Abu Dhabi: The number of Emiratis in the UAE workforce has risen by 404 per cent since the launch of the Nafis employment programme in 2021, Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research said on Tuesday.
Dr Al Awar revealed the figures during a session on human capital and workforce readiness at the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026.
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He said women's participation in the labour market had increased by about 109 per cent over the same period, while the number of skilled workers grew by 50 per cent.
The total number of workers in the country rose by 104 per cent, while the number of companies increased by 46 per cent, according to the minister.
Al Awar attributed the growth to government policies and cooperation with private businesses, which he identified as central to creating jobs, attracting international talent and sustaining economic growth.
He stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships with the private sector to develop human capital and ensure that workers have the skills required by a changing economy.
The minister also outlined measures introduced to protect workers' rights, including wage protection, health insurance and unemployment insurance.
