As part of EDI Staffbuilders International’s (EDI) marketing initiatives in the Middle East, we completed our first round of visits to Saudi Arabia and Dubai from February 1 to 21, 2025. Our President & CEO, Engr. Cesar A. Averia, Jr., joined me on this trip from February 1 to 11, as he needed to attend important meetings in the Philippines and Singapore. We typically conduct one to two visits annually to strengthen existing partnerships, explore emerging demands, and identify new business opportunities in key cities in Saudi Arabia, such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. We also take advantage of this trip to visit Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates.
During this trip, we visited over 45 companies across various industries, gaining invaluable insights into evolving workforce requirements and business landscapes. This effort reinforced EDI’s position as a trusted global recruitment partner for key regional players.
A Market Abundant with Opportunities
Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid transformation as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, resulting in a growing demand for highly skilled professionals across multiple sectors, including technology, hospitality and tourism, healthcare, engineering, and facility management.
EDI is actively collaborating with key players involved in major projects across the region and has identified several new opportunities during this trip. Some of the most notable developments include:
- Asian Football Confederation Cup 2027 and 2034 FIFA World Cup – Saudi Arabia is set to host both of these prestigious events, further solidifying its position as a global sports destination.
- Red Sea and Al Ula Projects – A groundbreaking initiative to develop a sustainable tourism hub along Saudi Arabia’s west coast, with over 20 world-class resorts currently under construction.
- Neom – A futuristic economic zone designed to drive innovation and tackle global challenges.
- King Salman Park – A massive 16-square-kilometer project in Riyadh, offering a mix of sports, cultural, entertainment, commercial, and residential developments.
- Riyadh Air – Saudi Arabia’s second national airline, expected to launch operations by late 2025 or early 2026.
Meanwhile, Dubai, recognized as a thriving economic powerhouse, continues to serve as a hub for international business and innovation. One challenge EDI faces in developing this market is the availability of local talent. Many potential applicants enter the country on visit visas to seek employment opportunities, making it more convenient and cost-effective for companies to recruit locally rather than hiring from abroad.
In addition to business discussions, we experienced the cultural vibrancy of both countries, engaged in traditional customs, and immersed ourselves in the local heritage. This deeper understanding of the markets helped strengthen relationships, build trust, and open doors for further collaboration in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Commitment to Global Opportunities
This successful mission to Saudi Arabia and the UAE highlights EDI Staffbuilders International’s strong commitment to connecting Filipino talents with global opportunities.
EDI, already present in more than 30 countries, remains a leader in the Middle East market. We deploy talent across managerial, skilled, and semi-skilled positions in a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, engineering, banking, manufacturing, hospitality, and aviation, among others.
Explore Global Opportunities with EDI
EDI Staffbuilders International continues to connect Filipino talent with top overseas job opportunities. As we strengthen partnerships in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, we open doors to exciting career prospects in thriving industries.
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