UAE jobs surge as workforce doubles, companies up 45% in five years
The UAE has recorded strong growth across its labour market, with the number of companies rising by over 45 per cent and the workforce more than doubling between 2021 and 2025, as the Cabinet reviewed key economic and social sector developments.
Workforce numbers grew by 101.76 per cent during the period, while female participation rose by 101.92 per cent and skilled workforce numbers increased by nearly 50 per cent, according to figures presented during a Cabinet meeting chaired by UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The review also highlighted near-universal compliance across labour protections, including 99 per cent enrolment in the Wage Protection System, 99 per cent registration in workers’ protection insurance, and 99 per cent adherence to heat stress policies. Coverage under unemployment insurance reached 83 per cent.
The Cabinet noted that the UAE ranked first globally in employment growth, availability of specialised talent, low labour disputes and workforce expansion.
Focus on healthier lifestyles
Ministers also approved the National Healthy Nutrition Strategy 2031, aimed at improving public health outcomes and promoting preventive care through better food systems.
The strategy focuses on increasing access to healthy and sustainable food, regulating the marketing of unhealthy products, and encouraging a shift towards healthier alternatives. Measures include banning partially hydrogenated oils, introducing a national nutrition monitoring system, and developing a digital nutrition guide.
It also aims to reduce obesity and diabetes rates among adults, limit obesity among school-aged children and adolescents, and address overweight levels among children under five.
Integrative healthcare approach
In healthcare, the Cabinet approved the National Integrative Medicine Strategy, which seeks to build a system that combines modern, traditional and complementary medicine.
The framework includes governance reforms, expanded insurance coverage, updated clinical guidelines and increased focus on research, innovation and professional training.
Authorities said the strategy is designed to position the UAE as a global reference in integrative medicine, while improving access to comprehensive and evidence-based care.
Community empowerment gains
The Cabinet reviewed progress in the community empowerment sector, including the launch of a Dh100 million fund to support public benefit organisations.
More than 800 such organisations are now active across the UAE, with over 160,000 members. Access to programmes expanded by 45 per cent, while inflation allowance coverage increased by 34 per cent.
Authorities said more than 3,800 beneficiaries had transitioned from social support into employment, while over 1,000 national projects were incubated. Emirati families also generated more than Dh100 million in returns through initiatives supporting home-based businesses.
Expanding space ambitions
The Cabinet also approved the National Space Strategy 2031, aimed at strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for space innovation and investment.
The sector is currently valued at more than Dh44 billion and includes over 170 entities. The strategy seeks to double revenues, expand export markets, and increase the number of national companies and startups.
It also aims to position the UAE among the top 10 global space economies by 2031, supported by investments in infrastructure, partnerships and access to international markets.
