UAE Workforce Doubles as Company Registrations Rise 45%

The UAE workforce more than doubled between 2021 and 2025, rising by 101.76%, while the number of registered companies increased by more than 45%, according to figures reviewed during a Cabinet meeting.
The data was presented during a session chaired by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, as part of a broader assessment of social and economic sector performance.
Female workforce participation increased by 101.92% over the same period, while the number of skilled workers expanded by nearly 50%, reflecting growth across multiple segments of the labour market.
The review also highlighted high compliance levels with labour protections, with 99% enrolment in the Wage Protection System and 99% registration in workers’ protection insurance. Compliance with heat stress policies also reached 99%.
Participation in the unemployment insurance scheme stood at 83%, indicating broader uptake of social protection mechanisms. According to the review, the UAE ranked first globally in employment growth, availability of specialised talent, low labour disputes and workforce expansion.