Actual value and historical data chart for United Arab Emirates Labor Force Total

Explore the total labor force by emirate dataset for United Arab Emirates. Gain valuable insights into employment and labor trends in the region.

Employment, Labour United Arab EmiratesFollow data.kapsarc.org for timely data to advance energy economics research..Numbers in AED in 000's.

In 2020, the total number of crafts and related trades workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was approximately **** million people. In comparison, the number of skilled workers in the agricultural, forestry, and fishery sectors in that year was ** thousand people.

Actual value and historical data chart for United Arab Emirates Labor Participation Rate Total Percent Of Total Population Ages 15 Plus

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

households/individuals

Kind of data

survey

Frequency of data collection

Yearly

Sampling procedure

Sample size:

In 2019, the construction sector accounted for the highest number of employed persons in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at around **** million, followed by the wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and personal and household goods sector at around *** million.  The UAE economy  The UAE is one of the Middle East region’s largest economies. Its gross domestic product (GDP) was forecasted to reach around ** thousand U.S. dollars per capita in 2024. The service sector continued to account for the largest share of the GDP in 2019. Understanding the need to reduce reliance on revenues from petroleum and natural gas, the country has adopted plans to create a sustainable and diversified economy.  Housing sector future By 2022, the UAE was forecasted to have the second largest demand for housing units in the Gulf Cooperation Council. The growing construction of villas in the UAE has driven the growth of the smart homes market in recent years, which was also forecasted to continue growing by 2022.

In 2020, technical and skilled workers made up most of the workforce in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accounting for nearly *** million employees each. In comparison, the total number of limited skill workers in the country amounted to approximately *** thousand in that same year. UAE labor force According to the UAE’s most recent occupational classification scheme, over *** current job titles shall be categorized into nine professional levels and five presented skill levels. Level One represents highly-skilled specialists, and Level Five lower-skilled employees. In terms of economic sectors, construction and wholesale-retail trade accounted for the highest number of employees across the country in 2019. Meanwhile, the UAE workforce was relatively young, with the majority aged between 25 and 39. Female participation in the workforce As of 2019, there were reportedly over **** million male employees in the United Arab Emirates, almost nine times the number of female employees across the country that year. While the UAE had a higher female participation rate than the 2019 global average, the labor participation rate amounted to only around ** percent for female Emiratis, compared to over ** percent for their male counterparts.

In 2020, the total number of workers between 30 and 34 years old in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was approximately **** million people. While the number of workers in the country between 25 and 29 years old was about *** million people.

In 2024, the unemployment rate in the United Arab Emirates was at 2.13 percent of the total labor force. The unemployment rate depicts the share of a country's labor force without jobs but available and actively seeking employment. The United Arab Emirates’ unemployment rate is quite low, and the region has one of lowest amounts of unemployed persons worldwide. Oil-based economyOne of the most important economic centers of Western Asia, the United Arab Emirates’ gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to around 424.64 billion U.S. dollars in 2018. The United Arab Emirates’ economy is particularly reliant on oil exports, and it holds the seventh-largest proved oil reserves. Most reserves are located in Abu Dhabi in a combination of offshore and onshore locations. UAE populationDue to the profitable nature of the petroleum industry and a relatively small population, the country has one of the highest GDP per capita rates in the world, at over 40,700 U.S. dollars in 2018. The country’s population is mostly comprised of expatriate workers, the majority of whom who have cultural backgrounds from South Asia, Egypt, and the Philippines. Most of the country’s population fall between the ages of 15 and 64 years.

The statistic shows the total number of the employed persons in the Dubai region in the United Arab Emirates from 2011 to 2017. In 2017, the number of employed persons in Dubai was more than *** million strong.

In 2023, the Emiratization of skilled jobs in the United Arab Emirates stood at **** percent. This was a *** percent increase over the previous year. From 2023 to 2026 the Emiratization rate of skilled jobs in the UAE is targeted to increase by *** percent each year, culminating in ** percent Emiratization of skilled jobs by 2026.

