Accra:Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, attended the 12th meeting of the Labour Ministers Committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Bahrain on October 8.
According to Emirates News Agency, the gathering included labour ministers from GCC member states who discussed the development of the labour market, emerging challenges, and regional cooperation. H.H. Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, welcomed the ministers at Al-Qudaibiya Palace, with notable figures such as Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, and Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, in attendance.
The reception was part of Bahrain's preparations for the upcoming 46th session of the GCC Supreme Council, also known as the Bahrain Summit. During the event, the ministers extended greetings from GCC leaders to the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, appreciating Bahrain's efforts in hosting the meeting and promoting GCC cooperation.
Dr. Al Awar emphasized the significance of GCC collaboration and knowledge-sharing in adapting labour markets to economic and technological changes. He noted the UAE's initiatives to foster an integrated labour market, leveraging economic growth, flexible legislation, and investments in human capital, innovation, and digital transformation. This strategy is supported by partnerships between the government and private sector and a regulatory framework that balances competitiveness with workers' rights.
The committee focused on several priority issues, such as implementing decisions, coordinating positions at international forums, addressing the impact of current circumstances on GCC labour markets, regulating platform economy work, and advancing green jobs and skills transformation. Progress under the committee's 2024-2029 strategy was reviewed, including the adoption of the UAE-developed Guideline on Equality and Gender Balance in the Labour Market.
On the sidelines, an awards ceremony under the patronage of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa celebrated outstanding contributions across GCC countries. Khalil Khoori, Undersecretary of Labour Market Operations and Emiratisation, was honored in the Outstanding Civil Service Professionals category. UAE-based companies, Al-Futtaim Group and GEMS Education Group, were recognized for their Emiratisation achievements, along with Cyber 50, a cybersecurity firm, acknowledged for its inclusion in the Future 100 initiative for SMEs.