The UAE has participated in the 113th International Labour Conference, held in Geneva, Switzerland, highlighting sustainable vision for human development, pioneering model for economic diversification, and efforts to create a balanced, agile labor market.
The conference gathered representatives from the governments of ILO member states, along with advocates for employers and workers. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, the UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, led the UAE delegation at the Conference’s main session.
Al Awar stated that, “The Report of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General being discussed at this year’s Conference presents a comprehensive vision that resonates with the UAE’s approach to developing a balanced and agile labor market that places people at the core of its priorities. Guided by the forward-thinking vision of its wise leadership, the UAE has succeeded in transforming global challenges into development opportunities built on economic efficiency, equity, and a strong commitment to decent work standards.”
Al Awar explained that the UAE has embraced a pioneering model for economic diversification, with non-oil sectors contributing 74 percent of the country’s GDP by the end of last year, and GDP expected to exceed 4 percent this year, according to a World Bank report. This forms part of a vision for an economic model focused on partnership, flexibility, innovation, and investing in human capital.
The UAE’s achievement in human development was also highlighted, as the nation secured ‘Very High Human Development’ status in the 2025 Human Development Index Report issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), placing first in the region for the second consecutive year and ranking 15th globally among 193 countries.
Al Awar also affirmed the UAE’s commitment to a comprehensive development vision centered on its people, through an integrated system serving key sectors such as health, education, and living standards. This cements the UAE’s position as a global model for sustainability, human capital empowerment, while cultivating a future with vast prospects and empowerment opportunities.
His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
“According to the report, the UAE recorded the third-highest net global inflow of talent specializing in artificial intelligence via LinkedIn in 2023, showcasing the country’s ability to attract global expertise and confirming its status as a leading talent hub in this vital field. The UAE has recognized the structural transformations underway in the labor market and the importance of adapting to them. To that end, the Emirates has sought to develop a pioneering legislative framework suited to this new era, reinforcing a robust system for labor protection, and working to ensure balance in safeguarding workers’ and employers’ rights. This included the launch of a range of initiatives covering all categories of workers in the UAE, including the Workers Protection Programme, Unemployment Insurance Scheme, the Savings Scheme, Wage Protection System, and Health Insurance System.”
The Minister has also emphasized the UAE’s commitment to its labor market and sustainable development. The labor market witnessed 17 percent growth in new private sector companies, and an increase of over 12 percent in the overall workforce by the end of 2024.
The number of skilled professionals increased to over 13 percent, with more than half being young individuals. Similarly, women’s participation in the national labor market also experienced a significant growth, surging to around 21 percent.
This impressive growth in the UAE labor market, coupled with modern regulatory frameworks, has made country shine in nine global competitiveness indicators in 2024, including employment rate, talent attraction, and labour market flexibility.
The UAE delegation to the International Labour Conference 2025 included Shayma Alawadhi, Acting Undersecretary of Labour Market Development & Regulation, and Assistant Undersecretary for Communications & International Relations at MoHRE; Hind bint Suleiman, Vice President of the Employers’ Group at the Arab Labour Organisation (ALO); and Counsellor Zayed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the UAE Association for the Coordination of Professional Associations, along with ministry officials, business leaders, and representatives of civil organizations in the UAE.
