Eclusive interview with Ravi Jethwani, CEO, Innovations Global

As the UAE enters the second half of 2026, how would you assess the current state of the job market? What key trends are shaping recruitment today?

The UAE job market remains fundamentally resilient, although it has become more selective. Regional uncertainty created some short-term caution among employers, particularly around the middle of the year, but this has not changed the underlying attractiveness of the UAE as a business and employment hub. Recruiters are already expecting hiring activity to strengthen as companies restart recruitment plans that were temporarily paused.

Despite recent regional uncertainties, hiring activity appears to be picking up. What factors are driving this renewed recruitment momentum?

The biggest driver is the UAE’s continued economic diversification. Businesses are investing across technology, financial services, healthcare, real estate, infrastructure, energy and professional services rather than relying on a single economic engine.

Dubai’s Q1 2026 GDP grew 2.4% year-on-year, with particularly strong performances in healthcare, construction, financial services and utilities. 

There is also a significant amount of investment already committed to long-term projects. As business confidence improves, organisations that delayed hiring are likely to revisit those plans.

Dubai has become one of the world’s most attractive employment destinations. What do you believe has contributed to this transformation, and why does it continue to attract global talent?

Dubai has successfully created something that goes beyond simply being a place to work—it has become a global platform for business. 

Its advantages include world-class infrastructure, connectivity, a highly international business environment, a relatively business-friendly regulatory framework and access to markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Importantly, Dubai has continuously reinvented itself. It has moved from being primarily associated with trade and real estate to becoming a significant centre for finance, technology, logistics, tourism, healthcare, professional services and innovation.

Which sectors are expected to lead hiring in the UAE during the second half of 2026, and what roles are currently in highest demand?

I would expect technology and AI, financial services, healthcare, energy and renweables, construction, real estate, logistics, professional services to remain among the strongest areas.

In terms of roles, demand is increasingly concentrated around AI and data professionals, technology specialists, cybersecurity, finance and investment professionals sales and business development, healthcare soecialist, engineering and specialized talent. The important point is that AI is creating demand not only for pure AI specialists, but for people who can combine AI capability with industry expertise

What advice would you give to professionals who are looking to advance their careers or secure new opportunities in the UAE?

My advice would be to be much more strategic about the job search. Don’t simply apply to hundreds of vacancies with the same CV. Understand the industry, identify companies that are expanding and tailor your profile to the requirements of those organisations. Network is also extremely important in UAE. Build relationships with recruiters, industry professionals and decision-makers rather than relying entirely job portals.

Are there any emerging workplace trends—such as flexible work, upskilling, or digital transformation—that will significantly influence the future of work in the UAE?

First is AI enabled work. AI will increasingly become part of everyday workflows rather than a separate technology function.

Second is continous upskilling. The half-life of skills is becoming shorter, so employers and employees will both have to invest in learning. Third is the evolution of flexible working. I don’t think the future will necessarily be completely remote or completely office-based. Instead, organisations will increasingly adopt hybrid models based on productivity, collaboration and the nature of the role. The UAE has an opportunity to become a leader in this new model because of its young, international and digitally sophisticated workforce.

Looking ahead, what is your outlook for the UAE job market over the next 12 months, and what opportunities do you foresee for employers and job seekers?

I am cautiously optimistic about the next 12 months. I expect recruitment to become progressively more active as businesses move beyond the uncertainty of the first half of 2026 and resume investment and expansion plans. The fundamentals remain strong: economic diversification, infrastructure investment, international capital, population growth and the UAE’s continued positioning as a global business hub.

However, I don’t expect every segment of the market to grow equally. The market will remain selective, and employers will continue to demand stronger productivity and specialised skills.

For employers, the opportunity is to access an increasingly sophisticated global talent pool. For professionals, the opportunity is to build careers in sectors that are expanding rapidly.

Ultimately, I believe the UAE job market is moving from a “jobs market” to a “skills market.” The winners over the next few years will be organisations that can attract and retain the right talent, and professionals who continuously upgrade their skills and demonstrate measurable value.

