UAE tops millennials' wish list of global work locations

ABU DHABI 25th October 2015A survey of over 1000 young people aged between 20 and 30 from around the globe has named the United Arab Emirates as the number one emerging market destination for professional fulfilment. Asked what country they would most like to relocate to in order to advance their career respondents chose the Emirates as the number one emerging markets destination over China Brazil South Africa and India despite the massive scale of the powerhouse BRICS economies.

The survey was released on the eve of the Summit on the Global Agenda 2015 which opens in Abu Dhabi today. With responses from 125 countries worldwide and 285 cities the Global Shapers Annual Survey 2015 is one of the most geographically diverse surveys of millennials. The respondents are all members of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Community a network of over 450 city-based hubs of young civically engaged leaders aged between 20 and 30.

As well as highlighting the respondents' optimal relocation destination the survey also shone a light on the issues and challenges that resonate most among millennials across every region as well as those factors held to be most important to them regarding career development.

At both the city and the global level income inequality was identified as the single most important issue facing the world. However while youth unemployment and effective government were found to be the second and third most important issues that needed to be addressed in their cities at the global level climate change and education were the priorities.

The survey also suggests a generational shift might be under way in the concept of work with respondents prioritising the opportunity to make a difference in their society and the ability to learn over straightforward career advancement. Although career advancement was the top attribute looked for in an employer with 48% choosing it among their top three attributes company culture came a close second (38%) followed by training and development opportunities (32%).

"The Global Shapers Annual Survey 2015 provides insights into how millennials see the world. In addition to the diversity that we observe the survey also reminds us of those things that millennials value everywhere such as social and economic equality. By choosing the United Arab Emirates as the top emerging-markets destination millennials are selecting a country that is very serious about professional advancement" said Yemi Babington-Ashaye Head of the Global Shapers Community World Economic Forum.

Saurabh Pacheriwala a Global Shaper from the Surat Hub in India said "The UAE boasts a stable economy and offers many opportunities with its business-friendly practices."

The Global Shapers Annual Survey 2015 was released on the eve of the Summit of the Global Agenda this year. The Co-Chairs of the Summit on the Global Agenda 2015 are Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri Minister of Economy and Ali Majed Al Mansouri Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development DED.