Turning Ramadan's Quiet into Career Opportunity: A Job Seeker's Guide to Success in the UAE
For those who approach it strategically, Ramadan can be the perfect time to not only reflect on their career goals but also take actionable steps toward securing a job. Ramadan: A Time for Reflection and Career Planning
Ramadan is a time of reflection, spiritual growth, and resetting personal goals. For professionals, this can also be the perfect opportunity to reassess career aspirations, refine job search strategies, and invest time in career development.
According to a previous survey by Bayt.com, the Middle East's leading job site, 79.1% of professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region report that they use Ramadan to focus on their job search and professional growth.
Despite the slowdown in regular work pace for many during this period, it gives professionals a window to revisit their CVs, upgrade skills, and explore fresh opportunities with a clearer mindset. Hiring Doesn't Stop—In Some Sectors, It Accelerates
One of the most common misconceptions about job hunting during Ramadan is that businesses stop hiring or that hiring activity slows down. While it's true that some industries may experience a temporary dip, several sectors ramp up hiring efforts during this time. Industries such as hospitality, retail, e-commerce, logistics, and health services often see an increase in recruitment to meet the demand that Ramadan brings.
Furthermore, many companies use this time to finalize recruitment strategies for post-Ramadan projects. In fact, 69% of professionals from a previous Bayt.com survey believed that hiring activity increases during the holy month, particularly for positions related to customer service, supply chain management, and temporary roles. For job seekers in these sectors, Ramadan could be a prime opportunity to find new career prospects. Networking Over Iftar? A Game-Changer
Ramadan isn't just about searching for jobs online or sending out applications—it's about leveraging the unique networking opportunities that the month provides. Business Iftars and corporate Suhoor gatherings present ideal settings for informal yet valuable networking. These events, which are frequently occurring during Ramadan, offer a relaxed atmosphere to connect with industry leaders, recruiters, and potential employers.
Networking during Ramadan isn't just about exchanging business cards—it's about building genuine relationships in a setting that reflects the region's culture of collaboration and trust. These connections could become key to unlocking job opportunities in the future. How to Stand Out as a Job Seeker During Ramadan
To maximize job search efforts during Ramadan, it's crucial to take a strategic approach. Job seekers should begin by refining their CVs and online presence. Ensuring that their CV is up to date and tailored for the roles they are targeting is key to standing out. Patience and persistence are essential during this period, as response times may be slower due to reduced working hours. However, job seekers should continue applying for roles and following up when appropriate, as recruiters are still screening applications and setting up interviews.
Networking also plays an important role during Ramadan, as it offers a more relaxed environment to engage with industry professionals. Whether through online platforms or in-person at Iftar events, this period offers valuable opportunities for meaningful connections that can lead to future job opportunities. Furthermore, demonstrating cultural awareness is a must in the UAE.
Candidates who show respect for Ramadan's customs, such as being mindful of fasting hours, scheduling interviews at suitable times, and understanding the importance of the holy month, can differentiate themselves from others and leave a positive impression on employers. The UAE Job Market Remains Dynamic
Despite the global challenges in job markets, the UAE's labor market remains robust, offering ample opportunities for skilled professionals. The country continues to attract talent across various sectors, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects, the growth of tech, finance, and healthcare industries, and the government's efforts to diversify the economy.
Ramy Labaky, General Director of Bayt.com, said, Ramadan is a unique time for job seekers, offering both challenges and opportunities. While it's true that things slow down a bit, it's also a period where companies are looking for additional talent. Patience and persistence go a long way, and job seekers should remember that a personal connection during this time can make a lasting impact.
With the right approach, Ramadan doesn't just offer time for personal growth, but also a unique chance to take charge of your career path. The UAE job market remains strong, with hiring activity continuing in key sectors, and Ramadan can serve as a strategic time to connect with employers and advance one's job search. Job seekers who are proactive and patient, while staying culturally mindful, can seize the opportunity that Ramadan provides to accelerate their career prospects.