With its winding pathways, Nubian-inspired architecture, and uninterrupted views across the Arabian Gulf, The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah feels worlds away from the everyday. Framed by desert hills and a 600-metre private beach, the village-style retreat invites guests to slow down, whether that means lingering over a Mediterranean brunch at Basilico, retreating to a private pool villa, stretching a midweek escape into 36 unhurried hours by the coast, or raising a glass with all-day Happy Hour at Basilico and Breeze. This August, every moment is designed to be savoured at a gentler pace, surrounded by the timeless beauty of Ras Al Khaimah’s coastline.

Coastal Brunch at Basilico
Saturdays at Basilico invite guests to settle into the weekend with the Coastal Brunch, where Mediterranean flavours, live entertainment, and relaxed waterfront dining come together in an elegant setting. The generous spread features live oyster and sushi stations, poached crab and shrimp, a mozzarella and burrata bar, Arabic mezze, freshly prepared pasta, carving stations, and an indulgent selection of desserts, all complemented by live performances from a duo band.

Guests are also invited to make a day of it with complimentary access to the resort’s pool and private beach, extending the experience beyond the table and into a leisurely afternoon by the water.

When: Every Saturday, 1pm – 4pm. | Price: AED 249 per person (soft beverages); AED 339 per person (house beverages).

Basilico Sunday Roast
Gather with family and friends for a leisurely Sunday Roast at Basilico, where Sundays at The Cove Rotana Resort are best enjoyed with a traditional roast and uninterrupted views across the Arabian Gulf. Available every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the menu features a classic roast with all the trimmings, accompanied by hearty sides, rich gravies, and a comforting dessert to finish.

Priced at AED 99 per person, it’s an inviting way to bring the weekend to a close, with good food, sea views, and the resort’s relaxed atmosphere setting the tone for an unhurried afternoon.

When: Every Sunday, noon – 6pm. | Price: AED 99 per person.

All-Day Happy Hour at Basilico and Breeze

This August, enjoy an all-day Happy Hour at two of The Cove Rotana Resort’s dining destinations, Basilico and Breeze. Available on weekdays, the offer invites guests to unwind over a long lunch, an afternoon catch-up, or sunset drinks while enjoying selected beverages at exclusive rates in two distinct waterfront settings. When: Mondays to Thursdays, all day.

Private Pool Villa Summer Special
Slow the pace of summer with a secluded stay in one of The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah’s Private Pool Villas, where sun-soaked days unfold in the resort’s charming village-inspired surroundings. Designed for couples, families, and solo travellers alike, the Summer Special invites guests to embrace unhurried moments, from breakfast floating in the pool to relaxed evenings spent dining under the stars.

From AED 1,199 per room, per night, the package includes a floating breakfast and floating afternoon tea served in your private villa, an à la carte dinner at Basilico, a complimentary minibar on arrival,. Guests can also enjoy an exclusive in-villa dining menu throughout their stay, with the option to elevate the evening with a private BBQ on the villa terrace for an additional charge, while children under 12 stay and dine free.

When: Valid until 30 September 2026. | Price: From AED 1,199 per room per night on a half-board basis for two adults, with complimentary stay and dining for children below 12 years of age, and complimentary minibar upon arrival. Upgrade to a two-bedroom villa for an additional AED 500 per night or upgrade to a three-bedroom villa for an additional AED 1,250 per night. Terms and conditions apply.

36-Hour Weekday Getaway
Make the most of summer with an extended coastal stay at The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah, where extra time means unhurried mornings, afternoons by the pool or beach, and relaxed evenings overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Available from Sunday to Thursday, the offer includes early check-in from 9:00 am and late check-out until 9:00 pm, giving guests up to 36 hours to settle into the resort’s tranquil surroundings.

