Sami Abdul Raouf (Dubai)
Data from the Labour Market Information Centre affiliated with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation showed that there were 5,908,377 workers in the private sector by the end of last June.
This represents an increase of 331,922 new workers in six months compared to the 5,576,455 employees working in 445,327 establishments at the end of last year.
The data indicates that the UAE is enhancing its role as a global attraction point for investment, development, and business.
Reflecting the UAE market’s attractiveness as a global destination for skills, talents, and expertise, the increase in the number of private sector workers also indicates an increase in the number of new businesses, and also signals the expansion of existing companies and establishments as a result of growing economic demand.
Statistical data reveals that the UAE’s labour market is experiencing a phase of stability and steady growth, reaffirming the competitiveness of the country’s work environment, which embraces a wealth of human resources to help diversify the national economy within comprehensive development plans.
The rise in the number of workers in the private sector comes at a time when the UAE economy is witnessing significant growth, thanks to governmental policies and strategic initiatives that solidify the UAE’s position in the global economic system, as confirmed by reports from many international economic organisations. The country’s strengthening of labour market legislation and balanced protections for both worker and employer rights is likewise reflected in the uptick in workers.
Labour attraction rates are likely to continue rising in the second half of 2023, maintaining the momentum into the coming year and potentially into subsequent years.
The UAE’s labour market is advanced at both the worker and employer levels, given its broad market scope, a diverse range available professions, various types of companies operating in the country, and employee mobility.
Economic Sectors
Analyses of the general labour force distribution across sectors indicate that the construction sector ranks first in terms of the number of employees, comprising over 1.416 million workers employed in about 81,000 establishments. This is followed by trade activities and repair services, which employ over 1.134 million workers in around 139,000 establishments.
The manufacturing sector ranks third, with over 741,000 workers spread across 41,400 establishments. In fourth place comes administrative and support service activities, with 690,261 workers in 43,488 establishments.
Following that are mining and quarrying activities, employing 353,864 workers affiliated with 5,049 establishments.
Then comes the transport and storage sector with 335,313 workers in more than 21,000 establishments. The remaining number of the total workforce is distributed across other sectors, such as health, social work, financial intermediation, public administration, and many less-numerous activities.
Professional Level
Regarding the professional level of the workforce, statistical data reveals that there are 1.261 million skilled craftsmen working in construction, extraction professions, and other sectors. Another 1.261 million workers are employed in unskilled labour professions.
There are around 919,000 people working in service and sales professions, followed by more than 592,000 machine operators. The remaining professional levels are distributed among machine and equipment operators and assemblers, clerical jobs, technicians in scientific and technical subjects, specialists in scientific, technical, and humanistic subjects, legislators, senior managers, and business managers.
The UAE is a world leader in its adoption and application of the principles of diversity, respect, and creative partnerships based on the values of tolerance, pluralism, and respect for diversity. The distinctive features and vast capabilities of the UAE, combined with its advanced facilities and infrastructure, attract both local and global talents to the country’s labour market.
The UAE is characterised by enhancing the efficiency, attractiveness, flexibility, and sustainability of the labour market, ensuring the benefit for private sector employers by directing recruitment processes to meet their needs, and ensuring business continuity as required. It also benefits the employee or worker by providing opportunities to establish a beneficial professional relationship.
The country offers an advanced system of mechanisms designed to enhance ease of business and labour market competitiveness and productivity, further bolstering the country’s investment in local and global talents and skills.