacturing is expected to add approximately 133,000 jobs, followed by education with 78,000 roles and retail with 60,000 new positions. Finance and healthcare are also set to see significant expansion, together contributing close to 80,000 jobs. In relative terms, the energy and utilities sector is forecast to grow the fastest at 33%, followed by education (31%) and manufacturing (18%).
“The future of work is being shaped by collaboration between people and AI—and it’s a future that’s hiring now.”
— William O’Neill, Area VP & General Manager – GCC, ServiceNow
A key finding of the report is the transformative—but not displacement-heavy—impact of agentic AI on the workforce. While AI-driven efficiencies could automate work equivalent to thousands of roles, ServiceNow’s analysis shows that economic growth and digital innovation will generate far more new jobs than AI replaces. In financial services alone, agentic AI could handle work equivalent to around 17,000 full-time employees, yet overall employment in the sector is still projected to grow by 26%.
The most dramatic shift is expected in technology roles. While the overall workforce will grow by just over 12%, demand for tech professionals is set to surge by 54%. From a current base of around 169,000 tech jobs, UAE organisations will require more than 91,000 additional technology specialists by 2030. Roles such as search marketing strategists, computer programmers, and systems analysts are among the most in demand.
To bridge this widening skills gap, ServiceNow has launched ServiceNow University, a learning platform focused on equipping individuals and enterprises with skills for an AI-driven economy. The report stresses that organisations that invest early in upskilling, inclusive talent strategies, and strong AI governance frameworks will be best positioned to compete in the next phase of economic growth—building workforces that are resilient, innovative, and future-ready.
