LinkedIn reveals top 15 UAE firms for career growth
Fuelled by exclusive LinkedIn data, the lists paint a vivid picture of workplaces that aren't just offering jobs but are crafting environments where careers thrive amid a rapidly changing global landscape.
The timing couldn't be more apt. Recent LinkedIn research reveals that professionals in the region are restless, with 76 per cent in the UAE and 73 per cent in Saudi Arabia actively hunting for new roles in 2025. It's not just about fatter paychecks—though that's certainly on the table. Workers are craving better work-life balance and clearer paths to climb the career ladder.
Against this backdrop, LinkedIn's Top Companies list emerges as a compass, guiding everyone from fresh-faced graduates to seasoned career switchers toward employers that deliver on those promises.
'These rankings capture two nations morphing into hubs of innovation and talent, where opportunities sprawl wide and vibrant,' says Nabila Rahhal, LinkedIn's editor. For the UAE, it's a cosmopolitan dance of global giants and regional stars; for Saudi Arabia, a proud showcase of local might with a fresh healthcare beat. Together, they're a roadmap for anyone ready to chase the next big thing in a region that's rewriting the rules of work.
The UAE's lineup is a mix of global and local brands. BCG grabs the top spot, its reputation for nurturing talent in the cutthroat realm of business strategy shining bright. Emirates, the airline that's practically Dubai's calling card, soars into second, while McKinsey & Company locks in third, proving consulting firms are the region's career kingpins.
Mubadala, a home-grown financial force, and Kearney round out the top five, blending Emirati innovation with global expertise. The list keeps rolling with tech trailblazers like Mastercard (sixth) and Visa (eighth), retail giant Majid Al Futtaim (ninth), oil powerhouse TotalEnergies (10th), and household names Procter & Gamble (11th) and HSBC (15th).
Eleven of these 15 in the UAE are multinational titans, making the Emirates a sought-after spot for the world's biggest players. Cross over to Saudi Arabia, and the vibe shifts. It's a love song to local legends, with nine of the top 15 born and bred in the Kingdom.
Telecom leader stc claims first, energy juggernaut Saudi Aramco takes second, and the likes of Riyad Bank (ninth) and media maven SRMG (13th) keep the homegrown streak alive. EY, landing third, keeps consulting in the game, but there's a twist—healthcare's making waves again. After a year's absence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (10th) and Bupa (11th) signal a sector rebound, likely tied to Vision 2030's push to diversify and uplift.
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