The retail sector is the most rapidly expanding sector in the Middle East for this half of the year, specialist global recruiter PageGroup says.

The ‘PageGroup Middle East Salary Guide’ has shown an increasing demand for talent in the retail sector, especially in buying and merchandising, training, brand management, designing, accounting and marketing, for 2014 Q3 and Q4.

Michael Page retail and digital operating director Adam Cole said demand was coming from both local and multinational organisations, particularly in luxury, fashion, beauty, and food and beverage.

Property market candidates are also highly sought after due to government investment in infrastructure.

A preference for candidates with experience in the Middle East is causing salary expectations for locally based talent to rise.

Also in demand were specific skills in the financial services industry.