On May 15th, the world celebrates “Labor Days | Son of the Land,” honoring workers for their vital role in development and prosperity. On this occasion, the efforts of the UAE to celebrate workers and provide them with a suitable and good working environment are highlighted. This article offers an overview of the events organized and the government’s measures to ensure workers’ rights, reflecting the country’s commitment to providing a decent life for this group.
The UAE celebrates “International Workers’ Day” on May 1st each year, recognizing their pivotal role in development. Ministries and institutions hold events to honor this group in their workplaces and residences, embodying the values of tolerance and loyalty, and renewing the commitment to providing a safe working environment and protecting rights. Workers in our country receive significant attention and care, as the government has enacted numerous laws and regulations governing their rights and entitlements. These laws take into account working conditions, inform workers of their duties and the tasks they perform, and place special emphasis on their interests and rights.
The UAE has been diligent in securing workers’ rights, which form the largest fabric of the state’s society. A wage protection system has been established, achieving a compliance rate of 99% among private sector workers by the end of 2025. Additionally, the compliance rate for the “Unemployment Insurance” system reached 90% of the targeted workforce. These figures indicate the serious efforts made by the government to ensure workers’ rights and well-being.
Awareness programs and targeted communications for workers now provide information in clear language across 17 languages. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation oversees these programs, and it was recently announced that 100% of mandatory orientation programs were completed by the end of last year, benefiting over 3 million workers. This demonstrates the state’s commitment to providing essential information and necessary support to workers.
Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Manan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, continuously works to address workers’ affairs and implement initiatives concerning them, and he makes it a point to congratulate them on their day. Al Awar states, “Workers represent a fundamental pillar and key partners in achieving the ambitious vision of the state, actively contributing to enhancing the UAE’s status as an ideal global destination for living, working, and investing.”
The government does not limit itself to legislative and regulatory measures; it also strives to provide a living environment that reflects respect for workers’ dignity and ensures them a high quality of life. Labor accommodations have transformed from mere buildings into integrated service cities that include spaces for rest and recreation. This philosophy reflects a deep belief that humans should be at the center of development, and that all days should belong to them, not just one day.