Sustainable Construction Roles in UAE Offer 48% Higher Pay, Attracting Skilled Indian Workers

As the UAE marks 2024 as the ‘Year of Sustainability,’ the country’s construction sector is undergoing a major transformation toward green building practices. This shift is driving a substantial 25% increase in demand for skilled Indian blue-collar workers, according to new data from Huntr, a UAE-based AI-driven platform that helps large enterprises manage blue-collar workers.

Demand Surge in Green Roles

From May 2023 to April 2024, the demand for workers skilled in sustainable construction practices surged by 25%, particularly for roles requiring expertise in Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twin Technologies, energy efficiency, safety compliance, and sustainable materials management. These skills are critical as the UAE pushes forward with its sustainability agenda, focusing on projects that prioritize energy efficiency and waste reduction.

According to Huntr’s workforce data, sustainable roles such as Energy Efficiency Specialists and Waste Management Coordinators have seen a sharp rise in demand. Modular construction techniques and waste-reducing methods have spurred a new wave of hiring, particularly for Prefabrication Engineers and Quality Control Inspectors.

Higher Pay and Long-Term Contracts

Sustainable construction roles are not only in demand but also offer better financial rewards. Data from Huntr reveals that workers in these green roles earn an average annual salary of AED 108,522, significantly higher than the AED 73,250 earned by those in traditional construction jobs. Moreover, contract durations in green construction projects typically range from 2 to 4 years, offering better job security compared to shorter-term contracts in traditional roles.

Huntr’s analysis also shows that these projects provide enhanced working conditions, including upskilling opportunities and career growth, leading to a 12% higher retention rate in sustainable construction roles compared to traditional projects.

Changing Worker Demographics

The study also points to a shift in the demographics of Indian workers migrating to the UAE. Younger workers aged 20-40 are being sought for sustainability-focused roles due to their adaptability to new technologies such as BIM and energy management systems. Workers from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal are increasingly joining the workforce, adding to the traditionally dominant flow of labor from Kerala.

A New Era of Construction in the UAE

As of 2024, the UAE has made significant strides in adopting green building practices. In Abu Dhabi, 50.3% of top-tier commercial office spaces are now LEED-certified, while Dubai has seen a rise to 23.7%, a considerable improvement over previous years. This heightened focus on sustainability is expected to continue driving demand for Indian workers proficient in green construction technologies.

Samuel Joy, Founder and CEO of Huntr said,  “The growing demand for green building skills in the UAE reflects a major shift in how construction projects are approached. It’s not just about meeting regulatory standards but a broader move toward efficiency and long-term sustainability. Indian workers with expertise in energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices are perfectly positioned to fill this demand, and the benefits—higher wages, longer contracts, and better working conditions—are significant.”

About Huntr

Huntr is a UAE based AI-driven 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.