All resources: United Arab Emirates

Voices and insights on social protection and migration in the South Asia–Gulf corridor

Ageing migrant populations require new approaches to social protection

The first paper in the ILO STREAM Programme's Voices and Insights series examines how ageing among long-term migrant workers is exposing gaps in social protection across the migration corridor linking South Asia and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)...

Gender and statistics in the world of work in the Arab States Region

The Brief on Gender and Statistics in the Arab States region examines the critical role of quality, disaggregated labour statistics in advancing gender equality and inclusion in the world of work across the Arab States. It reviews the availability...

Sri Lanka moves to shield migrant workers from crises through enhanced social protection

National consultation calls for stronger, better-coordinated social protection systems in countries of origin and destination to protect migrant workers and their families before, during and after crises.

BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting (LEMM), 15-16 July 2026

ILO welcomes BRICS focus on social protection, women’s labour force participation, formalization and future-ready labour markets

India's leadership in advancing labour and employment priorities during its BRICS Presidency is praised as ILO pledges continued support for BRICS cooperation on decent work.

Cross-regional dialogue platform launched on social protection for migrant workers along the Asia–Gulf corridor

The launch of the platform, co-chaired by the Philippines and the GCC Executive Bureau, sends a powerful message: effective social protection for migrant workers can only be achieved through dialogue and partnership between countries of origin and...

New report

AI-driven transformation puts jobs, inequality and skills at a crossroads in the Arab region

A new report outlines diverging AI futures for jobs, growth and inequality in the Arab region. Proactive and inclusive policy measures are needed today, ILO Regional Director Ruba Jaradat says during an Arab Forum for Sustainable Development special...

IMRF stakeholders strengthen commitments to wage and social protection for migrant workers

A high-level dialogue at the International Migration Review Forum 2026 explored practical ways to include migrant workers in wage and social protection systems across the migration corridor between Africa, Asia and the Gulf, with the support of the...

Rethinking social protection across borders for migrant domestic workers

A research event organized by the ILO STREAM Programme presented new research and practical solutions to ensure that those who provide care across the South Asia–GCC corridor are themselves protected and cared for.

ILO Director-General urges governments to turn economic transformation into decent work

At the World Government Summit in Dubai, Gilbert F. Houngbo highlighted the central role of labour-market governance, skills and social justice in shaping inclusive growth in the digital and green transitions.

The United Arab Emirates ratifies the Protocol to Convention No. 29, reaffirming its commitment to fight against forced labour

The United Arab Emirates becomes the sixty third country worldwide and the second among members of the Gulf Cooperation Council to ratify this instrument.

NDC 2.0 Review in the Arab States

Regional report of the integration of just transition themes in the Nationally Determined Contributions across the Arab States

This report reviews the second editions of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as submitted to the UNFCCC NDC portal by July 2024, according to the 9 policy areas of the guidelines, as per the ILO Guidelines for a just transition to...

Employers and Business Membership Organization - capacity building

ILO Bureau for Employers’ Activities concludes two online validation workshops on strengthening labour functions in employers’...

Strengthening labour functions in employers’ and business membership organizations in the Arab States

New ILO-GCC joint report

Report reviews the wage protection system in Gulf Cooperation Council countries

Joint ILO-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) analysis highlights the extent of progress made in ensuring timely wage payments.

New ILO-GCC joint report

Wage Protection Systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A regional analysis

This report, developed by the ILO in close collaboration with the GCC Executive Bureau, addresses a critical knowledge gap concerning the design and operation of Wage Protection Systems (WPS) in GCC countries. Drawing on public documentation and...

New ILO programme set to advance social protection for migrant workers across the South Asia–Gulf corridor

The official launch of the STREAM Programme at the Second World Summit for Social Development marks a new stage in strengthening social protection for migrant workers and their families across the South Asia–Gulf corridor.

Second World Summit for Social Development

World leaders renew commitments to social protection for migrant workers across the Gulf, South Asia and Africa

A landmark gathering at the Second World Summit for Social Development united policymakers and social partners from the three regions to advance joint action on extending social protection to millions of migrant workers.

New ILO factsheets reveal linkages between climate challenges and green job opportunities in the Arab States region

New ILO country factsheets present a concise overview on key employment, environment, and climate data for the Arab States region.

Fact sheet

United Arab Emirates: The Employment, Environment, Climate Nexus Factsheet

ILO report

Digitalization and artificial intelligence promise to boost jobs in the Arab States – but they must be managed inclusively

Report highlights need for policies that are inclusive for women, youth and vulnerable groups and ensure a just digital transition.

ILO report

Navigating the digital and artificial intelligence revolution in Arab labour markets

The labour market in the Arab States is at a crossroads, facing persistent challenges while navigating a new era of digital transformation. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of these dynamics. It projects that while the risk of...