United Arab Emirates Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Overview
United Arab Emirates's youth unemployment stood at 6.45% in 2025, a rise of +0.03pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.75% by 2026. United Arab Emirates ranked 36th globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 2.72% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 3.74% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 4.75% | - | - |
| 2025 | 6.45% | +0.03pp | #36 |
| 2024 | 6.43% | +0.07pp | #36 |
| 2023 | 6.35% | −3.64pp | #36 |
| 2022 | 9.99% | +0.26pp | #65 |
| 2021 | 9.74% | −3.75pp | #55 |
| 2020 | 13.48% | +6.16pp | #79 |
| 2019 | 7.33% | +0.58pp | #42 |
| 2018 | 6.75% | −0.73pp | #38 |
| 2017 | 7.47% | +2.37pp | #41 |
| 2016 | 5.11% | −0.34pp | #23 |
| 2015 | 5.44% | −0.38pp | #24 |
| 2014 | 5.82% | −0.29pp | #29 |
| 2013 | 6.12% | −0.35pp | #31 |
| 2012 | 6.47% | −0.39pp | #31 |
| 2011 | 6.86% | −0.34pp | #33 |
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 youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's youth unemployment was 6.45% in 2025. Ranked 36th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's youth unemployment peaked at 13.48% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in United Arab Emirates was 3.93% in 1991.
United Arab Emirates ranks 36th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Arab Emirates's youth unemployment is projected to reach 4.75% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was 6.45%. This ranks 36th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_youth-unemployment,
title = {United Arab Emirates Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/youth-unemployment},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}