Abu Dhabi Dialogue Discusses Future Labour Market Cooperation Across Asia-GCC Migration Corridor

The Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) member states recently gathered to discuss future cooperation and governance of labour mobility between Asia and GCC countries. This meeting is part of preparations for the eighth Abu Dhabi Dialogue Ministerial Consultation, scheduled for February 2026 in the UAE. The virtual meeting lasted two days and included senior officials from 16 countries, including both labour-receiving and labour-sending nations.

Representatives from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam participated. Observers included the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), International Labour Organisation (ILO), private sector representatives, and civil society members. Shayma Alawadhi praised Oman’s contributions during its ADD presidency for enhancing communication among members.

Alawadhi acknowledged the Advisory Committee and international partners like ILO and the World Bank for their research contributions. She emphasised that these efforts enhance partnerships and integration within the ADD framework. "These efforts add tremendous value to this meeting in terms of enhancing partnership and integration," she noted.

The meeting's agenda covered topics crucial to future economic pillars. It explored economic growth, human resource development, and labour mobility governance through dialogue among global experts. Alawadhi reiterated the UAE’s commitment to supporting ADD due to its belief in bilateral and multilateral partnerships' importance.

On its first day, the meeting addressed climate change's impact on labour mobility in Asia-GCC corridors through three working papers. The IOM presented a study focusing on women’s roles in this context. The ILO submitted a paper on skills mobility supporting a green economy transition.

The IOM also shared a study on skills mobility using case studies in controlled agriculture and waste management fields. These discussions aim to balance labour market needs with worker rights protection while fostering regional cooperation.

Temporary Migrant Workers

An analysis of temporary migrant workers’ conditions in ADD member states was reviewed. This analysis covered legal, social, and professional aspects presented by partners like the World Bank and International Organisation of Employers. They also shared studies on skills diversity's role in productivity within ADD states.

The Global Compact for Migration (GCM) was another key topic discussed at the meeting. Reviews were presented by ESCWA alongside regional reviews from ESCAP and IOM regional offices from both regions.

Abu Dhabi Dialogue's Role

Established in 2008, the Abu Dhabi Dialogue serves as a multilateral forum between Asian labour-sending and receiving countries. It supports bilateral and regional efforts to strengthen labour pathways across member states while maximising benefits for workers, employers, and economies involved.

The meeting highlighted ADD’s role as a platform for formulating policies balancing labour market demands with worker rights protection. Alawadhi stated: "The meeting reflects our shared commitment to the spirit of cooperation." This underscores ADD’s pivotal role in regional discourse on labour issues.

With inputs from WAM