The UAE Co-Working Office Space Market Report is Segmented by Size & Scale of Facility (Small, Medium and Large), by Sector (Information Technology, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services and Insurance), and More), by End Use (Freelancers, Enterprises, and More), and by City (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Other Emirates). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

As of 2018, the demographic group of 30 to 34-year-olds in the Emirate of Dubai was above *** thousand people. Considering that the total population of the Emirate of Dubai was estimated to be around *** million people in 2020, the above-mentioned age bracket is a substantial share of Dubai’s society.   In the context of the United Arab Emirates   Dubai is the most populous region in the United Arab Emirates, followed by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi the United Arab Emirates was the second largest country amongst the Gulf Cooperation Council countries with almost ** million people, behind Saudi Arabia with a population thrice the size. The United Arab Emirates has about *** million male and *** million female inhabitants altogether.  Expats and Emirati    When discussing the demographic composition of this region, the gender imbalance is not the only demographic skewness experienced in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in its Dubai region. Additionally, foreign workers and expatriates significantly outnumber the indigenous population. Only an estimated *** million people in the United Arab Emirates are nationals of their country. The majority of the expatriate’s hail from the subcontinent. In terms of the working population of the United Arab Emirates, ** percent of men and ** percent of women in the labor force are from Asia.  Outlook    The population density of the UAE is continuing to grow, though the urban population growth of the UAE had slowed down considerably.

In 2019, the number of employed females in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amounted to *** thousand, up from *** thousand in 2018. The number of employed males in the UAE reached around **** million in 2019, up from around **** million in 2018.

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UAE Education Market Size 2025-2029

The UAE education market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.1 billion at a CAGR of 8.6% between 2024 and 2029.

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 55.35 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 5.1 billion 
CAGR : 8.6%

Market Summary

The market is witnessing significant advancements, with the number of students enrolled in private schools increasing by approximately 10% annually. This growth can be attributed to the expanding population and the rising awareness of the importance of quality education. The market is diverse, catering to various sectors such as K-12, higher education, and vocational training. According to recent studies, the e-learning segment is experiencing a notable surge, with an estimated 30% of students opting for online courses. This trend is driven by the convenience and flexibility offered by digital learning platforms.
Furthermore, the adoption of technology in classrooms is on the rise, with schools investing in smartboards, educational apps, and virtual learning environments. The UAE's commitment to providing world-class education is evident in these developments, making it an attractive destination for students and educational institutions alike.

What will be the size of the UAE Education Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data with forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The education market in the UAE is a significant and continually evolving sector, with current enrollment figures accounting for over 50% of the total student population in the region. Looking forward, this market is projected to expand by more than 7% annually, driven by increasing investments in educational technology and a growing focus on lifelong learning. A comparison of recent data reveals that the number of students enrolled in online course platforms has increased by over 30%, while traditional classroom-based education has seen a corresponding decrease in enrollment. This shift towards digital learning solutions underscores the importance of technology-enhanced educational approaches and the role they play in addressing the evolving needs of students and the workforce.
Moreover, the UAE's commitment to educational equity initiatives and higher education reforms has led to a surge in adult education programs and the adoption of pedagogical approaches that cater to diverse learning styles. As a result, institutions are increasingly focusing on data-driven decision making, learning outcome measurement, and teacher evaluation systems to ensure the effectiveness of their educational offerings and the readiness of their students for the workforce. Investment in educational technology, particularly in areas such as virtual reality learning, artificial intelligence education, and machine learning education, is a key driver of this growth. These technologies not only enhance the learning experience but also provide opportunities for institutions to differentiate themselves and cater to the diverse needs of their students. In conclusion, the education market in the UAE is a dynamic and growing sector, with a strong focus on technology-driven solutions, continuous improvement, and the development of skills that meet the demands of the modern workforce.

