Topping the World Economic Forum’s list of emerging-market destinations for young professionals looking for career advancement is a big win for the UAE. The country managed to appeal to the “millennial generation” ahead of countries with much larger economies such as China, India, Brazil and South Africa. The Global Shapers Annual Survey 2015 was based on a poll of 1,000 people worldwide aged between 20 and 30.
We get enormous benefits from this brain gain, with our stability, tax-free incomes and lifestyle incentives attracting some of the world’s most talented and entrepreneurial people. In terms of competitiveness, the UAE holds its own with markets such as Qatar, Hong Kong and Singapore. Development projects keep attracting professionals from all over the world.
The results of the Global Shapers survey are in line with other research. For four years in a row, young Arabs – aged between 18 and 24 – have nominated the UAE as the top destination in which to work live and work. The annual Arab Youth Survey by Asda’a Burson-Marsteller put us ahead of 20 countries, including the United States, Germany and Canada.
It’s important for us to recognise and utilise the passion and talent of young people. Attracting and retaining skilled professionals from all over the world fills in gaps in the expanding job market, creating a more diverse workplace. A larger pool of expertise drives innovation and creativity, and increases productivity.
Welcoming young professionals and entrepreneurs from other countries will support the sustainable development of the economy, which, in turn, will create more jobs for nationals and support Emiratisation efforts. The economic structure of the UAE was built with the help of people from all over the world and cannot be maintained without the large expatriate workforce.
The millennial generation’s choice confirms yet again that the UAE is heading in the right direction. We need to make sure that we keep being an attractive destination for young professionals in all fields so that our economic growth continues.
