Youth Comprise Half Of Workforce In UAE Labour Market, Says Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, the UAE's Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasised the nation's dedication to youth empowerment as a cornerstone for a thriving future. He noted that young people form half of the UAE's workforce, which has seen a 12% increase in size and a 17% rise in the number of companies.

UAE citizens' participation in the workforce has surged by 325% over three years since the Nafis programme began. This initiative aims to boost economic growth, foster innovation, and enhance social cohesion by empowering young people, developing their skills, and improving their capabilities.

During his attendance at the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting in George, South Africa, Dr. Al Awar led a delegation from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). He participated in a session on "Inclusive Growth, Job Creation and Youth Empowerment," where he reiterated the UAE's commitment to aligning education with labour market needs.

The UAE is focusing on expanding investment in technical and vocational education (TVET), particularly in sectors crucial for future economic growth. These include artificial intelligence (AI), digital services, health, education, business, and industry. The demand for skilled talent is high in these areas.

Dr. Al Awar highlighted several national initiatives supporting this vision. These include the National Youth Agenda 2031, the Industrialist Programme, and Nafis. He also discussed efforts to promote entrepreneurship and digital readiness through initiatives like the "5,000 Digital Talents" programme.

This initiative aims to prepare young people for leadership roles in an economy focused on technology, sustainability, and innovation across various fields. A dedicated fund supports the UAE Council for Entrepreneurship to advance these goals further.

Gender Equality in the Workforce

At another session on ‘Gender Equality in the Workforce,’ Dr. Al Awar affirmed the UAE’s commitment to equality and justice. He noted that UAE laws prohibit gender-based discrimination at work, including promotions and training opportunities while protecting against gender-based violence.

Women now make up 66% of government employees in the UAE, with over 30% holding leadership roles. In the private sector, women's participation grew by 21%, with skilled jobs accounting for 46% of female employment.

Global Recognition

The UAE's progress is evident in its global rankings. It ranks first in MENA on the Gender Inequality Index by UNDP and scored 82.5 out of 100 in the World Bank's Women, Business, and Law 2024 report.

The G20 was established in 1999 to unite major world economies representing 85% of global GDP. It serves as a platform for international cooperation and policymaking to ensure global economic stability.

With inputs from WAM