Geneva: The United Arab Emirates is participating in the 114th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), held in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together governments, employers, and workers from International Labour Organisation (ILO) member states. The conference serves as a global platform to discuss the future of global labour markets and the challenges associated with rapid economic and technological transformations.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and head of the UAE delegation to the conference, outlined the country's approach to artificial intelligence (AI) governance and digital transformation. Addressing the conference's plenary session, Al Awar stated that the UAE views AI as a tool to enhance economic efficiency while protecting people and improving quality of life. The Emirates is working to build an integrated operational ecosystem powered by smart solutions that support government services and proactively enhance labour market efficiency through data-driven decision-making and smart analytics.
Al Awar emphasized that the UAE labour market is one of the main engines driving economic growth and enhancing the country's competitiveness. This is supported by a comprehensive development model that is built on close collaboration between the government and the private sector, which keeps pace with global economic and technological transformations and possesses the ability to attract talent from more than 200 nationalities. The UAE has developed agile legislative frameworks that respond to emerging trends, support the economy of the future, and enhance quality of life.
Investments in smart labour market solutions have enabled the automated processing of over 11 million transactions in 2025, reduced data-entry time from three minutes to three seconds, and provided worker guidance services in more than 20 languages. The UAE's private-sector workforce has grown by more than 101 percent over the past five years, while the number of companies operating in the market has increased by nearly 46 percent. Women's participation in the labour market also grew by more than 10 percent during 2025, reflecting expanding economic opportunities and a work environment that supports inclusion and empowerment.
The minister highlighted the UAE's transition from traditional labour inspections to a smart oversight system based on real-time data analysis and early risk detection. The system has helped prevent up to 66 percent of potential occupational incidents, reduced repeat violations by 54 percent, and improved inspection efficiency by 40 percent through targeted oversight of high-risk establishments. He also mentioned the UAE Skills Platform, an AI-powered initiative designed to anticipate future jobs and skills requirements and align education and training pathways with labour market needs.
While addressing the future of work and technology-driven transformations, Al Awar noted the repercussions of Iranian aggression targeting the UAE and other countries. These attacks threatened civilian and vital facilities, violating international law and jeopardizing economic stability, supply chains, and essential services. The minister underscored the need for holding Iran accountable under international law and ensuring compensation for damages, in line with the principle of state responsibility.
Al Awar concluded by affirming the resilience of the UAE economy and labour market, supported by strategic planning and sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital, and social protection systems. The UAE's ability to adapt to rapid developments reinforces confidence in its business environment and strengthens the labour market's capacity to respond to future challenges and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
The conference is examining the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, skills, and labour markets, as well as governance frameworks needed to ensure that technological advances contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.