How is this UAE Education Market segmented?

The UAE education market market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029,for the following segments.

Ownership

  Private education
  Public education


End-user

  K-12
  Higher education
  Vocational education


Type

  Offline
  Online


Geography

  Middle East and Africa

    UAE

By Ownership Insights

The private education segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The Education Market in the UAE is witnessing significant advancements, with key sectors such as blended learning models, online learning platforms, and educational software development leading the charge. According to recent reports, the adoption of educational technology in the region has surged by 25%, with over 70% of schools and universities incorporating digital tools into their curricula. Furthermore, Online Tutoring services, stem education initiatives, and Learning Analytics dashboards have experienced a 30% increase in usage. In the K-12 sector, spending on education has grown by 20%, driven by the integration of virtual classroom solutions, educational app development, and skill development programs.

Vocational training programs have also seen a 27% rise in enrollment, as students and professionals seek to acquire new competencies in a rapidly evolving job market. Moreover, inclusive education practices, such as personalized learning approaches and access

The UAE co-working space market, valued at $73.80 million in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.46% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. The burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, is creating a high demand for flexible and cost-effective workspaces. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of agile work methodologies by both SMEs and large corporations is driving the need for co-working spaces that offer collaborative environments and readily available infrastructure. The IT and ITES sectors, along with the BFSI and consulting industries, are major contributors to this growth, seeking easily scalable workspace solutions. Competition among established players like ServCorp, WeWork, Regus, and emerging local brands like Nasab and Nook is further intensifying market dynamism and pushing innovation in service offerings. While data on specific city-level market share within the UAE is unavailable, it's reasonable to assume Dubai holds the largest share, given its established status as a regional business hub, followed by Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The "Other Cities" segment likely represents a growing, albeit smaller, portion of the overall market as the co-working trend permeates across the country. The market's growth trajectory is expected to remain positive throughout the forecast period (2025-2033), driven by continued economic diversification, government initiatives supporting entrepreneurship, and the ongoing shift towards hybrid and remote work models. However, potential restraints such as fluctuating real estate prices and competition from traditional office spaces need to be considered. The segmentation of the market by business type (new spaces, expansions, chains), application (industry sectors), and end-user (SMEs vs. large corporations) provides a granular understanding of market dynamics, enabling strategic planning for both investors and operators within the UAE co-working space industry. Further market research focusing on specific city-level data and detailed competitive analysis would provide a more complete picture. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the burgeoning UAE co-working space industry, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a focus on the estimated year 2025 and a forecast extending to 2033, this report is an invaluable resource for investors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals seeking to understand the dynamics and future trajectory of this rapidly expanding sector. The report analyzes key market segments, including Dubai co-working spaces, Abu Dhabi co-working spaces, and those in other emirates, examining the impact of regulations, competition, and technological advancements. We delve into the financial performance of major players like WeWork, Servcorp, and Regus, providing crucial data points to make informed business decisions. This report is essential for navigating the complexities of the UAE coworking market. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Adoption of Remote and Hybrid Work Model. Potential restraints include: Lack of Privacy. Notable trends are: Increase in the Millennial Population.

The number of employed workers in all economic sectors in the United Arab Emirates was about *** million in 2019. The rate of unemployment of the country decreased from *** percent in 2017 to *** percent in 2018.

The statistic shows the total number of the workforce in the private sector in the United Arab Emirates in 2019, broken down by emirate. In this year, the workforce in Dubai was *** million strong. In total, the country employed more than ************ people in the private sector.

In 2021, the total number of non-national employed workers in the private sector of the United Arab Emirates totaled to around *** million workers. It slightly increased in comparison to the previous year at **** million.

In 2021, it was estimated that there were almost *** million workers employed in the construction sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Several projects and strategies are in the works to stimulate the construction industry, including the Energy Strategy 2050, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program, and the Dubai Tourism Strategy.