UAE - A year of strength, growth and stability

Nine in ten UAE residents are optimistic about their future and the same figure reiterates itself in the percentage of individuals who feel the country is heading in the right direction, which is to be expected of a nation which has a dedicated Ministry of Happiness^[1].  The UAE is unique in that 88% of its resident population is comprised of expatriates, and it prides itself as a regional and global hub attracting the best talent from across continents, not only as a result of its low taxation and booming jobs sector, but also due to the values and attitudes passed down from the top leadership’s vision and policies.

The UAE is unique in that 88% of its resident population is comprised of expatriates, and it prides itself as a regional and global hub

It comes as no surprise that residents’ rating of their personal financial situation, and that of the economy, continually outranks countries across the globe. And with unemployment in MENA being double the global average at 11%, and unemployment amongst youth in MENA reaching 26% (the highest globally), UAE continually ranks as the most desirable country to live and work in, with two out of three of MENA’s youth mentioning it as their top choice^[2].  On the flip side, the competitive nature of the UAE and its stringent work visa policies means that employment confidence is an area which tops the list of residents’ concerns, and sits below the global average, an area which the government is fast moving to resolve.

Moreover, the UAE has also played a major role in empowering women. While the MENA region ranks second to last globally in terms of closing the gender gap, the UAE performs strongly, specifically in the areas of women’s political empowerment. 66% of public sector jobs are occupied by women, 30% of which are in leadership roles. Moreover, women’s participation in the UAE cabinet is one of the highest in the world, working towards effective participation and equal opportunities.

The UAE is quickly moving towards becoming a hub for creativity, innovation, tourism, and a centre of global commerce. Its role in empowering its population and its strides to ensuring an inclusive and tolerant society, set against the backdrop of a collective vision of excellence, has allowed for the country to flourish in a region of high tension and political strife. 

Mohammed Minawi

Notes 

[1] Ipsos PCSI UAE October 2022

[2] Ipsos PCSI UAE November 2022