LinkedIn’s 2020 Emerging Jobs Report Ranks Cyber Security Specialist as Saudi Arabia’s Fastest-growing Profession

LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, today debuted a Saudi-focused chapter of its annual Emerging Jobs Report that reveals a major shift towards tech-oriented professions in Saudi Arabia. Cyber security specialist, digital specialist, full-stack engineer, and digital marketing specialist have all been listed among the top 10 emerging jobs in the country.

By compiling data collected between 2015 and 2019, the Emerging Jobs Report offers an in-depth analysis of global job markets and the fastest-growing professions in today’s world of work. The report allows job seekers as well as hirers to understand the current employment landscape and helps professionals explore economic opportunities and stay relevant in the rapidly changing labor market.

This is the first time since the issue of the inaugural report in 2016 that Saudi Arabia has its own chapter, based on the public profiles of all LinkedIn users who have held a minimum of one full-time position in the country during the past five years. Once the talent pool has been identified, the report offers visibility to the roles with the largest share of growth. 

Saudi Arabia’s move towards tech-enabled employment and digitalization is no coincidence. The country’s government’s strategies, such as Saudi Vision 2030, are driving job creation in new and emerging fields that allow the country to realize its vision and fast-track development and progress. A majority of the top emerging jobs falls within the digital and technology fields, reflecting the growing value that businesses are placing on data to provide actionable insights and inform decisions.

Ali Matar, Head of MENA and EMEA Emerging Markets at LinkedIn, said: “The findings of the report demonstrate the successful efforts of Saudi Arabia to help its workforce achieve a transition towards digitalization and artificial intelligence.

He added: “At LinkedIn, our vision is to create economic opportunities for every member of the global workforce. In this context, the 2020 Emerging Jobs Report serves the interests of both professionals as well as businesses. It helps our members better understand the future of their careers and the skills required to succeed in emerging jobs while supporting companies and other entities in developing strategies for success in line with market shifts.”

With this year’s Emerging Jobs Report dominated by digital positions, many of the new skills fall under the categories of advanced and applied digital skills. However, the report also indicates that the demand for soft skills, such as communication, creativity, and collaboration, is likely to increase as automation becomes more widespread. Skills that are impossible to automate will become even more valuable for organizations in the future and remain integral to digital roles.

The report reveals that the top industries hiring digital talents are information technology and services. The emerging tech talent are also being hired across sectors from financial services, automotive, and education to retail and marketing.

The Emerging Jobs Report largely defines the future of the workplace, allowing career seekers, as well as hirers, to understand the current landscape and workforce trends. With over 660 million members worldwide, LinkedIn’s insights will help professionals explore economic opportunities and the requirements of the future workforce.

List of Top Emerging Jobs in Saudi Arabia:

1. Cyber Security Specialist
2. Digital Specialist 
3. Legal Researcher 
4. Full-stack Engineer 
5. Copywriter
6. Project Specialist
7. Auditor
8. Customer Specialist 
9. Digital Marketing Specialist 
10. Data Analyst
11. User Experience Designer 
12. Portfolio Manager
13. Communications Specialist
14. Development Specialist
15. Digital Marketing Manager