UAE marks Labour Day in recognition of workers’ vital role in development

ABU DHABI/ WAM

The UAE is celebrating Labour Day tomorrow, 1st May, reaffirming the nation’s deep respect and appreciation for its diverse labour force.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, extended his congratulations to all workers in the UAE on this occasion. He emphasised that workers are a cornerstone of the nation’s sustainable development and vital partners in realising the UAE’s ambitious future goals across economic and development sectors.
In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr Al Awar said that the UAE’s observance of Labour Day reflects its profound appreciation for workers from over 200 nationalities. This commitment demonstrates the country’s values of compassion and humanity and its ongoing efforts to foster a positive work environment.
He emphasised that the Ministry continues to advance initiatives that promote a culture of appreciation and care for workers, while also reinforcing the principles of social protection. He added that these efforts contribute to Emiratisation and sustainable development, aligning with strategic objectives to enhance the flexibility and competitiveness of the UAE labour market. The overarching aim, he noted, is to attract and retain top Emirati and international talent by providing a safe, appealing, and dynamic work environment, supported by a robust governance framework in line with the UAE Vision 2031.
The minister noted that the UAE has become a global model in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of its labour force, balancing the rights of workers and employers alike.
He pointed out that initiatives such as the Emirates Labour Market Award inspire ongoing innovation and dedication among workers, increasing their job satisfaction and reinforcing their value to the economy.
He further referred to the Ministry’s commitment to consistent engagement with workers, including during holidays and celebrations, to promote their social integration. These efforts are part of a broader, sustainable strategy to honour and support the workforce and enhance their family and community stability, in cooperation with partners from both the public and private sectors.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, in collaboration with its partners, is organising celebrations that include the distribution of gifts at workplaces, labour accommodations, shopping centres, and hospitals, including visits to injured workers receiving treatment, to reinforce feelings of appreciation and solidarity.
The UAE has made significant progress in enacting labour laws, launching initiatives, and adopting practices aimed at safeguarding labours’ rights across all economic sectors, while maintaining a balanced approach to employer rights, thereby enhancing the transparency and resilience of the national labour market.
One of the most significant initiatives aligned with the UAE’s pioneering labour legislation is the establishment of a comprehensive social protection umbrella for workers. As of January 2025, the labour market has seen the integration of health insurance coverage for private sector employees and domestic workers in the Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah into the nationwide health insurance system. This marks the achievement of 100% health insurance coverage for the entire workforce across the UAE labour market.
The UAE labour market ranks among the most competitive globally across several key indicators.