Rates start from AED 355 per room, per night, including breakfast for two adults, with flexible dining options to choose from, including breakfast, half board, and full board packages. Families are warmly welcomed, with up to two children under 12 staying free. Guests booking three nights or more will also enjoy a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability.

When: Valid Sundays to Thursdays until 30 September 2026. | Price: From AED 355 per room, per night for two adults and two children with breakfast. Terms and conditions apply.

Pool and Beach Day Pass
Sun-drenched days and uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf set the scene for a relaxing day out at The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah. Available daily from 9:00 am until sunset, the Pool and Beach Day Pass includes access to the resort’s private beach, swimming pools, and Aqua Fun Waterslide, offering everything needed for an easy-going day by the water.

The pass also includes a fully redeemable food and beverage credit, allowing guests to enjoy a leisurely lunch, refreshing drinks, or light bites at one of the resort’s restaurants before returning to the pool or beach.

When: Daily, 9am – sunset. | Price: Weekdays: AED 125 per adult; AED 62.50 per child (6 to 12 years); free for children under 6 years of age. Weekends: AED 225 per adult; AED 112.50 per child (6 to 12 years); free for children under 6 years of age. Entrance fee fully redeemable against F&B.

Available from now and throughout the summer season, The Cove Rotana Resort introduces a collection of staycation offers designed to make the most of time by the coast.

Set between desert hills and the shoreline, the resort is known for its relaxed, village-style setting, where Nubian-inspired architecture, gardens, and lagoons create a calm and easy sense of escape. With a mix of rooms and private villas, a range of dining venues, and spaces designed for both families and couples, The Cove Rotana offers a setting that naturally lends itself to short breaks, weekend stays, and longer getaways.

Your 24 Hours, Your Way

Escape the everyday at The Cove Rotana Resort. Designed for both couples and families, the resort offers an easy change of pace, with spaces that encourage guests to slow down and settle into their surroundings.

The “Your 24 Hours, Your Way” experience highlights the flexibility of a full 24-hour stay from check-in, allowing for a more relaxed rhythm throughout the stay. Paired with half-board or full-board dining, added savings, and flexible benefits, it offers a more considered and comfortable way to make the most of time away.

Starting from AED 399++ with a 24-hour stay for 2 adults and up to 2 children, inclusive of 30% off dining and spa and a complimentary room upgrade when booking for 3 nights.

Valid until 30th September 2026

Brunch. Beach. Bed

The resort’s “Brunch. Beach. Bed” experience brings together dining and a relaxed overnight stay, offering an easy way to spend a weekend by the coast. The package pairs a Saturday brunch at Basilico with a one-night stay in a room or private villa, combining good food with time to switch off.

The brunch centres on coastal and seafood-inspired dishes, with live cooking stations and a live band creating a social, laid-back atmosphere. Afterwards, guests can retreat to their room or opt for the added privacy of a villa, settling into a quieter pace for the rest of the stay.

Starting from AED 770++ (non-alcoholic) and AED 850++ (alcoholic) for two adults, inclusive of breakfast, Saturday brunch at Basilico, and an overnight stay in a room or villa. Applicable for Friday–Saturday or Saturday–Sunday stays.

Valid until 30th May

The Ultimate Month-cation

The resort’s “Ultimate Month-cation” brings together an extended stay and everyday comforts, offering an easy way to settle into a slower pace by the coast. Designed for individuals, couples and families, the experience provides a fixed monthly rate, combining the flexibility of working remotely with time to unwind in a resort setting.

The stay includes daily breakfast and thoughtful perks that make longer visits feel seamless. Guests can take advantage of complimentary daily laundry, along with exclusive savings across dining and spa experiences. Added benefits such as brunch vouchers and kids staying free further enhance the experience, allowing guests to ease into a relaxed routine while enjoying everything the resort has to offer.

Starting from AED 10,500 net for 30 consecutive nights on a bed and breakfast basis, with a 50% discount on additional laundry, a 30% discount on F&B, kids stay free (up to two children), a 25% discount on spa treatments, and two complimentary brunch vouchers for two persons.