IT Talent in MENA: Landscape Overview
The MENA region is emerging as a fast-growing IT hub, home to 1.5 million professionals, driven by strong government support, a thriving startup ecosystem, and major investments in AI and digital transformation. Natalia Domashenko, CEO at NGRS, moderated a panel discussion on the evolving IT job market in the region.
She highlighted the demand for IT professionals in sectors like FinTech, e-commerce, smart cities, and telecommunications, with cloud engineering, AI, and cybersecurity among the most sought-after skills. For a deeper dive into MENA’s IT landscape, explore the full discussion in Compass CIO.
AI’s Growing Influence on the IT Job Market
“The three most significant trends driving the MENA IT job market are cloud adoption, AI adoption, and expansion beyond traditional ERP systems,” says Dmitrii Krasiukov, VP & Head of Demand Management at SAP MEA North. AI adoption is transforming the IT job market, driven in part by the region’s diverse expat workforce, fostering innovation and adaptability. Mahnoor Gulzar, Associate Director at Careem, comments: “AI isn’t taking our jobs, but people who use AI effectively will.” Companies are shifting from traditional degree-based hiring to skill-based recruitment, prioritizing candidates with practical expertise. AI is also revolutionizing hiring itself, automating research and market analysis, enabling faster, data-driven decisions, and promoting workforce diversity.
While AI and FinTech dominate discussions, other sectors are also undergoing digital transformation, creating high demand for tech professionals. PropTech is emerging as a major driver of IT hiring, with developers and government entities investing heavily in digital solutions. The UAE has led governmental digital transformation, but Saudi Arabia is now undergoing a large-scale modernization of its public services. “Beyond real estate, the gaming industry is expanding in Saudi Arabia, integrating VR and geospatial technologies into urban development projects like NEOM,” adds Eman Al Tal, Product Lead at ADRES. This reflects the region’s appetite for immersive digital experiences. Read more about sectoral trends, the impact of AI on hiring, and the strategies companies are using to attract and retain top talent in Compass CIO.
The Talent Pool in MENA: Can It Support Growth?
The MENA region faces an ongoing debate about whether it can sustain IT industry growth with local talent or must continue attracting global expertise. While some argue that a shortage of homegrown professionals exists, this challenge is global. The region naturally draws talent from around the world, but significant investment in education is fostering a new generation of IT professionals, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. “Yes, expats play a role, but local talent is emerging and should not be overlooked,” says Natasha Corbin, Director at START MEA.
Egypt and Francophone Africa present unique dynamics. Egypt has a highly skilled workforce with strong English proficiency, but economic conditions have led many IT specialists to seek higher salaries in Gulf countries.
Top Challenges in IT Talent Hiring
First, companies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE often struggle to find local partners, particularly startups without dedicated IT recruiters. Second, while junior and mid-level talent is abundant, finding senior-level professionals—especially in AI and VR—is challenging, as these hires rely heavily on personal connections. Additionally, the language barrier in countries like Morocco and Algeria, where French is more prevalent than English, poses another challenge.
The region’s rapid growth is attracting numerous startups and tech firms, leading to intense competition for talent. “This demand distorts the market, as some companies can offer higher compensation while others struggle to match benefits,” explains Mahnoor Gulzar. Another challenge is cultural adaptation—hiring practices vary significantly across MENA, requiring recruiters to adjust expectations. Is being late to an interview considered a red flag for hiring? Learn in the full discussion in Compass CIO.
Solutions for a Sustainable IT Workforce
Equity programs have proven effective in retaining talent. “When employees have a financial stake in success, they are more likely to stay committed,” says Oluwaseun Obajobi, ex-Director of Engineering at Talabat. Additionally, prioritizing local talent for leadership roles fosters retention, even if employees require initial upskilling. Providing clear career roadmaps is another essential strategy as many IT professionals prioritize project experience over tenure at a single company. Allowing IT teams to engage in innovative projects and R&D initiatives also enhances retention.
Workplace flexibility is a key factor, as the traditional 9-to-5 model is becoming outdated. However, salary competitiveness remains critical. Studies indicate employees who stay with the same company often earn 12% less than job switchers. “HR must continuously assess compensation to retain top talent,” advises Eman Al Tal, Product Lead at ADRES. Organizations that offer competitive salaries, clear career pathways, and flexibility will be best positioned to attract and retain IT professionals.
Experts emphasize that anyone relocating to MENA must be prepared for cultural adaptation. Despite challenges like talent retention, language barriers, and market competition, the region’s ability to attract global expertise and develop homegrown talent positions it for sustained growth. By focusing on career development, workplace flexibility, and competitive compensation, organizations can create an environment where IT professionals thrive. Don’t miss the full conversation, only available in Compass CIO.