Emiratis show rising familiarity with AI concepts, reflecting strong interest in digital skills. Advanced areas like machine learning and NLP are emerging, signaling promising tech readiness for the future. M A K I N G E M I R AT I S AT I O N A S U C C E S S 2 0 2 5 - G U I D E B O O K 3 8 Work Location and Mobility Are You Willing To Work In A Different City In The Country From Your Hometown? - Jobseekers Are You Willing To Work In A Different City In The Country From Your Hometown? - Employees A majority of UAE National employees (58.91%) prefer to stay within their emirate of residence, continuing the trend from last year when 53.73% expressed the same preference. This highlights the importance of proximity to home, family ties, and community connections in job decision-making. However, 41.09% of employees are open to relocating for work, showing a slight decline from last year’s 46.27%. While there is still a willingness among a segment of the workforce to move for better opportunities, employers may need to consider location-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, or remote options to attract and retain talent across different emirates. A majority of UAE National jobseekers (60.62%) prefer not to relocate for work, reaffirming last year’s trend where 57.31% expressed the same preference. This suggests that family ties, community connections, and convenience remain key considerations for jobseekers when evaluating opportunities. On the other hand, 39.38% of jobseekers are open to working in a different emirate, indicating a willingness among a segment of candidates to explore opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings. This highlights the importance of employers offering flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid or remote options, to attract talent from different regions across the UAE. Y E S N O 60.62% 8 . 3 7 % 3 9 . 3 8 % Y E S N O 58.91% 8 . 3 7 % 4 1 . 0 9 % M A K I N G E M I R AT I S AT I O N A S U C C E S S 2 0 2 5 - G U I D E B O O K 3 9