Job creation in HR, accounting and finance, technology, and financial services is likely to be boosted as a result of large-scale national projects in the UAE next year, according to new research by Robert Half UAE.

The implementation of VAT in 2018, alongside the region’s investment in digital transformation and business growth, outside its traditional oil revenues, are likely to be the key factors shaping the landscape of employment over the next 12 months, according to its 2018 Salary Guide.

Increasing demand for specialist professionals is not being matched by current supply, which means the number of jobs in these areas is expected to grow next year.

Within HR and administration, the top three most in-demand roles for next year are predicted to be: head of HR, HR business partner and executive assistant. Salaries for these three roles are estimated at $114,400 - $128,500; $78,700 - $81,700; and $53,000 - $58,900, respectively.

Now that digital transformation projects are beginning to take effect, changing the nature of work, businesses are investing heavily in training, development and retention of HR and administration departments, to ensure the level of business support can match future objectives, read the report.

“In the coming year, businesses will be seeking to retain a competitive advantage while preparing for the challenges which lie ahead,” said Gareth El Mettouri, associate director at Robert Half UAE.

“Digital transformation, diversification from the reliance on the oil industry and a new VAT regime have solidified the importance of finding the right candidate. An industry-wide focus on retention, transformation and growth have seen the highest salaries awarded to professionals with the right mix of skills and cultural relevance to meet ever-increasing growth targets,” he said.

Within accounting and finance, demand is likely to be highest in the real estate, construction, professional services and healthcare industries, with the top roles expected to be tax managers and financial planning and analysis directors. Technology organisations are likely to be on the lookout for application developers and business systems analysts.

The latest Monster Employment Index also suggests that while the overall hiring landscape remains subdued, businesses in the consumer goods sector are continuing to recruit new staff, reported Gulf News, with the number of vacancies up 14 per cent in September from the previous quarter – an increase of 44 per cent on the same period in 2016.