Retirement Planning Top Goal for UAE Workers

More than one-third (36%) of employees are confident in their ability to reach their financial aspirations in 2025, according to research from National Bonds.

By Maggie Mancini

National Bonds, the UAE’s leading savings and investment company, has released the results of its annual survey aimed at highlighting savers’ financial aspirations, revealing that retirement planning remains the top financial priority for the second consecutive year. Increasing savings and setting aside funds for high-value purchases such as a home or a car also ranked high among respondents, highlighting the growing awareness of the importance of early financial planning and disciplined smart saving strategies.  

According to the survey, 40% of respondents reported being on track to meeting their 2024 financial goals, while 45% stated they had partially achieved their targets. Confidence levels regarding financial plans for 2025 varied, with 36% expressing complete confidence in reaching their financial aspirations. Meanwhile, younger generations are demonstrating increasing financial awareness, with 40% of Gen Z and 36% of millennials expressing confidence in reaching their financial goals, compared to 32% of Gen X. 

Findings also show that 42% of males reported being on track to achieving their financial goals compared to 33% of females, women showed a stronger inclination to seek professional financial advice, with 78% open to financial guidance or use financial planning tools compared to 76% of men. Despite this both groups prioritised increasing their savings and planning for retirement as key financial goals. 

Most (94%) Emiratis were more inclined to consult financial advisors or use financial planning tools compared to 77% of expatriates. The survey also sheds light on the key challenges that individuals face in achieving their financial goals, with the rising cost of living and unexpected expenses cited as the primary obstacles.