Geneva: The United Arab Emirates joined the 113th International Labour Conference, held in Geneva, Switzerland, where it showcased its pioneering experience, sustainable vision for human development, leadership in embracing innovative economic strategies, and efforts to develop a balanced and agile labour market.
According to Emirates News Agency, these were some key highlights in the keynote address delivered by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and head of the UAE delegation to the main session of the Conference, which is set to continue until 13 June 2025. The event brings together representatives from the governments of ILO member states, along with advocates for employers and workers.
Dr. Al Awar emphasized in his address that the Report of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General being discussed at this year's Conference presents a comprehensive vision that aligns with the UAE's approach to developing a labour market that places people at its core. He noted that the UAE's leadership has effectively turned global challenges into development opportunities based on economic efficiency, equity, and a commitment to decent work standards.
The Minister explained that the UAE has adopted an economic diversification model, with non-oil sectors contributing 74% of the country's GDP by the end of last year. GDP is expected to grow by more than 4% this year, according to a World Bank report. This is part of a vision for an economic model centred around partnership, flexibility, and an empowering environment that champions innovation and the knowledge economy while embracing modern technological developments in the labour market.
He highlighted the UAE's human development efforts, leading to its ranking in the 'Very High Human Development' category in the 2025 Human Development Index Report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The UAE ranked first in the region for the second consecutive year and 15th globally among 193 countries.
Al Awar mentioned that the UAE recorded the third-highest net global inflow of talent specializing in artificial intelligence via LinkedIn in 2023. This indicates the country's ability to attract global expertise and confirms its status as a leading talent hub in this vital field.
He also noted the UAE's recognition of structural transformations in the labour market and its efforts to adapt through a pioneering legislative framework. This framework reinforces a robust system for labour protection and ensures balance in safeguarding workers' and employers' rights. Initiatives such as the Workers Protection Programme, Unemployment Insurance Scheme, Savings Scheme, Wage Protection System, and Health Insurance System were launched as part of these efforts.
The UAE's initiatives have led to a 17% growth in new private sector companies and over 12% increase in the overall workforce by the end of 2024. The number of skilled professionals rose by over 13%, with more than half being young people. Women's participation in the national labour market also grew by around 21%.
Al Awar confirmed that these developments, along with the UAE's modern regulatory frameworks, have positioned the country at the top global ranks in nine global competitiveness indicators in 2024, including employment rate, talent attraction, and labour market flexibility.
The UAE delegation to the conference included Shayma Alawadhi, Acting Undersecretary of Labour Market Development and Regulation, Hind bint Suleiman, Vice President of the Employers' Group at the Arab Labour Organisation (ALO), and Counsellor Zayed Al Shamsi, along with ministry officials, business leaders, and civil organisation representatives.
The Conference aims to deepen understanding and align perspectives on proposed solutions to fundamental labour market challenges, focusing on promoting social justice and emphasizing the critical role equality plays in ensuring sustainable economic advancement. It also highlights challenges such as technological advancements, demographic shifts, climate change, and trade dynamics, urging for sustainable and adaptable responses to these issues.