The UAE is a hotspot for business and innovation. It's no wonder that the country has seen a significant increase in startups and SMBs, with over 350,000 in operation.
With the contribution of SMBs to the UAE's GDP surpassing 60%, and the ease of doing business ranking at a global 25th position, the business environment is thriving.
However, this boom has resulted in a highly competitive recruitment landscape.
Hiring the right talent has become more challenging than ever, but the role of recruitment agencies and advanced hiring solutions like GoHire cannot be overstated.
To learn more, read our blog on the top ATS software in the UAE or the top job board in the UAE.
We have curated a list of the top 11 recruitment agencies in the UAE, complemented with data and metrics, to help you navigate the complex hiring landscape.
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1. Michael Page
Michael Page has successfully placed over 5000 professionals across diverse sectors in the region, serving a diverse client base of over 200 businesses annually.
These include startups, SMBs, and large corporations across finance, marketing, technology, and healthcare sectors, among others.
The agency's 'people-first' ethos stands out in its recruitment process.
It treats each placement as a long-term partnership, focusing not just on filling vacancies but contributing to the sustainable growth of businesses.
Additionally, they offer industry insights, hiring advice, and career guidance, making them a comprehensive career partner.
2. Robert Half
For over 70 years, Robert Half has been serving businesses worldwide, delivering staffing solutions that cater to their unique needs.
Their footprint extends to the UAE, where they have become a reliable ally for businesses seeking top-tier talent.
The agency has made over 3500 successful placements in the UAE across various sectors such as finance, technology, and marketing.
Their expansive client base includes around 150 businesses each year, from startups to large multinational corporations.
Robert Half takes a personalised approach to recruitment, ensuring a great fit between businesses and the talent they hire.
Robert Half’s proven recruitment model, industry-specific knowledge, and dedication to long-term partnerships make them a preferred choice for businesses seeking talent in the UAE.
3. Hays
Hays is a global player with over 50 years of recruitment experience.
Their operations in the UAE are powered by a dynamic team of recruitment specialists that understand the region's unique business dynamics.
In the UAE, Hays has successfully placed over 4000 professionals across diverse sectors, serving over 180 businesses each year.
They offer a comprehensive recruitment service catering to businesses of all sizes across various industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology.
Hays' tailored approach to recruitment sets them apart.
They take the time to understand a business's culture, values and needs before seeking out the best talent.
They offer valuable insights into the UAE's employment market, providing businesses with the data they need to make informed hiring decisions.
4. ManpowerGroup
ManpowerGroup has a solid global reputation backed by over 70 years of experience. In the UAE, they have a dedicated team that understands the unique characteristics of the regional market.
With more than 3000 successful placements in the region, serving over 140 businesses annually, ManpowerGroup caters to a wide range of sectors, including technology, finance, and healthcare.
They provide a comprehensive range of services, from temporary and permanent recruitment to workforce solutions.
ManpowerGroup's approach to recruitment focuses on understanding the specific needs of businesses and aligning those with the aspirations of the candidates.
This careful consideration ensures a successful match that promotes long-term growth for businesses.
5. Charterhouse
Charterhouse has been a key player in the global recruitment industry for over a decade.
Their operations in the UAE are powered by a team of experienced professionals who are adept at navigating the region's unique business landscape.
The agency has successfully placed over 2500 professionals across diverse sectors, serving over 100 businesses annually.
These range from startups to large multinational corporations across finance, marketing, technology, and healthcare sectors.
They treat each placement as a long-term partnership, going beyond simply filling vacancies to contribute to the sustainable growth of businesses.
6. Adecco
Adecco is a global giant in the recruitment industry with over 60 years of experience.
They have a strong presence in the UAE, powered by a team that understands the region's business landscape dynamics.
Adecco has made over 2000 successful placements in the UAE, serving over 80 businesses each year.
Their client base includes businesses of all sizes across various industries, including finance, technology, and healthcare.
Their commitment to long-term partnerships, extensive network, and industry-specific knowledge make them a top choice for businesses seeking talent in the UAE.
7. NADIA
For over 40 years, NADIA has been providing recruitment solutions to businesses in the Middle East.
Their team in the UAE is comprised of experienced professionals who understand the region's business dynamics.
NADIA has made over 1500 successful placements in the UAE across diverse sectors, serving about 70 businesses annually.
Their client base includes businesses of all sizes, across various industries such as finance, technology, and healthcare.
NADIA’s recruitment strategy focuses on understanding the specific needs of businesses, ensuring successful placements that contribute to long-term growth.
8. Edge Executive
Edge Executive is a leading recruitment agency in the UAE, known for its specialised approach to recruitment.
They have successfully placed over 1000 professionals across various sectors, serving about 60 businesses annually.
Their recruitment strategies are tailored to the specific needs of each business, ensuring a great fit between the business and the talent they hire.
Their commitment to long-term partnerships, extensive network, and industry-specific knowledge make them a preferred choice for businesses seeking talent in the UAE.
9. TASC Outsourcing
TASC Outsourcing has carved a niche in the UAE recruitment industry with its unique approach to staffing solutions.
The agency has successfully placed over 500 professionals across diverse sectors, serving about 40 businesses annually.
TASC Outsourcing’s recruitment process focuses on understanding the unique needs of each business, ensuring successful placements that contribute to long-term growth.
10. BAC Middle East
BAC Middle East has been a trusted recruitment partner in the Middle East for over 40 years.
They have made over 500 successful placements in the UAE, serving about 30 businesses each year.
Their approach to recruitment is characterised by a deep understanding of the needs of both businesses and candidates.
This enables them to make successful matches that contribute to sustainable growth.
11. Kingston Stanley
Kingston Stanley is a specialist marketing recruitment agency that has carved a niche in the UAE recruitment market.
They have successfully placed over 300 professionals in the region, serving about 20 businesses annually.
Kingston Stanley’s recruitment process is tailored to the specific needs of each business, ensuring successful placements that contribute to long-term growth.
Let's sum up the top 11 recruitment agencies in the UAE
The UAE recruitment market is diverse, dynamic and full of excellent options, no matter what sector your business operates in.
These top 11 recruitment agencies in the UAE offer industry-specific expertise, a deep understanding of the regional market, and a commitment to long-term partnerships.
However, a critical part of optimising your recruitment process is not just finding the right agency but also employing the right tools.
A modern, efficient, and powerful hiring software platform such as GoHire can be a game-changer.
This platform can centralise and streamline your hiring process, saving you time and resources while ensuring you attract the best talent.
So whether you're a small business, a startup, or a large corporation, a strategic partnership with a top recruitment agency coupled with a cutting-edge hiring tool can be the key to achieving your hiring goals in the UAE.
By Owen Hollins
12 Aug 2023 · 4 min read
I am the Growth Manager at GoHire and will be the person you speak to on demos of our hiring platform. When not doing this, I am passionate about cricket, cheering on my beloved Newcastle F.C. in the stands, and taking my trusty labrador for power walks!