News Source: Performance Communications
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Hi Dubai
30% rise in mobile food delivery orders in the UAE & Saudi Arabia during H1
Recent data from Syrve MENA, a leading restaurant software provider in the Middle East, reveals that the first half of 2025 brought about a substantial shift in consumer behaviour in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to Syrve MENA data, food aggregators continue to be the most popular mobile order channel in both markets. Approximately 75% of mobile orders placed by surveyed restaurants are processed by apps like HungerStation, Talabat, and Deliveroo. The remaining 25% is handled by call centres, proprietary apps, and websites run by restaurants — a tactic that larger chains seeking greater control over operational procedures can afford. Syrve MENA reported that the majority of orders come from mobile devices. More than 70% of all food delivery transactions are made through mobile phones, reflecting the region's preference for digital convenience. While it is challenging to accurately estimate the increase in mobile orders in H1 2025 compared to 2024, Talabat reports a 30% year-over-year increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in Q1, which may indicate a significant rise in order volume in H1 2025. Revenue and adjusted EBITDA both grew by 34%, while adjusted net income rose by 24%. Seasonal trends and daily delivery patterns Syrve MENA reported that mobile delivery activity in the UAE reached its first peak in March 2025, coinciding with Ramadan, a time traditionally associated with increased food ordering. Another seasonal surge is expected between June and September, when high temperatures make outdoor dining less appealing and consumers turn to delivery more often. The time slot from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM consistently yields the highest volume of mobile delivery orders across most restaurant categories. For fast food, Italian, Indian, and international restaurant chains, this evening window is the most popular. However, Arabic food exhibits a distinct trend, with traditional breakfast items driving the highest delivery activity between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Popular dishes range from kebabs in Arabic restaurants to rotis and butter naan in Indian chains. In the global H1 2025 market, the most popular time for food ordering is generally 6:00 PM local time, according to restaurant industry reports. Additionally, there's a noticeable increase in breakfast orders, particularly on Monday mornings. The later evening peak in orders observed in the UAE and Saudi Arabia may be linked to Ramadan, when evening meals shift to after sunset. UAE vs. Saudi Arabia: Comparing the Markets Despite differences in scale and speed, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are experiencing mobile-driven growth. Through 2033, the UAE's online meal delivery industry is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%, driven by consumer demands for convenience, speed, and loyalty benefits. The Saudi Arabian market is significantly larger and is projected to grow at a 15.4% CAGR through 2030. This surge is primarily driven by urbanisation, advanced digital infrastructure including widespread internet access and smartphone usage, and a growing middle class with increasing disposable income and preference for digital convenience. Mobile-based delivery will remain central to foodservice strategy in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia as they continue to develop digitally and increase mobile order volumes by over 10% year-on-year. Consistent seasonal peaks, changing spending habits, and rapidly advancing technology are making mobile-first dining the new norm, said Alexander Ponomarev, CEO at Syrve MENA. According to reports, as mobile order volumes continue to grow steadily and consumers demand digital convenience, forecasts predict that the share of mobile-based orders will exceed 80% in both markets by the end of 2025. This trend is further fueled by high digital penetration, making the digital transformation of the food delivery market inevitable. The dominance of food aggregators and restaurants' increasing drive toward process automation are also contributing to this shift. Source: Syrve MENA
Hi Dubai
11-07-2025
- Hi Dubai
Why Summer is the Best Time to Digitally Transform Your Business in Dubai
Digital transformation is now essential for businesses aiming to stay competitive in today's rapidly evolving global market. In a city like Dubai, where innovation thrives but business activity often follows a seasonal rhythm, does timing your transformation matter just as much as the strategy itself? Summer is often considered a slower period for many businesses in the region. But could that actually make it the most effective time to upgrade your systems, streamline operations, or adopt new technologies? With fewer day-to-day pressures and more room for focused planning, the summer months offer a valuable window for meaningful change. This article explores why summer can be an ideal period for digital transformation in Dubai. For small to mid-sized businesses in particular, it is a chance to reassess processes, implement improvements, and prepare for the busier months ahead by using the quieter season to get ahead. Understanding Business Cycles in Dubai: Why Summer Slows Down Dubai's economy runs on a high-energy, fast-paced rhythm for most of the year. But when summer arrives, especially between June and September, there is a noticeable shift. Why does this seasonal slowdown happen, and how can businesses turn it to their advantage? The main factors include: Travel and school breaks: Many residents leave the city for extended vacations, particularly during school holidays. This leads