Member states of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue have discussed ways to enhance workforce skills, boost productivity and strengthen the governance of labour mobility, as ministers and senior officials met in Dubai for the 8th Ministerial Consultation.The meeting, chaired by Oman, brought together ministers of labour and employment, representatives of international organisations, the private sector and civil society, against the backdrop of rapid changes reshaping regional and global labour markets. The Labour Office of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation joined the Dialogue as an observer for the first time.
UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar said the Dialogue, launched in 2008, has evolved into a key platform for exchanging expertise and best practices to ensure safe and orderly labour mobility, protect workers’ rights and support the competitiveness of national economies. He highlighted reforms in the UAE labour market, pointing to strong growth in employment, skilled labour and women’s participation, alongside expanded social protection and increased use of digital and AI-driven systems. Oman’s Minister of Labour Dr Mahad bin Saeed Baawain said the latest consultation had strengthened cooperation among member states and reflected the growing importance of the Dialogue amid global transformations.
Discussions also focused on climate change, skills shortages, platform-based work and migration pathways, with participants stressing the need to link skills development with labour mobility, productivity and long-term economic resilience across member states.
