A growing trend in the UAE sees professionals frequently changing jobs to enhance skills and income, reflecting a global shift in employment patterns.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Jul 27, 2026 ALN: George Evans has had six jobs in seven years in the UAE. While a fast-moving career might have raised eyebrows in the past, today it is becoming increasingly common, particularly in Dubai. The trend, often referred to as "lily padding," reflects a significant shift in the job market dynamics, particularly among expatriates and younger professionals seeking to navigate a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
Mr. Evans's story is part of a global trend called “lily padding” – the name stems from the image of a frog skipping across a pond, describing the practice of jumping between roles to build skills rapidly, increase pay, and expand networks. This phenomenon has gained traction as professionals seek to enhance their employability in a competitive market, particularly in cities like Dubai, which is known for its diverse job opportunities and a high concentration of expatriates.
Mr. Evans, a design and tech professional, explains what drove each move. “I would have loved to have found a company I could spend five to 10 years in so I could grow and succeed,” he tells The National. “I was laid off from two of those – one due to Covid, the other due to optimising headcount. Two other roles were stepping stones. I just needed something to pay the bills. And one other couldn't provide the growth opportunities.” This sentiment resonates with many professionals who find themselves in similar situations, navigating layoffs and seeking better opportunities in a job market that is both promising and precarious.
LinkedIn's latest data suggests that 72 percent of UAE professionals plan to look for a new role this year, even as 65 percent said finding one has become harder than 12 months ago. This paradox highlights the complexities of the current job market. In a region characterized by an expat-heavy workforce, low unemployment, and open roles across sectors such as IT, finance, hospitality, and healthcare, the conditions for lily padding appear ideal. However, the reality is more nuanced, as job seekers face significant challenges in securing positions that align with their skills and aspirations.
What drives this trend – and what it costs – is more complicated, though. The implications of lily padding extend beyond individual career trajectories; they reflect broader economic and societal shifts. As workers move from job to job, companies are forced to adapt to a more transient workforce, which can lead to challenges in maintaining company culture and employee engagement.
In many cases, the AI revolution is driving lily padding. Mohamed Alabbar announced in May that AI will halve the number of jobs at e-commerce platform Noon. Such announcements have sparked concerns about job security in various sectors, particularly among those in roles susceptible to automation. However, global data shows that 55 percent of business leaders who cut roles to deploy AI now regret the decision, according to Orgvue. This highlights the unpredictability of the job market in the face of rapid technological advancements.
Global talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half found that 32 percent of US hiring managers who eliminated positions citing AI ended up rehiring for the same or similar role. This phenomenon, described by Sarah Brooks, managing director of Fikrah HR, as the “AI boomerang,” underscores the complexities of integrating AI into the workforce. Brooks notes, “Dramatic cuts signal efficiency and cost discipline to investors, then [companies] quietly rehire once the operational gaps in customer service, logistics exceptions, and judgment-based decisions become apparent.”
“Too many organisations treated AI as a straight headcount-replacement tool rather than a capability that needs human oversight.” This perspective is crucial for understanding the balance that companies must strike between leveraging technology for efficiency and maintaining a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of customer interactions and business operations. For the tech industry, it’s particularly volatile, says Mr. Evans. “For some people, [lily padding] is a necessity.” The rapid pace of change in technology and the job market compels professionals to remain agile and adaptable, often leading them to seek new opportunities that provide better alignment with their skills and career goals.
It is seemingly a generational practice, too. A 2024 Randstad global survey put the average Gen Z tenure in the first five years of a career at just 1.1 years, compared to 1.8 years for millennials and almost three years for baby boomers. This generational shift raises important questions about workplace expectations and employee loyalty in a rapidly changing job market. Mr. Evans reflects on this change in the younger generations' mindset: “People seem a little more protective of their work-life balance as well as their mental health, so they seem to choose their place of work more carefully.” This emphasis on work-life balance and mental health is indicative of a broader cultural shift, as younger workers prioritize personal well-being alongside career advancement.
Nikki Samson, founder of headhunting firm NS Search, which specializes in mid-to-senior level placements in marketing and communications, is observing a different story play out. “I rarely place Gen Z [but] those I have are still in the same role as they look for growth and deliver on their KPIs to get the promotion so they stay in the company,” she says. This suggests that while some Gen Z professionals may be inclined to switch jobs frequently, others are willing to invest time in their current positions if they perceive opportunities for advancement. “But if they don't have a possibility to grow, then they leave. I personally am not seeing people jumping companies.” This duality within the Gen Z workforce reflects the varying motivations and career strategies among young professionals, further complicating the landscape of lily padding in the job market.
As the UAE continues to develop as a global business hub, the implications of lily padding will likely evolve. Companies may need to rethink their approaches to talent retention and development, fostering environments that not only attract top talent but also encourage long-term commitment. This could involve offering more flexible work arrangements, opportunities for continuous learning, and clear pathways for career advancement. Moreover, understanding the motivations behind lily padding can help organizations create strategies to engage and retain employees in an increasingly competitive job market.
In conclusion, the rise of lily padding in the UAE job market reflects broader trends in workforce mobility, generational attitudes towards employment, and the impact of technological advancements. As professionals navigate this landscape, both individuals and organizations must adapt to the changing dynamics of work to thrive in the future.
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