to reduced foot traffic for retail, food and beverage, and consumer-facing services. Climate conditions: With temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C, outdoor activities decrease significantly. Many indoor businesses also adjust their working hours or operations. Ramadan and Eid: In some years, key summer months overlap with Ramadan and Eid. These periods bring shorter workdays and delayed project timelines due to cultural and religious practices. This slowdown is not unexpected. It follows a familiar pattern. However, instead of seeing it as idle time, many businesses in Dubai are now treating summer as a strategic window. With fewer customer demands, teams have the space to reflect, identify inefficiencies, and work on internal improvements that often get postponed during busier periods. So the question is, if summer gives you the room to breathe, why not use that space to move forward? Why Summer Is Ideal for Internal Process Overhaul Every business reaches a point where outdated processes start slowing things down—manual tasks take too long, customer service lacks consistency, or data sits in silos. But when is the right time to fix these gaps without disrupting day-to-day operations? In Dubai, summer provides a rare window of lower operational pressure, making it easier to step back and reassess internal systems without affecting service delivery. Here's why: Reduced client activity means less risk: With many customers on holiday or spending less time engaging with services, there's more room to test new systems and workflows without causing friction. With many customers on holiday or spending less time engaging with services, there's more room to test new systems and workflows without causing friction. Fewer urgent requests allow deeper focus: IT teams, consultants, and department heads can finally tackle the kind of improvements that usually get postponed, like process automation, data integration, or CRM upgrades. IT teams, consultants, and department heads can finally tackle the kind of improvements that usually get postponed, like process automation, data integration, or CRM upgrades. Staff are more available for training: With fewer meetings and client engagements, teams can be trained on new digital tools and platforms without the usual time crunch. For example, integrating a cloud-based ERP system or migrating to a new CRM platform usually involves back-end work, employee onboarding, and data migration—all of which require time and attention. Trying to implement these changes in Q4, when sales cycles peak, can result in more errors and resistance. Instead, summer allows for: Pilot programs and testing Internal feedback collection Gradual rollout across teams The question isn't whether your business needs digital tools—it's whether you're choosing the right time to install them. And summer might quietly be your best bet. Availability of Digital Talent and Vendors During Off-Peak Months Digital transformation often relies on third-party vendors, including consultants, software providers, cloud engineers, and automation specialists. But what happens when everyone's calendar is packed, and timelines keep getting pushed? This is a common challenge during peak business months in Dubai. Summer, however, brings a noticeable shift. Many service providers experience lower client activity between June and September, which translates into: Faster response times Greater availability for custom work Flexible pricing or short-term incentives This off-peak season often becomes a period when tech vendors and digital consultants are more willing to work on in-depth projects, pilot systems, or offer hands-on support. Rather than being one client in a queue, businesses transforming in the summer get more personalized attention and fewer delays. Let's take a practical example: Suppose you're planning to shift from a legacy accounting system to a cloud-based ERP. Doing this during Q4, when many companies are closing books, could result in long vendor lead times and minimal support. During summer, however, implementation timelines are shorter, testing is easier, and even vendor teams are less stretched. Also, with remote work becoming standard in the tech industry, access to regional and global digital talent is far more fluid. Freelancers and consultants who typically work with clients in North America or Europe may be more accessible due to their own summer lulls, giving Dubai-based businesses an unexpected advantage. Technical Improvements That Can Be Quietly Rolled Out in Summer Digital transformation doesn't always mean a complete system overhaul. Sometimes, it's about small, high-impact upgrades, the kind that make daily work smoother, data clearer, and teams more aligned. And summer provides the perfect backdrop for these updates. Here are some examples of technical changes businesses in Dubai are implementing during quieter months: Cloud Migration: Moving to cloud-based storage or infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure) is a common summer project. It improves data accessibility, reduces long-term costs, and strengthens disaster recovery, but it also needs careful planning and downtime windows, which are easier to manage when client activity is low. Moving to cloud-based storage or infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure) is a common summer project. It improves data accessibility, reduces long-term costs, and strengthens disaster recovery, but it also needs careful planning and downtime windows, which are easier to manage when client activity is low. Cybersecurity Updates: With the rise in cyber threats globally and regionally, summer is a smart time to strengthen security protocols. Upgrading firewalls, conducting penetration testing, or implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) across