UAE Showcases Labour Policies At BRICS Labour Ministerial Meeting In Sochi

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, attended the 10th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting in Sochi, Russia. The two-day event concluded on Tuesday and focused on significant topics and recent trends impacting global labour markets.

Al Awar highlighted the UAE's proactive approach to global changes driven by advanced technology. He stated, "The UAE responded proactively to global transformations driven by advanced technology, positioning itself today at the forefront of the digital revolution." He added that the UAE aims to double the digital economy’s GDP contribution from 9.7 percent in 2022 to 19.4 percent over the next decade.

The UAE Government has allocated 16 percent of its federal budget to education for 2024. Al Awar noted this commitment while advancing the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030. This strategy aims to equip future generations with technical skills, improve accreditation standards, and align curricula with international benchmarks.

He also stressed the importance of dynamic career guidance and lifelong vocational education amid rapid labour market changes. The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council’s policies support UAE citizens in career advancement, with the Nafis programme significantly increasing private sector employment for Emiratis since September 2021.

Al Awar mentioned that remote work is an emerging model in the UAE labour market. He explained that employees engaged in remote work receive the same legal protections as those in traditional roles under Federal Decree-Law Regarding Employment Relationships.

The UAE's strategy aims to position it as a global digital hub by leveraging advanced technologies and attracting exceptional talent. Al Awar said, "The UAE is guided by a strategy that strives to double the digital economy’s contribution to the GDP from 9.7 percent in 2022 to 19.4 percent over the next decade."

Global Competitiveness and Worker Safety

The UAE labour market employs workers from around 200 nationalities and leads various competitiveness indicators globally. According to Al Awar, "According to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, the UAE ranked first globally in employment, labour dispute resolution, allocation costs, and working hours."

The country has implemented several policies ensuring worker safety, including occupational health standards and requirements for labour accommodations. For instance, there is a ban on outdoor work during midday hours in summer months to protect workers from heat stress.

Social Security Measures

The UAE adheres to a comprehensive social security strategy protecting nearly 98% of workers against unemployment regardless of nationality or sector. This includes systems like Wage Protection covering 99% of workers and expanding health insurance for all sectors starting from 2025.

The delegation from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation included Shayma Alawadhi, Assistant Undersecretary for Communication and International Relations, along with other ministry officials.

Al Awar commended efforts facilitating dialogue among BRICS member states promoting sustainable labour practices. He reaffirmed UAE's commitment to establishing a competitive knowledge-based labour market aligned with its vision for a diversified economy.

With inputs from WAM