Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a global hub for skilled workers, as the number of people in its workforce has grown significantly over the past decade. According to new data from the Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi, the total workforce in the emirate increased by an impressive 82% between 2011 and 2023, reaching a total of 2.5 million workers.
This major growth is not just in numbers but also in the types of jobs people are doing. The number of white-collar professionals—such as engineers, doctors, IT experts, and managers—has gone up by 109% during this time. These professionals now make up 46% of the entire workforce, showing that Abu Dhabi is attracting highly educated and experienced people from around the world.
At the same time, skilled blue-collar workers—such as technicians, drivers, electricians, and machine operators—still make up the majority of the workforce, accounting for 54%. This segment of the labour market has also grown by 65% over the years. The rise in both types of skilled labour highlights how Abu Dhabi is developing in a balanced way, supporting growth in a wide range of industries including construction, healthcare, energy, technology, and education.
These changes reflect the emirate’s strong focus on economic diversification, moving beyond oil and gas to build a knowledge-based economy. With more job opportunities and improved infrastructure, Abu Dhabi is becoming an increasingly attractive place for both professional and skilled workers who are looking for career growth and a better quality of life in the region.
