United Arab Emirates Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
United Arab Emirates's female labor participation was 53.03% in 2025, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's female labor participation stood at 53.03% in 2025, a rise of +0.51pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 53.66% by 2026. United Arab Emirates ranked 92nd globally.
Female labor force participation in the United Arab Emirates has risen sharply from a trough of 29.32 % in 1990 to an all‑time peak of 58.18 % in 2020, before settling at 53.03 % in 2025, which places the UAE at rank 92 globally. The 36‑year coverage shows a sustained upward trajectory, reflecting policy initiatives such as the National Strategy for Emiratization and expanding opportunities in non‑oil sectors. The 2025 figure is marginally below the peak yet remains higher than most peers; for example, Chile records 52.89 % and Brazil 53.41 % in the same year, indicating the UAE is competitive among both regional and broader emerging economies. The modest decline from the 2020 apex may be linked to pandemic‑related labor market adjustments and a temporary slowdown in public‑sector hiring. Continued diversification and reforms aimed at increasing women’s representation in high‑skill occupations are likely to restore the upward path and potentially surpass the 2020 peak in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 54.59% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 54.13% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 53.66% | - | - |
| 2025 | 53.03% | +0.51pp | #92 |
| 2024 | 52.52% | +0.17pp | #99 |
| 2023 | 52.35% | −0.71pp | #101 |
| 2022 | 53.06% | +2.61pp | #91 |
| 2021 | 50.45% | −7.73pp | #110 |
| 2020 | 58.18% | +3.80pp | #51 |
| 2019 | 54.38% | +3.07pp | #85 |
| 2018 | 51.31% | +0.39pp | #107 |
| 2017 | 50.93% | +1.70pp | #108 |
| 2016 | 49.23% | +1.05pp | #116 |
| 2015 | 48.18% | +1.05pp | #122 |
| 2014 | 47.13% | +1.07pp | #126 |
| 2013 | 46.06% | +1.07pp | #128 |
| 2012 | 44.99% | +1.05pp | #131 |
| 2011 | 43.94% | +1.08pp | #133 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Arab Emirates matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's female labor participation was 53.03% in 2025. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's female labor participation peaked at 58.18% in 2020.
The lowest female labor participation in United Arab Emirates was 29.32% in 1990.
United Arab Emirates ranks 92nd globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Arab Emirates's female labor participation is projected to reach 53.66% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was 53.03%. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_female-labor-participation,
title = {United Arab Emirates Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}