UAE sees 404% growth in Emirati workforce as women's labour market participation jumps 109%

The number of Emiratis employed in the UAE workforce has increased by 404% since the launch of the Nafis employment programme in 2021, while women's participation in the labour market has risen by 109%, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, shared the figures during a session on human capital and workforce readiness at the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026 on Tuesday.

The growth in Emirati employment comes amid government efforts to increase national participation in the private sector through employment incentives, skills development and stronger partnerships with businesses.

Al Awar also reported a 50% increase in the number of skilled workers in the UAE over the same period. The country's total workforce expanded by 104%, while the number of companies operating in the country grew by 46%.

He attributed the expansion to government policies and collaboration with private-sector employers, highlighting the role of businesses in creating employment opportunities, attracting international talent and supporting economic growth.

The minister emphasised that closer cooperation between government and employers would be essential to developing human capital and ensuring that workers have the capabilities required by an evolving economy.

The UAE has also expanded measures to protect employees' rights and strengthen workforce security through wage protection, health insurance and unemployment insurance schemes.

According to Al Awar, approximately Dh37 billion in salaries is transferred every month through the Wage Protection System. Workers' protection insurance covers 99% of private-sector employees, while unemployment insurance coverage has reached 93% of private-sector workers.

Health insurance coverage extends to private-sector employees and domestic workers.

He also highlighted the UAE's contribution to household incomes and economic activity in countries receiving workers' remittances, noting that the country ranks first among Gulf nations in the value of outward remittances.

Looking ahead, the government is using labour market simulation and data-driven planning to anticipate employment trends and prepare for changing workforce requirements through 2031.

Al Awar outlined a labour market simulation model designed to help policymakers forecast changes in employment patterns and develop responses using data and artificial intelligence.

The government's priorities include improving workforce productivity, strengthening employment security and attracting highly skilled professionals, particularly in industries expected to generate long-term, high-value employment.

"The future priorities of the UAE labour market focus on enhancing productivity, sustaining employment and attracting talent, with an emphasis on jobs and emerging sectors that generate high added value," Al Awar said.

He added that the government would continue efforts to increase Emirati participation in the private sector, strengthen workforce skills and productivity, retain international talent and expand employment opportunities for women.

Sectors expected to receive greater attention in the next phase of employment and skills development policies include advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, technology, data, healthcare, life sciences, aviation, aerospace, advanced energy and sustainability.

The focus reflects the UAE's efforts to align workforce development with technological and economic transformation while strengthening its position as a destination for international talent.

Al Awar stressed that sustained government-business cooperation would be critical to preparing workers for emerging skills requirements and maintaining the country's labour market competitiveness.