Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan
United Arab Emirates Unemployment
Share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment.
Latest Value
2.2%
As of 2025
YoY Change
+0.6%
2024 → 2025
Record High
4.3%
Recorded in 2020
Record Low
1.6%
Recorded in 1991
10-Year Average
2.5%
2016–2025
Data Range
1991–2025
35 data points
Source
World Bank
Code: SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Historical Trend
Analysis
The United Arab Emirates has a relatively low unemployment rate of 2.17 percent of its labor force as of 2025, indicating a strong and stable job market. This is likely due to the country's diversified economy, with major industries in oil and gas, tourism, and finance. The low unemployment rate suggests that the UAE is successfully creating and maintaining employment opportunities for its workforce.
Historical Data
| Value | YoY Change | Change % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2.2% | 0.0% | +0.6% |
| 2024 | 2.2% | 0.0% | +0.4% |
| 2023 | 2.2% | 0.7% | -25.1% |
| 2022 | 2.9% | 0.2% | -7.5% |
| 2021 | 3.1% | 1.2% | -27.7% |
| 2020 | 4.3% | 2.0% | +84.2% |
| 2019 | 2.3% | 0.1% | +4.2% |
| 2018 | 2.2% | 0.2% | -9.2% |
| 2017 | 2.5% | 0.8% | +50.1% |
| 2016 | 1.6% | 0.2% | -8.5% |
Source: World Bank Open Data · 1991–2025
Neighbouring Countries Ranking
Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan · Unemployment
Similar Rankings
Global · Unemployment
