The UAE highlighted its innovative technology initiatives at the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting, which concluded in Fortaleza, Brazil, on July 26.
Her Excellency Shayma Al Awadhi, Assistant Undersecretary for Communication and International Relations at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), underscored the importance of G20meetings in bringing together global leaders to discuss pressing issues in the rapidly evolving world of work. She emphasized the need for international cooperation to accelerate technological advancement and ensure effective governance.
Al Awadhi noted the UAE’s significant investments in advanced technologies, driven by its leadership’s vision to embrace and utilize cutting-edge technologies to improve lives and streamline services. The UAE’s approach includes integrating technology across various sectors, especially human resources and employment, to establish more efficient systems.
Showcasing the UAE’s achievements, Al Awadhi highlighted the country’s pioneering use of advanced technology and artificial intelligence to enhance productivity, promote innovation, and drive sustainable industrial development. The UAE ranked 12th globally in the 2023 IMD World Digital Competitiveness ranking.
The UAE aims to double the digital economy’s contribution to GDP from 9.7% to 19.4% over the next decade. Al Awadhi revealed that the UAE plans to invest $20 billion in digital technologies over the next three years, including IT, telecoms, AI, IoT, blockchain, and robotics. Additionally, investments in the financial technology sector reached $1.3 billion, marking a 92% increase.
The UAE’s labour market programmes and initiatives aim to optimize technology investment and improve the quality of life for employers and workers. Al Awadhi highlighted the Ministry’s digital services, including the Wage Protection System (WPS) and the Smart Inspection System, which benefit 99% of private-sector workers.
At the Just Transition Leadership Forum, part of the G20 meeting, discussions focused on creating job opportunities, enhancing work conditions, ensuring social inclusion, and promoting decent work and equal pay. The event also addressed reducing the gender pay gap, promoting workplace diversity, and using technology to improve lives.
