23% increase in demand for female migrants in MENA’s hospitality and construction industries

• Recent data indicates that in MENA countries, men have historically held the majority of skilled jobs, making up 83% of the workforce, while women have represented only 17%
• In MENA countries, specific skilled jobs such as machine operators, heavy & light vehicle drivers, forklift operators, technicians, electricians, carpenters, steel fixers, and ITV operators are gaining more traction

Huntr, UAE based marketplace connecting migrant workers with enterprises in its latest study witnessed a significant surge of 23% in demand for women migrants in the hospitality and construction sectors across MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries. The surge underscores the growing dynamics of the region’s labour market and the increasing opportunities for skilled women workers.

The findings from Huntr’s latest study highlight that men have historically dominated skilled jobs in MENA countries, accounting for 83% of the workforce, while women constituted only 17%. UAE has removed restrictions for women during night hours for construction sectors & prohibits employers from terminating the service of a female employee due to pregnancy. Which led to a noticeable change in this trend over the last couple of years, with more women entering these sectors and contributing to their growth in specific skilled jobs. The jobs that gained more traction include machine operators, drivers (both heavy and light vehicles), forklift operators, technicians, electricians, carpenters, steel fixers, and ITV operators. 

In the hospitality sector, major cities like Dubai and Riyadh have emerged as global tourism hubs, fueling the need for skilled professionals in hotels, restaurants, and resorts.  Hotel revenues in UAE is 8.8BN in 2023, the number of hotel guests during the same period reached 20.2M. The majority of Dubai hotel employees are born in India (33.7%), followed by Filipino (20.9%), and 45.4% in the ‘other’ category. The study indicates a significant rise in the hiring of female chefs, waitresses, receptionists, and housekeeping staff to meet the high-quality service standards expected by international visitors.

Similarly, countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have witnessed significant migration, driven by ambitious infrastructure projects and a booming tourism industry. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative and projects like the NEOM project have attracted migrant workers, offering employment opportunities in construction, hospitality, and related industries. The construction space has seen an influx of skilled women workers in roles (like architects, engineers, project managers, and skilled tradeswomen). Similarly, the UAE’s real estate boom and tourism sector have fueled demand for skilled workers, particularly in construction and hospitality.

The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive insights into the demand for female migrants in the MENA hospitality and construction industries analysing a sample size 100k blue workers enrolled with Huntr. The study also highlighted the attractive incentives offered by MENA countries, such as competitive salaries, tax-free income, and family-friendly policies, which have contributed to the rise of skilled women migrants from countries like India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. 

The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive insights into the demand for female migrants in the MENA hospitality and construction industries analysing a sample size 100k blue workers enrolled with Huntr

Sharing his views on the findings, Samuel Joy, CEO of Huntr said, “We are witnessing a transformative shift in the MENA labour market. The soaring demand for skilled women migrants in sectors like hospitality and construction signifies the region’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. This trend empowers women and drives economic growth and innovation.” 

“At Huntr, we remain committed to facilitating safe and ethical migration pathways for skilled workers and ensuring the highest standards of employer verification, legal compliance, and worker protection. We believe that empowering women through access to skilled job opportunities promotes gender equality and drives sustainable economic development in the region.”, he added. 

Huntr ensures the authenticity and safety of migration opportunities for women workers through rigorous background checks, verification processes, and collaboration with authorities. It is dedicated to empowering women migrants with safe and rewarding employment opportunities in MENA countries.

In addition to competitive salaries and career opportunities, skilled jobs in MENA countries offer women workers a high standard of living, professional development opportunities, and safety and security. The prospect of a 10-year golden visa for specific roles adds to the appeal, providing stability and recognition for skilled professionals and their families.

About Huntr

About Huntr

Huntr is a UAE based AI-driven labor marketplace that helps large enterprises with 2k+ employees onboard, train, and manage thousands of blue-collar workers within days, saving them millions in costs. With a focus on data analytics and workforce management, Huntr provides valuable insights into labor market trends and helps connect skilled workers to sustainable projects in the region.