The Energy Year: Labour market insights from Kuwait’s largest HR provider
Mohammad Abu Al Rob, CEO of the Procapita Group, talks to The Energy Year about the structural barriers in Kuwait’s labour market and helping large companies and SMEs adopt emerging technologies. The Procapita Group is a Kuwaiti consulting firm that provides advisory, HR and audit services to the public and private sectors.
Labour market insights from Kuwait’s largest HR provider
Tell us about Procapita Group’s footprint in Kuwait and the broader region.
Procapita Group was founded in Kuwait in 2013 with a vision to provide comprehensive HR solutions tailored to the evolving needs of both the public and private sectors. I founded Procapita in collaboration with Al-Bahar Group, and since then, we have steadily expanded to become a trusted HR partner across the region.
As we grew, we established specialised arms to meet specific market needs. Sanad Business Solutions was created to support Kuwait’s growing SME segment. Later in 2018, we launched Zenithr, our technology arm, born from the rising demand for digital transformation in HR. It focuses on HR tech innovation and is the exclusive distributor of Thomas in the MENA region, enhancing our portfolio with world-class assessment and talent solutions.
Today, with over 150 professionals across our offices in the region, we proudly serve more than 2,000 clients.
Can you describe your client base in Kuwait, and do you serve the energy sector specifically?
I am proud to say that Procapita holds the largest market share in Kuwait’s HR sector, working with some of the country’s top companies and generating leading revenue in the market. Beyond Kuwait, we have established a strong footprint in Saudi Arabia and several other countries, positioning ourselves as one of the key players in the regional HR arena.
Regarding the energy industry, Procapita has extensive experience serving both government and private entities within the oil and gas and other sectors, as well as SMEs in the space. We have successfully delivered projects for renowned organisations such as Rawabi Holding, HEISCO, Gulf Cryo and others.
What is your view on Kuwait’s low private-sector employment rate, and how would you address it?
Kuwait’s low private-sector employment rate comes with both advantages and challenges. On the positive side, Kuwait offers clear stability, with no VAT or income tax, and citizens and expats benefit from subsidised utilities. These elements create a favourable environment for businesses and residents, and stability provides a solid foundation for long-term planning.
However, some challenges impede private-sector growth. Bureaucracy and complex regulations can limit the ease of doing business. Also, the absence of large-scale mega-projects restricts opportunities for significant private sector growth. Combined with intense competition and slow economic growth, these factors lead to significant obstacles to expanding private employment and diversifying the economy.
Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to simplify regulatory frameworks, encourage investment in large-scale initiatives and foster a more dynamic business environment that can accelerate private sector participation and employment.
How do you advise your clients to prepare for the impact of technology on HR processes?
Digital transformation in HR is no longer optional; it is essential. We launched Zenithr precisely to drive this change. We actively encourage our clients to adopt technology, not only in automating HR processes, but in talent development and capability building, as well. A mindset shift and awareness are necessary to create an appetite for improved digital advancements in the market.
But this is not just about systems, it is about people. A significant portion of jobs in Kuwait could be eliminated within the next decade due to digital transformation. Governments and organisations must invest now in upskilling and reskilling, especially among the youth, or risk falling behind.
You have just launched the Procapita Hub. What is this initiative about?
Reliable labour market data remains scarce in our region, and Procapita has been committed to filling this gap. Since 2018, we have published annual HR reports that provide valuable insights into compensation and HR trends. We initially focused on Kuwait and now cover the entire GCC. These reports are freely accessible and widely referenced by corporations, researchers and academic institutions.
Procapita Hub is the next step; it is a digital platform offering interactive access to our reports and market studies that cover recruitment trends, salary benchmarks and, for the first time in the region, correlate company financial performance with HR metrics such as board compensation. Our latest published study, which analyses 80 listed Kuwaiti companies, stands as our most comprehensive work to date.
As a thought leader, this investment reflects our commitment to raising regional standards in HR and workforce analytics. It also reinforces our brand, and we take great pride in the credibility we have built over the years.
As Kuwait strengthens its position as a regional hub for foreign investment, how is Procapita supporting international companies entering the market?
We support foreign investors across three fronts: market entry, regulatory compliance and talent strategy.
Through Sanad, we offer HR outsourcing, payroll services and government relations management. For larger players, our consulting and advisory arm provides tailored workforce planning, recruitment support and organisational design frameworks.
Whether for a tech startup or a multinational entering a joint venture, we act as a trusted local partner, ensuring compliance, operational efficiency and access to the right talent from the very start.