The UAE may be trying to diversify the economy away from oil - but many of the country's employees would still leap at the chance to get into the industry.
That's according to a new survey conducted by online employment portal Bayt.com and respected pollster YouGov that found people in the UAE consider the oil, gas and petrochemicals sector to offer the best prospects.
A total of 44 per cent of those surveyed picked these firms as offering the best potential for career growth - with banking and finance in second place with 25 per cent. More than half of UAE workers polled - 56 per cent - also consider the oil and gas sector to offer the country's best salaries.
A further 30 per cent said that government jobs and those at utilities firms offered the best chance of a hefty pay packet. But it's not all sweetness and light - UAE workers don't fancy the stress that comes with some industries.
And 30 per cent of those polled named construction as the most stressful of all - the sector is also considered to have the longest working hours, according to the poll. Also scoring highly for stress was banking and finance.
In second spot, 26 per cent of those polled believe bankers have it tough. And 16 per cent believe professionals in advertising, media, PR and publishing have it hardest.
YouGov Middle East CEO Sundip Chahal said UAE workers differ from their regional peers - with the latter "keen to find employment in the IT, electronics and telecommunications industry rather than in oil, gas and petrochemicals".
© 7Days 2014
