1. Introduction to Sustainable Employment

Rapid economic development and prosperity elevated the living standards of Emiratis and raised the profile of the country to an internationally competitive level. While enabling economic benefits, rapid development has been linked to domestic concerns that are being addressed by the country’s leadership in creative and innovative ways. Sustainable employment of country’s citizens is one such concern. As expatriate business people and workers flocked to the UAE to take advantage of the economic opportunities, a population imbalance occurred in which citizens of the UAE became the citizen minority. Even with abundant employment opportunities in its vibrant private sector and a minority citizen population representing less than 20 % of the total population, several interrelated factors serve as challenges to full Emirati employment, especially among young Emirati adults. This chapter discusses the relationship between socioeconomic development and unemployment among Emiratis, especially among educated young Emirati adults. The chapter concludes by describing Emiratization and explaining the role of Emiratization as a catalyst for sustainable Emirati employment.