MoHRE highlights skills, AI, and new labour market models at Future of Work Forum 2026

The UAE’s labour market has shown remarkable growth over the past five years, with workforce numbers rising by over 101%, skilled workers increasing by 49%, companies growing by more than 45%, women’s workforce participation doubling, and Emiratis joining the private sector surging by 394%.

His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said the government’s role has shifted from regulation to proactive guidance, focusing on anticipating trends and empowering market outcomes amid technological advancements, new work models, and demographic changes.

H.E. Al Awar highlighted that the Ministry now uses risk-based interventions rather than uniform regulation, enabling support for growth while maintaining standards. “The labour market is an interconnected ecosystem combining education, skills development, employment, and long-term workforce participation,” he said, emphasising the alignment of talent with future sectors rather than current vacancies.

Key initiatives driving this transformation include the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, AI-powered systems, and the Work Bundle platform, which streamlines employment and residency processes. Over 11 million transactions have been processed automatically, reducing violations by 34%, saving more than 1,000 work hours in call centre operations, and improving inspection efficiency.

Legislation has also been modernised to support flexible work models, remote work, freelance opportunities, and digital platform employment. 

Social protection coverage remains strong, with 99% of workers under the Wage Protection System and Workers Protection Programme, and over 90% of private-sector employees enjoying unemployment insurance.

The UAE’s labour market experience, H.E. Al Awar noted, offers lessons for fast-growing nations: clarity of vision, legislative flexibility, and investment in human capital are essential. “Our priority must be to build resilient, forward-looking labour markets that balance competitiveness with fairness, putting people at the heart of economic transformation,” he said.

Insights shared by H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar during a panel discussion at the Future of Work Forum, held as part of the World Governments Summit 2026.