The Union Association for Human Rights affirmed that the UAE is one of the world’s leading countries in securing ensuring proper, suitable, safe and dignified working conditions for workers. The Association noted the significance of the laws, legislations, and initiatives the country has enacted to provide full and unique protection of workers’ rights, in line with its international human rights obligations.

On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, celebrated annually on May 1^st, the Board of Directors of the Association praised the UAE’s commitment to providing an integrated system that guarantees that workers enjoy their human and social rights. This effort comes in line with the wise leadership’s vision to reinforce the respect of workers’ rights and reflects the progress being made by the country in the realm of respecting and protecting these rights.

The Board emphasized the importance of the initiatives made by the country to harness all potentials and capabilities to enhance working conditions and environments. It also noted the country’s efforts to achieve key targets that position it as a global leader in labor rights, based on an existing humanitarian approach and its ratification of agreements, adopted by the International Labour Organization and other multilateral organizations, governing labor relations.

The Board also pointed to the global indicators related to the labor market, in which the UAE has ranked highly. The UAE ranked first globally in the ‘ability to attract talent’ according to the Global Prosperity Index 2023 issued by the British Legatum Institute. Additionally, the country ranked first globally for low ‘cost of redundancy dismissal’ according to the 2022 Global Innovation Index issued by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The UAE also ranked first globally in several indicators in the report of the World Competitiveness Ranking 2022 issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, namely ‘few labour disputes’, ‘low costs of compensating for termination of worker’s services’, and ‘working hours.’

The Board expressed its pride in and appreciation for all workers, across various workplaces and positions, highly valuing their contributions and dedication in building the nation and helping it achieve global leadership. The Board underlined the importance of respecting their dignity, safeguarding all of their rights, and reinforcing their important status in society. It also highlighted the need to continue enhancing their achievements in a way that contributes to building a better future for humanity.

Union Association for Human Rights
Abu Dhabi – 1 May 2024