We’ve all been there. Graduation cap on, future uncertain, and a thousand tabs open in your mind (and your browser). The job market in the Gulf, and across the world, is evolving faster than ever. AI, remote work, skill-based hiring, and changing industry needs mean that success isn’t guaranteed just because you have a degree.
That’s why the Gulf News Edufair 2025 felt timely. In one particularly powerful panel, Dr. Kanchi Das, DP/CP Coordinator at Dubai International Academy, along with other industry experts, offered actionable advice, not clichés.
Their discussion revolved around three key ways graduates in the Gulf can take control of their post-university journey.
We’re breaking them down here with real-world explanations and how you can put them into action.
1. Skill Up Like Your Life Depends on It (Because It Kind of Does)
The panel stressed that while degrees for graduates in the Gulf still hold value, employers are now prioritizing skills over academic labels. Whether it’s tech, communication, design, finance, or logistics, what you can do matters more than just what you studied.
Why it’s important in the Gulf:
The Gulf job market, especially in places like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is becoming increasingly competitive and international. Jobseekers from all over the world are applying for the same roles. Having niche or updated skills gives you an edge.
How to start building skills today:
- Online Learning Platforms: Sites like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and EdX offer affordable (even free) courses in just about everything.
- Gulf-Specific Platforms: Consider regional platforms like Astrolabs Academy for tech/startup skills or Naukrigulf’s free upskilling modules.
- Micro-Credentials: Certifications in AI, coding, digital marketing, Excel, UX/UI, etc. show initiative.
Must Remember:
Don’t try to learn everything at once. Choose one skill that aligns with your field. Want to work in media? Take a course in digital storytelling or podcast editing.
Dreaming of finance? Brush up on Excel, Tableau, or financial modeling.
2. Build Your Personal Brand (And No, It’s Not Just for Influencers)
Personal branding is how the world sees you professionally. It’s the intentional effort to showcase your skills, values, personality, and career goals in a clear, consistent, and memorable way.
Dr. Das explained that students should begin developing their personal brand as early as Grade 8 but if you’re a new graduate, now is the *perfect* time to start.
So, what IS your personal brand?
Personal branding is a mix of:
- What you say you do (your CV, LinkedIn, elevator pitch)
- What you show you do (portfolio, social media, real projects)
- What others perceive about you (recommendations, online presence)
Example of a strong personal brand in 2025:
Let’s say Sara is one of the new graduates in the Gulf with Business major from a Dubai university.
Her personal brand might be:
“A bilingual business graduate passionate about sustainable startups, with hands-on experience in social media analytics and a personal blog about green entrepreneurship in the GCC.”
Now, Sara makes sure:
- Her LinkedIn headline reflects this
- She shares short blogs or posts on sustainability trends
- She adds certificates in ESG, sustainability reporting, etc.
- Her CV and job interviews echo the same passion and focus
How YOU can build your brand in 2025:
Let us tell you how graduates in the Gulf can also build personal brand in 2025:
- Audit your online presence. Google yourself. What shows up? Is it professional?
- Polish your LinkedIn. Add a sharp headline, fill in achievements, and write a compelling “About” section.
- Create content or share ideas. Don’t just lurk online. Write posts, repost relevant industry news, or start a blog.
- Use visuals. Canva makes it easy to create a portfolio or resume with a design that reflects your field.
- Consistency is key. Use the same tone, themes, and energy across platforms. If you’re passionate about tech + education, let that show across everything.
3. Use Both AI and HI (Human Intelligence)—Not One Over the Other)
Yes, ChatGPT and AI tools are powerful but they don’t replace people. The panel emphasized mentorship, emotional intelligence, and human connections as equally vital to success of graduates in the Gulf.
The Garden Metaphor:
During the panel discussion, Dr. Das used the idea of a garden that really stood out to us:
- Remove the weeds: habits and mindsets that no longer serve you (like procrastination or fear of asking for help)
- Plant new seeds: skills, passions, values
- Tend your garden: keep learning, refining, and evolving with time
Experts also reinforced that mentorship should start at home; parents, older siblings, even family friends can guide your early steps. But don’t stop there. Seek out university professors, LinkedIn mentors, local industry leaders.
Real steps to combine AI and HI in 2025:
Yes, but how exactly? Let us give you example of how graduates in the Gulf can use AI and HI:
- Use AI tools (like Notion AI or ChatGPT) to draft your resume, practice interview answers, or summarize courses
- Use HI to get real-world feedback: Ask mentors to review your CV or conduct mock interviews
- Attend networking events, career fairs, and even LinkedIn Live sessions
- Join alumni networks as many UAE universities and schools offer mentorship programs
Also Remember:
Send a short, clear LinkedIn message when reaching out:
“Hi \[Name], I’m a recent graduate passionate about \[field]. I admire your work in \[project/role] and would love to ask for quick career advice over a 15-min chat if you’re open to it.”
Most professionals remember being where you are and they’re happy to help.
Final Thoughts:
These three strategies aren’t just tips to “get a job” for graduates in the Gulf .They’re about shaping your identity, mindset, and professional footprint in the world.
So whether you’re based in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Sharjah, or Muscat, this journey will take time but it’ll be worth it. Because when you combine adaptable skills, a clear personal brand, and the wisdom of both technology and human connections, you’re not just surviving, you’re building something meaningful.
Take it from us, we’ve been there. You’re going to be okay. And maybe, just maybe, you’re about to thrive.
Found this blog helpful? Stay tuned with Marhabein for more practical guides, career tips, and student-focused blogs across Middle East.
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