The UAE's software, hardware and telecom occupations recorded an increase of 20% in April when compared to the same period last year, according to the latest Monster Employment Index.

The index is a monthly gauge of online job hiring activity by Monster.com, which records the industries and occupations that show the highest and lowest growth.

According to Monster Gulf, this increase in online recruitment within the tech sector is in line with the digital transformation which is currently dominating the UAE.

“With the significant advancements of technology, growth of the e-commerce market, and demand for other digital services, there has, in turn, been an increase in demand for specialised professionals who can support this fast-paced development,” the report stated.

Abhijeet Mukherjee, Chief Executive Officer, Monster.com, APAC & Middle East, commented, “Digital transformation is taking over the majority of disciplines in the emirates, revolutionising most industries as they implement technology into everyday operations and their reliance on technology grows heavier. As this path continues, and we are faced with changes in demand brought on by the Fourth Revolution, we will undoubtedly see a growing need for more talent in these fields.”

Among the occupations to register a decline in online recruitment in April include HR & Admin Occupations (-45%), and Sales and business development (-36%).

Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, the Software, Hardware and Telecom occupations recorded a 36% increase in online recruitment in April when compared to last year. Monster Gulf added that the rise in occupations in these areas is in line with the nation-wide digital transformation initiative as part of the Vision 2030.

“With digital transformation being a key pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, it’s no surprise that the results of the index have shown an increase in occupations related to the industry. Digitisation is impacting every sector from health care to tourism and has resulted in a growth of new jobs and demand for associated skills,” Mukherjee said.