UAE ranked first globally in key labour market indicators

Abu Dhabi: In a new international milestone, the UAE has claimed the top global ranking in 10 key labour market and employment indicators, according to the 2025 edition of the World Competitiveness Yearbook, published by the IMD World Competitiveness Center.

In addition to these first-place rankings, the UAE secured second place in four indicators, third in three, fourth in two, as well as fifth, sixth, and eighth in one indicator each.

These exceptional global results reaffirm the UAE’s standing as a premier destination for living, working, and investing, and underscore the country's commitment to sustainable economic growth. This latest achievement further enhances the nation’s reputation as a global model for development and competitiveness.

Despite strong competition from advanced economies, the UAE maintained its position at the top of several long-standing indicators and recorded significant improvements across multiple other benchmarks.

According to the 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook, the UAE ranked first globally in the following indicators:

The UAE has cemented its reputation as a hub for skilled talent and professional expertise across key economic sectors. This is driven by forward-thinking labour policies and the country’s ability to attract international talent with ease.

The growing diversity of the UAE’s workforce continues to support specialised talent development in a wide range of industries, while fostering productive, innovative, and future-ready work environments aligned with labour market needs and national strategic goals.

This global performance is a direct result of continued national efforts to modernise legislative frameworks, invest in world-class infrastructure, and cultivate an agile and competitive economic ecosystem that appeals to investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.

Recent labour reforms have significantly enhanced working conditions, further contributing to the UAE’s strong upward momentum in international competitiveness rankings.

Under the guidance of the country’s visionary leadership, the UAE has emerged as a global benchmark for efficiency, adaptability, and responsiveness to labour market shifts—earning it top positions in several labour-related competitiveness indicators.

These achievements reflect international recognition of the UAE’s dynamic policy-making and its proactive approach to global economic challenges.

Guided by national directives, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) continues to strengthen the UAE’s labour market appeal, with a particular focus on the private sector as a strategic partner in building the most resilient, responsive, and agile economy in the region and beyond.

The Ministry remains committed to reinforcing the flexibility of the business environment and enhancing the UAE’s standing as one of the world’s leading destinations for global talent and innovation.