Younus Al Nasser:
- The Dubai Labour Force Survey 2026 is part of a comprehensive vision adopted by the establishment to provide an accurate and up-to-date picture of the labour market, enabling decision-makers to understand economic and social shifts, measure the impact of policies, and anticipate future needs.
- The survey outputs support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the Dubai Social Agenda 33 by providing reliable data that helps develop policies and programs that promote empowerment, equal opportunity, and quality of life.
Dubai, October, 2026: The Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment (DDSE) at Digital Dubai has launched the Labour Force Survey 2026 for the Emirate of Dubai, one of the Establishment‘s periodic statistical surveys. The survey aims to monitor and measure the key characteristics of the labour force and labour market in the emirate, provide comprehensive and up-to-date indicators on labour market conditions, and support the development of data-driven economic and social policies.
The survey is part of the Establishment’s efforts to develop an integrated statistical ecosystem that enhances Dubai’s readiness for the future economy by providing reliable data that enables government entities to understand economic, social, and demographic changes and measure labour market-related trends. It will provide a comprehensive set of indicators on the size and characteristics of the labour force, as well as labour market patterns in the emirate.
The survey sample was designed using a robust statistical methodology that accounts for Dubai’s demographic and geographic diversity, as well as the characteristics of the target groups, ensuring that the findings accurately represent all segments of the emirate’s population. The survey targets 5,000 households, covering all household categories in Dubai, including citizens and residents. This provides a robust statistical foundation for producing labour market indicators and supporting evidence-based planning and decision-making.
DDSE urges selected households and individuals to cooperate with the field teams and provide the required information. It emphasises that the participation of households and individuals, along with the accuracy of the information provided, is critical to the quality and reliability of the survey results and their ability to provide an accurate picture of labour market conditions across the emirate.
The survey aims to develop a comprehensive overview of the labour force profile in Dubai, covering economic participation rates, employment and unemployment levels, the occupational composition of the workforce, educational attainment, and the sectors and economic activities in which workers are engaged.
It will also provide detailed information on unemployed persons, job seekers, and job-search methods, contributing to the design of initiatives and programs that support human capital development and enhance the alignment of skills with the evolving needs of the economy.
The survey results will support relevant stakeholders in labour market planning and the development of economic and social policies by providing a reliable database of indicators that help monitor changes, understand labour market trends, and develop programs and initiatives based on updated data. Accordingly, the participation of households and individuals in this survey is vital to building a robust and accurate knowledge base that reflects the realities of society and supports Dubai’s efforts to foster a competitive economy driven by knowledge and data.
Commenting on the significance of the survey, H.E. Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of DDSE at Digital Dubai said: “In the era of the digital economy and AI, accurate statistical data have become essential to developing public policies, improving planning efficiency, and enabling more agile and proactive decision-making. The Dubai Labour Force Survey 2026 is part of a comprehensive vision adopted by the Establishment to provide an accurate and up-to-date picture of the labour market, enabling decision-makers to understand economic and social changes, measure the impact of policies, and anticipate future needs.”
H.E. added: “The survey outputs support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), and reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s best cities to live, work, and invest in. They will also advance the priorities of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 by providing reliable data that helps develop policies and programs that promote empowerment, equal opportunities, and quality of life. At DDSE, we continue to develop the statistical system in line with the highest national and international standards, while leveraging advanced technologies and AI to enhance data quality and improve the efficiency of producing official statistics.”
The Establishment reaffirmed its commitment to protecting participants’ privacy and the confidentiality of the information provided, noting that the data collected will be used for statistical purposes only, in accordance with applicable legislation and approved standards, and that no personal information or identifiable data relating to participants will be disclosed.
The survey will be conducted through multiple channels, including phone calls, email, and text messages, as well as field visits by accredited field researchers to conduct interviews with households and individuals.
