The UAE took part in the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting, which concluded on July 26 in Fortaleza, Brazil, to discuss the latest international labour market trends.
During the Forum, Her Excellency Shayma Al Awadhi, Assistant Undersecretary for Communication and International Relations at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), highlighted the significance of G20 meetings as a platform for global leaders and decision-makers to address pressing issues in the rapidly evolving work environment. She underscored the necessity of international cooperation to accelerate technological progress, ensuring efficiency and effective governance through innovative regulatory systems and policies.
Al Awadhi’s Comments
Al Awadhi noted the UAE’s substantial investments in advanced technologies, driven by visionary leadership focused on leveraging cutting-edge tech to improve lives and streamline services. She emphasised the nation’s efforts to integrate technology across all sectors. Particularly in human resources and employment to establish more cohesive systems.
Her Excellency showcased the UAE’s pioneering approach in adopting advanced technology and artificial intelligence to boost productivity, foster innovation, and reinforce sustainable industrial development. She pointed out that the UAE ranked 12th globally in the 2023 IMD World Digital Competitiveness ranking.
Al Awadhi revealed the UAE’s goal to double the digital economy’s GDP contribution from 9.7% to 19.4% within the next decade. She mentioned that the UAE plans to invest $20 billion in digital technologies over the next three years, covering areas like IT, telecoms, AI, IoT, blockchain, and robotics.
Highlighting the UAE’s booming fintech sector, she noted $1.3 billion in investments—a 92% increase—driven by advanced digital infrastructure and supportive policies. She also detailed labour market initiatives to optimize tech investment and improve quality of life for employers and workers.
She also discussed the digital services offered by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. This includes the Wage Protection System (WPS) in partnership with the UAE Central Bank, benefiting 99% of private-sector workers, and other technology-driven programmes like the Smart Inspection System.
The UAE joined the G20’s Just Transition Leadership Forum to discuss job creation, better work conditions, and poverty reduction through decent work and equal pay. The event featured discussions on reducing the gender pay gap, promoting workplace diversity, and utilising technology to enhance lives.
