Digital Dubai launches 2026 labour force survey covering 5,000 households

Digital Dubai has launched the Dubai Labour Force Survey 2026 to assess employment trends, workforce characteristics and labour market conditions across the emirate, providing updated data to support economic and social policy planning.

The survey is being conducted by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment (DDSE) and will target 5,000 households, including both UAE citizens and residents. It aims to provide a representative picture of Dubai’s labour force and help government entities understand demographic and economic changes.

The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen Dubai’s statistical system and improve evidence-based decision-making as the emirate prepares for the evolving needs of its economy.

Survey to examine employment and workforce trends

The survey will collect information on several aspects of the labour market, including economic participation rates, employment and unemployment levels, occupational distribution, educational attainment and the sectors in which people work.

It will also gather information about unemployed individuals, job seekers and the methods they use to find employment. These findings are expected to help policymakers identify workforce trends, assess skills requirements and develop programmes that better align human capital with changing economic needs.

According to DDSE, the survey sample has been designed using a statistical methodology that accounts for Dubai’s demographic and geographic diversity to ensure the results accurately reflect different population groups.

The establishment has urged selected households and individuals to cooperate with field researchers and provide accurate information, noting that participation is important to the reliability of the findings.

Data to support Dubai’s economic and social agendas

H.E. Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of DDSE at Digital Dubai, said reliable statistical data had become increasingly important for public policy development, efficient planning and proactive decision-making in the digital economy and AI era.

He said the Labour Force Survey 2026 would provide decision-makers with an updated picture of the labour market, helping them understand economic and social shifts, measure the impact of existing policies and anticipate future requirements.

Al Nasser added that the findings would support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the Dubai Social Agenda 33 by providing evidence to guide policies and programmes focused on empowerment, equal opportunities and quality of life.

He also said DDSE would continue developing Dubai’s statistical system in line with national and international standards, using advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to improve data quality and the efficiency of official statistics.

Survey to be conducted through multiple channels

The survey will use several methods to reach selected households and individuals, including telephone calls, email, text messages and in-person visits by accredited field researchers.

DDSE has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting participants’ privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of the information collected. The data will be used for statistical purposes only, in accordance with applicable legislation and approved standards.

The establishment also stated that personal information and identifiable participant data would not be disclosed.

Findings expected to guide future workforce planning

The survey is intended to create a reliable database of labour market indicators that relevant authorities can use to monitor changes, identify emerging trends and develop targeted economic and social initiatives.

By improving understanding of employment patterns, job-seeking behaviour and workforce skills, the findings could help decision-makers plan for future labour market requirements and support the development of Dubai’s human capital.

The initiative reflects Dubai’s continued focus on using reliable data to inform policy, strengthen economic competitiveness and improve quality of life for its citizens and residents.