RIYADH: Patient care technicians, tech analysts, and construction technology coordinators are in high demand in Saudi Arabia, according to a recent LinkedIn survey. Additional professions experiencing rapid growth in the Kingdom include safety managers, human resources operations specialists, and environmental experts. According to the survey, 52 percent of working male professionals in Saudi Arabia noted that competitive salaries and employment benefits are crucial factors in job retention. On the other hand, 57 percent of female professionals in the Kingdom are satisfied with their current employment. Due to satisfaction in their current job roles, the majority of Saudi women are not looking for new employment opportunities, the report added. Some 79 percent of participants from the Kingdom who participated in the survey revealed they were confident about attending an interview. According to the report, professionals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia prefer working in the region rather than relocating to Europe or the US. About 82 percent of surveyed professionals expressed this sentiment, with the standard of living, attractive lifestyle, and opportunities for growth making the region a preferred destination. The LinkedIn survey further highlighted that 73 percent of professionals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are considering finding new homes due to rising rents, underscoring the correlation of affordable housing with retaining talent within the region. “In 2024, we are seeing the UAE and Saudi Arabian professionals taking agency and moving to the driver’s seat when it comes to their careers,” said Ali Matar, head of LinkedIn in the Middle East and North Africa region. He added: “This will give rise to a more competitive job market, so standing out from other candidates will be more important than ever. Fortunately, we do see an appetite among professionals in our region to upskill.” The overall survey results showed that 62 percent of working professionals in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are looking for new job opportunities in 2024, with 42 percent hoping to procure a better pay scale.