The workforce is characterized by a diverse mix of expatriates and nationals, with a growing emphasis on women's participation and the rising influence of Gen Z. Discover how these demographic shifts are shaping the UAE's economic landscape and driving innovation across various sectors.
UAE Labor Market Demographics
What Women in the UAE workforce want?
- 78% of women in UAE believe financial rewards are the top motivator at work.
- 29% of women in the UAE cite a lack of mentors at work as a barrier to career progression
- 68% of women take career breaks at grades beyond entry level.
- 46% of women indicated the importance of the support of their partner and wider family when returning to work.
Source: World Bank Gender Data Report UAE
In the United Arab Emirates, the labor force participation rate among females is 55.4%, and among males is 93.1% for 2023
Which Industries Are Women Working In The Most?
- Market and Salesperson
- Beauticians and related works
- Shop Salespersons
- Nursing professionals
- Clinical support workers
- Business services and Administration Managers
- Administrative and specialized secretaries
- Call Center workers
- Finance professionals
- Sales, marketing, and development managers
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How to Support Women in the Workplace?
1. Meet Their Essential Needs
Sponsorship, networking, and affordable childcare.
2. Provide Networking Opportunities
Networking, especially early in careers.
3. Better Mentorship
Fewer early-career mentorship opportunities.
4. More Affordable Childcare
Women 4x more likely to need subsidized or onsite childcare.
What Holds Women Back?
Women returning to the workforce following a career break have the potential to contribute nearly $385 billion to the aggregate gross domestic product of nine countries in the Middle East and North Africa region, according to PwC Middle East.
This indicates a “significant” economic potential if organizations adopt “supportive” measures to ensure a smooth transition for women back into the workforce, the consultancy said in its latest report.
The survey of 1,200 women across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Oman found that nearly half of the women in the Mena region have taken career breaks, typically due to family and caregiving responsibilities.
Most women take career breaks due to family and caregiving responsibilities. Organizations must adopt supportive measures for women's smooth transition into the workforce. 29% of women rated a lack of access to relevant mentors and sponsors as a barrier to career progression, making it the second leading reason after bias.
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What Does Gen Z Want in UAE?
A report by the Oliver Wyman Employee Survey 2023 focused on the age 18 to 25 cohort in UAE and included the following key findings:
Side hustles
- 42% of the Gen Z surveyed in the UAE have formal or informal jobs on the side, compared to 27% of the non-Gen Z respondents.
- 49% of Gen Z in the UAE with side hustles are driven by a sense of connectivity and community.
- Almost 10% of Gen Z in the UAE earn money through investment income.
Return to office
- 70% of Gen Z in the UAE prefer hybrid work environments, while only 15% prefer 100% remote options.
- Meanwhile, non-Gen Z in the UAE are 40% more likely than Gen Z to want a full return to office.
Retention and job satisfaction
- Gen Z employees in the UAE are 19% more likely than US employees to actively or passively seek new jobs.
Side Hustles
- 42% of Gen Z in the UAE have side jobs vs. 27% of non-Gen Z.
- 49% of Gen Z with side hustles seek community.
- Almost 10% of Gen Z earn money from investments.
Return to Office
- 70% of Gen Z prefer hybrid work; 15% prefer fully remote.
- Non-Gen Z are 40% more likely to want a full return to the office.
Retention and Job Satisfaction
- Gen Z in the UAE are 19% more likely than US employees to seek new jobs.
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Top Factors to Switch Jobs
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