United Arab Emirates Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
United Arab Emirates's youth unemployment was 6.45% in 2025, ranked 36th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
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.
Youth unemployment in the United Arab Emirates has risen sharply from a low of 3.92 % in 1991, the all‑time trough, to an all‑time peak of 13.48 % in 2020, before easing to 6.45 % in 2025, placing the country 36th globally. The 2020 surge coincided with the pandemic‑related contraction of sectors that traditionally absorb young workers, such as tourism and construction, while the subsequent decline reflects a modest recovery in private‑sector hiring and targeted government programmes aimed at recent graduates. Over the 35‑year span, the UAE’s youth unemployment rate remains comparable to peer economies such as Burkina Faso (6.44 %) and Cameroon (6.55 %) in 2025, suggesting a convergence with other emerging labor markets despite the nation’s high per‑capita income. Continued diversification away from oil‑dependent industries and the expansion of vocational training could sustain the downward trajectory, while any slowdown in reform implementation might risk a reversal of recent gains.
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}
}