Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
Young Emiratis are placing greater emphasis on work-life balance, supportive workplace culture and alignment with personal values when choosing their careers, according to a new survey.
The findings are based on a YouGov poll of 519 Emirati nationals aged 18–25, conducted between July 1 and 20, 2025, as part of a study commissioned by Al-Futtaim.
The survey points to a clear shift away from traditional motivators such as salary alone. Work-life balance was cited as extremely important by 53% of respondents, while 51% prioritised a positive and supportive work environment when selecting an employer.
Competitive salary and benefits ranked slightly lower at 49%, underscoring a broader preference for purpose, wellbeing and meaningful contribution alongside career progression.
Despite this shift, financial independence remains a key aspiration, with 39% identifying it as a primary career goal, while 31% expressed interest in entrepreneurship. Respondents also showed strong awareness of global trends shaping the future of work. Around 42% said they are actively considering how artificial intelligence and automation could affect their careers, while 35% flagged concern about rising global competition for jobs.
Family influence continues to play a decisive role in career choices. Nearly half of respondents (46%) said parents and family were the strongest influence on their career decisions, exceeding the influence of online platforms, social media influencers, and career mentors. The findings reflect deep-rooted cultural values, with family guidance remaining central to major life decisions, including career paths.
Pension benefits have emerged as a key factor in employment decisions, with 58% of respondents saying these are very important when choosing an employer. Nearly 48% of respondents said government pension schemes are perceived to be more attractive than those offered in the private sector.
Challenges around workforce readiness were also highlighted. The most commonly cited issues include high competition for entry-level roles (33%), a lack of practical experience or skills (28%), and limited exposure to diverse career pathways (29%). This has created strong demand for internships, mentorship programmes, and experiential learning opportunities to better prepare young people for workplace expectations.
While interest in emerging technologies remains high - with 62% expressing optimism about the impact of AI on the UAE workforce - the study identified a gap between enthusiasm and preparedness. Only 33% of those surveyed identified data literacy as critical for success.
The respondent pool represented a broad cross-section of young Emiratis across the UAE. Men accounted for 59% of participants and women 41%, with 45% based in Abu Dhabi and 35% in Dubai. In terms of education, 40% held a bachelor's degree, while 29% were employed full-time at the time of the survey.
