GCC Energy Workforce Readiness: A Strategic Guide for Oil and Gas Employers

Backed by state-led capital commitments and evolving localisation policies, workforce demand is shifting from a hiring challenge to a workforce readiness challenge. Success now depends on planning talent by project phase, balancing national and international hiring, ensuring regulatory compliance, and selecting the right employment models to mobilise skilled teams efficiently across GCC markets.

Key insights from this report highlight:

• GCC energy investment remains resilient, with long-term capital commitments driving sustained workforce demand beyond oil price cycles.

• Gas, LNG, hydrogen, and energy security projects are creating significant demand for specialist technical and operational talent.

• Localisation policies including Emiratization, Saudization, Omanisation, Qatarisation, Kuwaitisation, and Bahrainisation are reshaping workforce planning across the region.

• Workforce planning must align with each project phase, combining local and international talent while addressing visa, mobilisation, and compliance requirements.

• Blended employment models integrating direct hires, contract staffing, Employer of Record services, and managed mobilisation provide greater workforce flexibility and project readiness.

Download the full report to access the complete GCC energy workforce planning framework and deployment strategy.