The Middle East’s online job market grew by +14% during August 2014, compared with the same month last year, according to the Monster Employment Index Middle East. Strong growth was reported in the Hospitality sector, while the most notable declines were reported in Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, and Media & Entertainment.

The Index, which charts online job activity, found that between August 2013 and August 2014, the UAE reported the most notable growth in online job activity (+26%), followed by Kuwait (+8%), Egypt (+7%), and Bahrain and Saud Arabia, both with +5%.

Qatar was the only region to report no growth (0%), with Oman reporting marginal growth of +1%.

Sanjay Modi, Managing Director for Monster in India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Hong Kong, commeted: “We are seeing continued growth in the online recruitment activity in the region, with the Monster Employment Index Middle East indicating a steady increase of +14%, year-on-year. Geographically, the UA market is the primary growth stimulator, while Hospitality and Tourism are the main growth drivers, sector wise.”

 “With the improved economy and the growing attractiveness of the UAE as a job destination, hiring in the UAE will see a significant improvement over the next three to twelve months. Overall, the region's hiring outlook for the coming months is reasonably positive,” Mr Modi added.

The top growth occupations compared with last year were in Hospitality & Travel (+34%), Finance & Accounting (+26%), and Customer Services (+26%). The weakest growth was reported in Engineering & Production (+6%), followed by Legal (+11%), and Software, Hardware, and Telecoms (+12%).