Living in the move: Impact of guest workers on population characteristics of the united arab emirates (UAE)

This study highlights the effect of immigrant workers on the unprecedented demographic growth in the UAE, which has become one of the highest in the world. The population of the UAE has octupled in 30 years, from 0.5 million in 1975 to 4 million in 2005, leading to a serious demographic imbalance. Using the topical approach, this study investigates the demographic impact of migrant workers on UAE society. The study relies on census data collected between 1970 and 2005 (the most recent census). The study makes recommendations as to how decision makers can tackle the issues resulting from the presence of large numbers of migrant workers. At a time when the number of national university graduates has increased and the range of opportunities to enhance the national workforce has become immense, the essence of these recommendation is to rely less and less on migrant workers and encourage nationals to take on jobs in various areas. Over the next several decades, this will help reduce the presence of foreign migrants in a way that restores balance in the demographic characteristics of the UAE.