UAE’s national workforce grows 11% as skilled workers rise 13%

More Emiratis are joining the private sector as confidence in the economy rises

Last updated: November 13, 2025 | 16:36

1 MIN READ

Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)

Abu Dhabi: Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the UAE Labour Market Leadership Award, has confirmed that the national workforce grew by more than 11% over the past year, while the number of skilled workers increased by over 13%.

He noted that more than 156,000 Emiratis are now employed in the private sector as of the end of October 2025. The number of private-sector establishments also rose by more than 14%, reflecting the strong confidence of employers and investors in the UAE’s economy.

Also Read: UAE: 107,000 Emirati women employed in the private sector

Speaking at the ceremony honouring the winners of the third edition of the UAE Labour Market Leadership Award, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Dr Al Awar said that celebrating best practices in the labour market supports the UAE’s vision to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy, enhance the business environment, and shape the future economy — positioning the UAE among the world’s fastest-growing economies with high levels of performance.

He added that, thanks to the vision of the UAE’s leadership, the national labour market now ranks first globally across several competitiveness indicators — a source of great pride and motivation to achieve even more, through continued collaboration with the private sector and the national and global workforce driving it forward.

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Abdulla RasheedEditor - Abu Dhabi

Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi  is an accomplished Emirati journalist with over 45 years of experience in both Arabic and English media. He currently serves as the Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief fo Gulf News. Al Hammadi began his career in 1980 with Al Ittihad newspaper, where he rose through the ranks to hold key editorial positions, including Head of International News, Director of the Research Center, and Acting Managing Editor. A founding member of the UAE Journalists Association and a former board member, he is also affiliated with the General Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists. Al Hammadi studied Information Systems Technology at the University of Virginia and completed journalism training with Reuters in Cairo and London. During his time in Washington, D.C., he reported for Alittihad  and became a member of the National Press Club. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote the widely read Dababees column, known for its critical take on social issues. Throughout his career, Al Hammadi has conducted high-profile interviews with prominent leaders including UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and key Arab figures such as the late Yasser Arafat and former presidents of Yemen and Egypt. He has reported on major historical events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the liberation of Kuwait, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. His work continues to shape and influence journalism in the UAE and the wider Arab world.