Launchpad Jobs and Strategic Workforce Mobility in the UAE

Overview

This project introduces and operationalizes the concept of Launchpad Occupations in the UAE—strategic job roles that enable strong career mobility, skill development, and long-term wage growth for Emirati nationals. In alignment with national strategies such as the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and We the UAE 2031, the research addresses gaps in current labour market policies that prioritize job access over sustainable career progression.

Using a mixed-methods approach that combines labour market data analytics, network-based career mapping, and international benchmarking, the study identifies high-mobility occupations and evaluates them through a newly developed Launchpad Score. The project will generate skill maps, model real-world Emirati career transitions, and develop a national Launchpad Occupations Database with interactive mobility tools. These outputs aim to support policymakers, educators, employers, and jobseekers in building a future-ready, resilient, and inclusive Emirati workforce.