systems is best done when fewer employees are online. With the rise in cyber threats globally and regionally, summer is a smart time to strengthen security protocols. Upgrading firewalls, conducting penetration testing, or implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) across systems is best done when fewer employees are online. CRM and ERP Integrations: Businesses often use the summer to integrate customer relationship management (CRM) tools with accounting or inventory systems. These integrations—between tools like Salesforce, Zoho, QuickBooks, or SAP—streamline operations but require backend adjustments that are harder to perform during busy seasons. Businesses often use the summer to integrate customer relationship management (CRM) tools with accounting or inventory systems. These integrations—between tools like Salesforce, Zoho, QuickBooks, or SAP—streamline operations but require backend adjustments that are harder to perform during busy seasons. Automation of Repetitive Tasks: Tools like Zapier, Power Automate, or industry-specific bots can be configured to reduce manual tasks like data entry, invoice generation, or lead assignment. Summer allows teams to test and tweak these workflows with fewer interruptions. Tools like Zapier, Power Automate, or industry-specific bots can be configured to reduce manual tasks like data entry, invoice generation, or lead assignment. Summer allows teams to test and tweak these workflows with fewer interruptions. Website and App Optimization: Whether it's a UX redesign, improved mobile responsiveness, or faster load times, technical fixes on digital platforms benefit from having fewer users online. This minimizes disruption and allows for soft rollouts. It's not just about upgrading for the sake of it. It's about making focused, low-risk changes that compound in value by the time business activity ramps up again. The best part? These technical improvements are often invisible to customers, but deeply felt by teams once they return to full pace. So if you're wondering whether small upgrades are worth doing in summer, ask yourself: What daily processes are causing slowdowns that we finally have time to fix? Budget Planning: Making the Most of Mid-Year Allocations For many companies in Dubai, summer coincides with the mid-point of their fiscal year, or at the very least, a natural checkpoint to review financial performance and adjust future spending. But how does this relate to digital transformation? Mid-year is often when: Unused budgets from H1 are reassessed Q3 and Q4 strategies are finalized Upcoming investments are prioritized This creates a clear opportunity to redirect available funds toward internal improvements, especially those that might not require massive capital but yield high operational value. Digital transformation doesn't always mean multi-million dirham investments. In fact, many businesses begin with: Automation for HR or finance workflows Upgraded data dashboards for performance tracking Low-code tools to improve customer service response time Each of these can be scoped and deployed within a few months, precisely the timeframe that summer offers. Additionally, investing in digital tools during summer allows teams to settle into new systems before the busy year-end cycle begins. Instead of rushing implementation during peak demand periods, businesses can use Q3 for setup and testing, and enter Q4 fully operational. From a financial standpoint, spreading transformation investments throughout the year also helps manage cash flow and reduces the need for last-minute procurement under pressure. So if you're reviewing your spend and asking, 'Where can we get the most return before the year ends?', digital upgrades might be the most practical and impactful line item to consider. How Summer Prepares You for a Strong Q4 and Beyond In Dubai, Q4 is when things pick up pace—client meetings return, sales cycles accelerate, and most industries push to meet end-of-year targets. But how well a business performs during this period often depends on how well it was prepared during the quieter months. This is where summer transformation efforts show their real value. Here's how summer changes can pay off by the time Q4 begins: Smoother Workflows: New systems implemented in summer, like automated invoicing, updated CRMs, or restructured internal databases, allow teams to focus on selling, servicing, or delivering, not fixing. New systems implemented in summer, like automated invoicing, updated CRMs, or restructured internal databases, allow teams to focus on selling, servicing, or delivering, not fixing. Fewer Last-Minute Fixes: When IT teams use summer to patch vulnerabilities, optimize platforms, or upgrade tools, they reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns or slowdowns later on. When IT teams use summer to patch vulnerabilities, optimize platforms, or upgrade tools, they reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns or slowdowns later on. Better Data, Better Decisions: Upgrading analytics dashboards or integrating cross-department data sources during the summer leads to cleaner, more reliable reports. When Q4 targets need precise decision-making, your systems will already be ready. Upgrading analytics dashboards or integrating cross-department data sources during the summer leads to cleaner, more reliable reports. When Q4 targets need precise decision-making, your systems will already be ready. Stronger Team Readiness: Summer offers time to train staff on new tools and platforms. This way, once business speeds up, your team isn't scrambling to catch up—they're already operating with confidence and clarity. Think of summer as the 'maintenance window' of the business year—not because things break, but because it's the only time you can afford to pause, reflect, and improve. When