The UAE unemployment rate increased slightly in 2008 but remains one of the lowest in the world at about four percent, it was reported on Sunday.
The jobless figure increased to about four percent in 2008 from 3.45 per cent in 2007 and economists predict the country could record another small rise in 2009 because of a slowdown in the economy, official figures showed.
The level will probably remain one of the lowest in the world although it is relatively high among UAE nationals, Emirates Business reported.
The figures by the Ministry of Economy showed the country’s population is projected to maintain its high growth in 2009, rising by about 6.3 percent to about 5.066 million from 4.765 million at the end of 2008.
This is despite the departure of many expats who have lost their jobs during the impact of the global economic slowdown.
A survey conducted recently by the Ministry of Economy on the workforce showed the unemployment rate among UAE citizens was as high as 12.7 percent while that among expatriates was only about 2.6 percent.
Ministry figures showed Dubai had the lowest unemployment rate in 2008, standing at about 2.4 percent. Umm Al Quwain also had a lower than average rate of 3.5 percent while Sharjah slightly exceeded the UAE average with 4.1 percent.
The rate stood at 4.3 percent in Abu Dhabi and as high as 6.5 percent in Ajman, 6.7 percent in Ras Al Khaimah and seven percent in Fujairah.
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