99% of workers registered in the WPS, with 90% enrolled in the Unemployment Insurance Scheme.
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates will mark International Workers’ Day on Friday, observed annually on May 1, reaffirming its commitment to workers’ welfare, rights and the provision of a dignified life for them and their families.
Workers are regarded as a fundamental pillar of the nation’s development and progress.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), along with various entities, is organising a series of field events, activities and initiatives for workers across the country, hosted at multiple companies and key sites.
Business continuity
On operational performance, ministry data indicates sustained and stable business activity.
Approximately 2.3 million transactions were processed in March alone, bringing the total for the first quarter of 2026 to around 7 million—reflecting uninterrupted operations.
Decline in violations
Compliance indicators showed significant improvement, including a 62 per cent drop in violations related to fake Emiratisation and broader Emiratisation regulations.
Additionally, violations related to labour conditions and occupational health and safety requirements declined, including a 30 per cent drop in non-compliance linked to worker accommodation standards.
The inspection system remains a key pillar in monitoring company compliance, supported by advanced digital analytics and risk indicators that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of regulatory oversight.
Labour Market Performance
Labour market indicators in 2025 reflect continued strong growth, alongside progress in governance and regulatory systems. Private sector employment rose by 12.4 per cent, while the number of establishments increased by 7.8 per cent.
Compliance levels in the labour market rose by 34 per cent compared to 2024, reflecting the effectiveness of the UAE’s advanced regulatory frameworks.
This progress forms part of a comprehensive system that balances economic growth with the protection of labour rights—supporting a stable, thriving work environment while enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness as a leading destination for investment and business.
Inspection and governance outcomes for 2025 also showed clear improvement in compliance, with recorded violations falling by 13 per cent compared to 2024—despite a 4 per cent increase in inspection visits, which exceeded 695,000.
Wage Protection System
The share of workers registered in the Wage Protection System reached 99 per cent of the private sector workforce.
Meanwhile, 90 per cent of targeted workers were enrolled in the Unemployment Insurance Scheme by the end of last year.
Compensation paid to workers who lost their jobs exceeded Dh350 million from the system’s launch in early 2024 through the end of 2025.
In line with efforts to ensure compliant worker accommodation, more than 2,700 companies were registered in the worker housing system by the end of last year—benefiting around 1.9 million workers with improved standards of comfort, health and safety.
Celebrating and honouring workers
Celebrating and honouring workers during national occasions and holidays is a sustained approach adopted by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, in collaboration with public and private sector partners.
These efforts aim to enhance workers’ happiness, well-being, quality of life and social stability, while fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging greater contribution.
The strong focus on protecting workers’ rights and recognising their achievements underscores their vital role in the UAE’s development journey—supporting the country’s economic ambitions and reinforcing its position as a leading global destination for living, investment and employment.
The workforce remains a cornerstone of sustainable development and a key pillar of the UAE labour market.
Last year, nearly one million workers took part in 100 celebratory events organised by the Ministry in collaboration with government and private sector partners across 30 locations nationwide—promoting social integration and well-being.
Investing in people
The UAE has achieved notable milestones across all aspects of labour and the labour market, strengthening its global competitiveness despite challenging regional conditions.
The country continues to present a leading global model in protecting workers’ rights, safeguarding their gains and enhancing their working environment in recognition of their contributions.
The Ministry also uses such occasions to engage directly with workers, strengthen partnerships and collaboration, and improve overall well-being and quality of life. It remains committed to organising social and humanitarian initiatives that reflect the UAE’s progressive, people-centric labour policies.
These initiatives also highlight strong partnerships among all labour market stakeholders and support continuous engagement with workers through community activities—helping to boost satisfaction and productivity.
Protection systems
Workers in the UAE benefit from a high level of care and protection, particularly through strengthened occupational health and safety measures.
The latest initiative includes the annual midday work ban—implemented for the 21st consecutive year from June 15 to September 15—alongside the provision of 10,000 rest stations for delivery workers.
No impact on stability
Despite global and regional challenges, including exceptional circumstances affecting the Gulf region, the UAE labour market has remained stable, with business continuity intact—reflecting the resilience and diversity of the national economy.
Strict enforcement of legislation
Serious violations affecting workers’ rights or the integrity of the labour market are dealt with firmly.
In 2025, around 2,600 criminal cases were referred to public prosecution, covering major offences such as delayed wage payments, fake Emiratisation, employment without permits and breaches of worker housing standards.
The Ministry’s inspection system uses the latest digital tools and advanced communication channels to ensure swift response and confidentiality, supported by specialised inspectors and qualified personnel.
