UAE’s offshoring to hit $7 billion, creating 83,000 skilled jobs by 2030.
Offshoring is projected to generate up to $7 billion USD for the UAE’s economy by 2030, according to new research released by global talent solutions partner Robert Walters. The sector is also expected to create more than 82,000 skilled jobs over the next five years, as international companies increasingly establish operations in the UAE to access professional talent.
This marks a 46% increase from today’s contribution, estimated at $4.79 billion USD, and will see offshoring grow from 0.84% to 1.03% of the UAE’s GDP by the end of the decade.
The forecast, produced by Robert Walters’ Market Intelligence team, reflects a significant shift in the global offshoring landscape. Once focused on cost-saving and volume, today’s strategies are centred around building capability, quality, and resilience by tapping into skilled international workforces.
“To put the $7bn figure into perspective, that’s more than double the UAE’s annual allocation for public and higher education programmes,” says Phill Brown, Head of Market Intelligence at Robert Walters. “The growth highlights how offshoring is becoming an increasingly strategic part of the UAE economy, supporting job creation, skills development, and the diversification of services.”
Key factors driving this growth include the UAE’s strategic location connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, strong English-language proficiency, modern digital infrastructure, and government initiatives supporting innovation and business services.
This foundation has enabled the country to take on increasingly complex offshore functions, with strong demand for professionals skilled in cybersecurity, AI and machine learning, and product analysis.
“More companies are viewing offshoring not as a cost-cutting tactic but as a talent access strategy. The UAE offers a unique combination of advanced digital infrastructure, a multilingual workforce, and a supportive regulatory environment,” comments David Barr, CEO – Outsourcing at Robert Walters. “We’re working with organisations that are integrating offshore teams into their core operations, building capability in areas that require strong technical expertise, cross-border collaboration, and a long-term talent view.”
As businesses re-evaluate global workforce strategies, The UAE stands out for its skilled talent base, modern infrastructure, and alignment with international business practices. The trend is part of a broader evolution in global workforce strategy, where companies are increasingly decentralising high-value operations to locations with strong talent pools and supportive business environments.
These findings are part of Robert Walters’ latest market intelligence on offshoring and global talent trends. Additional insights are available in the firm’s new offshoring guide, which examines talent strategies, recruitment management, and operational considerations in the UAE.