ANALYSIS OF HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS AND THEIR IMPACT ON ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The United Arab Emirates operates under a clear agenda and exerts substantial efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all sectors, particularly in education and health. The nation strives to provide high-quality education, healthcare services, sustainable economic growth, environmental systems, and enhanced resource efficiency. Furthermore, it seeks to contribute to global sustainable development by adopting strategic objectives that ensure investment in human capital, which constitutes the cornerstone of progress in all fields. Despite these continuous efforts toward advancement and sustainability, persistent challenges remain that hinder the realization of sustainable human capital development. These challenges include ongoing technological transformations, rising unemployment rates, disparities in knowledge and skills among individuals, that must be addressed to ensure the full potential of human capital is realized. This study focuses on analyzing the human capital development indicators adopted by the Government of the United Arab Emirates and examining their role in advancing sustainable development. The study employed a descriptive-analytical methodology to examine the economic and social indicators related to human capital, drawing upon periodic reports that assess the country’s economic and developmental readiness. The findings revealed, the importance of leveraging successful international experiences while avoiding the shortcomings of those that failed to achieve their objectives. The study recommends strengthening the government's role in formulating national policies that prioritize human capital and integrate it into sustainability strategies, while preparing the local economy to keep pace with global transformations in light of rapid technological advancements. It further emphasizes the necessity of investing in education and training to enhance technological and digital skills and link them to productive activities, with particular focus on localizing technology and productive employment within the UAE economy, regardless of gender. Based on these findings, the study underscores the need to strengthen the relationship between expenditure on education and training and adaptation to current and future technological levels, thereby contributing to more effective and inclusive sustainable development.