GCC Enhances Job Opportunities And Skills Development For Its Citizens

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Abudaiwi highlighted the ongoing efforts by member states to create quality job opportunities for their citizens. These initiatives aim to equip nationals with the necessary skills and competencies, making them more attractive to private sector employers compared to expatriate workers. This was stated during his participation in the tenth meeting of the Ministers of Labour of the GCC member states, held in Doha, Qatar.

Abudaiwi emphasised that young people constitute 24.6% of the workforce-age population in GCC countries, amounting to over 13 million individuals. He stressed the importance of investing in this significant human potential to drive development and sustainability. "This can be achieved by providing all necessary resources and educational and training programs," he said, highlighting their future responsibilities in joining the workforce and contributing to national development.

The meeting was chaired by Qatar's Minister of Labour Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri and attended by labour ministers from other member states. Abudaiwi expressed gratitude to Amir Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other leaders for their commitment to enhancing the GCC labor sector. He noted that their directives have significantly advanced joint efforts, resulting in notable successes across economic, social, and political fields.

During discussions, labour ministers reviewed several key topics including the implementation of Supreme Council decisions related to completing pathways for the GCC Common Market in the private sector. They also addressed the joint labor strategy for 2024–2030 and localisation rates for GCC citizens within member states. The outcomes of strategic initiatives were also evaluated as part of their shared vision for Gulf cooperation.

Abudaiwi pointed out that member states have made significant progress in international rankings such as the World Competitiveness Index 2023 and Youth Progress Index. "Member states are among the top thirty countries out of 150 included in this index," he stated. He attributed these achievements to strategic solutions and initiatives aligned with their development plans, urging further enhancement and building upon these gains.

Commitment to Joint Efforts

The Ministers of Labour approved recommendations from expert teams, international relations committees, and joint working groups regarding strategic initiatives and international cooperation. These approvals reflect a commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration among GCC countries.

Abudaiwi underscored that these collective efforts are essential for achieving desired goals within various sectors. "This has resulted in significant successes for the member states in various economic, social, and political fields over the past years," he stated.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on advancing shared objectives through coordinated actions and sustained investment in human capital development across GCC nations.

With inputs from SPA