Dubai:The United Arab Emirates hosted a workshop focused on enhancing gender equality and balance in the labour markets of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The event was organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in collaboration with the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in GCC States and took place in Dubai on September 28th and 29th, 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the workshop brought together representatives from GCC Ministries of Labour, official bodies concerned with women's affairs, the Statistical Centre for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC-STAT), the Executive Bureau, as well as specialists and institutions focused on labour market policies and women's empowerment.
Discussions centered on draft guidelines aimed at enhancing gender equality and balance in GCC labour markets, which were prepared by MoHRE in coordination with the Executive Bureau. These guidelines are part of the GCC Labour Ministers Committee's strategy for the 2024-2029 period.
Shayma Alawadhi, Under-Secretary of Labour Market Development and Regulation at MoHRE, emphasized that the guidelines are a practical step towards creating a shared Gulf framework to support policy development, increase women's participation, and enhance equal opportunities in labour markets. She highlighted the UAE's achievements in supporting women's participation and removing obstacles to their engagement in the private sector, noting that Emirati women account for 71% of all Emirati professionals in the private sector and 55% of those in executive positions.
Alawadhi also mentioned that women's participation in the UAE labour market increased by 131% by mid-2026, compared to 2020. The UAE's commitment to sharing expertise and supporting joint Gulf action aligns with its vision of empowering women and investing in human capital as key pillars for building inclusive and competitive labour markets. This initiative supports the 'We the UAE 2031' vision, UAE Centennial 2071 Plan, and the strategic directions of GCC states for sustainable development.
Participants also showcased national experiences and initiatives from across the GCC states, highlighting relevant international practices. The guidelines are being developed through a participatory pan-GCC process that integrates national and international expertise to create a practical reference for policy and initiative development.
At the meeting's conclusion, participants emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination and the exchange of expertise among GCC states. This effort aims to develop policies and practices that enhance women's participation in the labour market, supporting the goals of the Gulf initiative and promoting integration among GCC states.