Daijiworld Media Network - UAE

UAE, Oct 23: With companies across the Gulf region ramping up recruitment, the demand for skilled professionals is at an all-time high. According to the 2025 Robert Half report, 63% of UAE business leaders plan to expand their teams this year, with digital talent—particularly in AI, fintech, and cybersecurity—topping the list. Advertising, media, and creative roles are also seeing a surge, driven by startup-friendly free zones and a growing need for innovative content.

Government initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s post-Expo development projects are creating thousands of jobs in infrastructure, tourism, and green energy. Yet, a paradox is emerging: while companies are hiring rapidly, attrition rates remain high, reflecting shifting employee expectations and lingering post-pandemic burnout. Employees now prioritize purpose, flexibility, and mental well-being, making emotional intelligence (EI) a critical skill for navigating today’s workplace.

Emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—is increasingly seen as essential for professional success. Individuals with high EI show calmness under pressure, self-awareness, and adaptability. They build trust, manage feedback constructively, and can ‘read the room,’ picking up on subtle cues to adjust their approach.

Conversely, low EI can result in reactivity, poor listening, and diminished empathy, which can hurt team morale and productivity over time. Originally studied in the 1960s and popularized by Daniel Goleman’s 1995 book Emotional Intelligence, EI has become a cornerstone of leadership and organizational culture.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella exemplifies emotional intelligence in action. When he took the helm in 2014, Microsoft was criticized for rigid, siloed structures. Nadella prioritized empathy, collaboration, and psychological safety, guiding the company from a “know-it-all” to a “learn-it-all” culture. Under his leadership, Microsoft’s market value tripled, and employee engagement soared.

Deema Ghata-Aura, founder of Criterion Coaching, emphasizes that EI enables leaders to act decisively and inspire trust. She recalls mentoring a senior executive who transformed from hesitant decision-making to confident strategic pivots by cultivating emotional awareness.

Claire Spring, Managing Director at UAE-based HTS Interiors, notes that emotionally intelligent leadership fosters belonging, motivation, and stronger client relationships. “When EI comes from the top, it strengthens the organization from within, boosting morale and performance alike,” she says.

Aidan O’Brien, a global executive mentor, highlights the importance of recognizing and shifting “frames”—beliefs that shape team behavior. Leaders with high EI can identify limiting mindsets and adjust team dynamics to drive results.

While EI offers immense benefits, it is not without limits. A 2024 study in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that excessive emotional intelligence in middle management can lead to burnout and decision fatigue if empathy becomes overextension. The skill must be applied deliberately and balanced with strategic judgment.

As the Gulf’s workforce continues to grow and evolve, emotional intelligence is emerging not just as a “soft skill,” but as a strategic advantage. Professionals who combine technical expertise with emotional insight are best positioned to thrive amid the region’s rapid economic and cultural transformations