Page 71 - Centena Group PR Report - September 2025

How UAE leads globally in skill

development and labour

competitiveness

Over the past two decades, the UAE has undergone a quiet but powerful transformation
Published: Mon 8 Sept 2025, 9:40 PM
By: Sanjay Raghunath

In a world where adaptability, innovation and human capital are the primary
drivers of economic progress, the UAE has established itself as a global leader
in skill development and workforce competitiveness.

Marking a significant milestone, the UAE recently secured the top global ranking in
10 key labour market and employment indicators, according to the 2025 edition of
the World Competitiveness Yearbook, published by the IMD World Competitiveness
Center. This recognition is not merely a ranking, but also a testament to the country’s
long-term commitment to building an economy where talent is not just welcomed, but
continuously empowered. It reflects a broader, long-term strategy driven by
economic diversification, proactive policymaking, and sustained investment in
people.

Over the past two decades, the UAE has undergone a quiet but powerful
transformation. Once heavily reliant on oil revenues, the country has steadily
diversified its economy, with non-oil sectors now accounting for a significant share of
the GDP. However, diversification alone is not enough. This economic shift has been
supported by a series of targeted reforms aimed at enhancing labour market

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