used intentionally, this period helps businesses enter the most critical quarter not just ready, but ahead. Digital transformation is not a one-time project or a seasonal trend; it's an ongoing process. But choosing the right time to start can make all the difference in how smooth, effective, and disruption-free that process is. In Dubai's unique business environment, summer offers a combination of lower external pressure, higher vendor availability, and space for internal improvements. These conditions make it easier to implement meaningful digital changes, whether that's cloud adoption, process automation, system integration, or improved data access. Of course, transformation still requires planning, budget alignment, and team buy-in. But starting during summer gives you a head start when it comes to execution, testing, and readiness before the year's busiest months return. So while there's no perfect time to evolve your business, some windows make it easier to focus, act, and finish strong. Summer happens to be one of them. Also read: Digital Transformation Trends for Businesses in Dubai Explore how Dubai businesses are leveraging digital transformation for enhanced operations and growth. Discover real-world case studies and best practices. Top 10 Business Opportunities in Dubai for 2025 Discover the top 10 emerging business opportunities in Dubai for 2025, from renewable energy to AI and education, driving growth in a dynamic market. Business vs. Freelance in Dubai: Which Path to Choose in a Challenging Job Market? This article explores the options of venturing into freelance or leaping into entrepreneurship, providing insights to help you navigate Dubai's budding economy and make an informed decision about your professional future. Passion to Profession: A step-by-step guide to set up Home-Based Businesses in Dubai Have an undying passion that has the potential to bring money home? Get ready to enter the most vibrant market to sell your products/services and reach the right audience. Don't know where to start? No worries, we have got you covered.
ME Construction
09-07-2025
- ME Construction
Eurostar and London St Pancras Highspeed are collaborating to double St. Pancras International's capacity
Infrastructure Eurostar and London St Pancras Highspeed are collaborating to double St. Pancras International's capacity By The project will undergo three phases of improvements, phase one optimises security and border crossing processes, phase two improves the international area, and phase three considers further capacity enhancements Eurostar and London St Pancras Highspeed (formerly HS1) are collaborating on plans to double station capacity at St. Pancras International. A study commissioned by London St Pancras Highspeed predicts that traffic is expected to triple by 2040, increasing from 11m to 35m passengers annually. In response, Eurostar recently announced plans to expand its destinations from London to include Geneva and Frankfurt. Other operators are also looking to enter the cross-channel rail market in the UK. London St Pancras Highspeed and Eurostar have signed a letter of intent, signifying their shared ambition to take significant steps to expand capacity. Originally designed by William Henry Barlow and opened in 1868, the Grade I-listed station underwent a refurbishment in 2007. However, changing travel patterns, post-Brexit border checks, and growing international rail demand have led to capacity constraints. Architects Hawkins\Brown have been appointed to undertake and deliver a comprehensive design and feasibility study. The study aims to assess how the ground floor layout for the international zone of the station can be reconfigured to accommodate more passengers and enhance operational efficiency. Ramboll will provide various services, including structural engineering, building services engineering, sustainability consultancy, border control consultancy, and historic structures expertise. Richard Thorp, Chief Operating Officer at London St Pancras Highspeed said, 'We're delighted to be working with Eurostar to expand capacity at St. Pancras International. With growing passenger demand for international train travel, it is important that St Pancras International station is future-proofed and optimised to accommodate this. With a shared ambition and collaborative approach, we can ensure our iconic station is ready to support this demand, and we're looking forward to getting started on a new era of connectivity between London and Europe.' Hawkins\Brown Partner Andrew Davies said, 'We are very excited to be leading a hand-picked multi-disciplinary team to unlock this constrained site and enable millions of people to enjoy affordable, high-speed, and sustainable journeys to and from Europe. Our challenge is to create a welcoming new landmark for London, with minimal disruption to the travelling public in the process.' The team of sub-consultants also includes Momentum Transport Consultancy, Gardiner & Theobald, Montagu Evans, OFR and Wilmott Dixon. Together, the group will take the project through RIBA Stage 2, focusing on feasibility and concept design for a re-configured international departures area. The concept design and feasibility study is due to be finished towards the end of 2025, when formal design and construction plans are to be developed. Phase one is a review of short term improvements within the current footprint, including optimising the security and border crossing processes to deliver an uplift of 2,700 passengers per hour in the next three to four years. Phase two is to improve the international area and its connection to the main concourse, helping the passenger flow. Completion of this is expected by 2028. Phase three is consideration of further capacity enhancements in the 2030s, potentially relocating the arrivals flow upstairs.
