Sharjah 24 – WAM: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the Cabinet reviewed the major advancements in the country’s labour market. He added that the UAE has ranked first globally in the lack of labour disputes indicator, according to the Global Competitiveness Report, first globally in the ability to attracting talent, as indicated by the Prosperity Index, and third globally in the digital skills.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum noted that over 7 million employees across all sectors in the UAE are benefiting from the Involuntary Loss of Employment scheme (ILOE), while 98.8 percent of the workforce in the country are covered by the Workers' Protection Programme.

His Highness added: “Today, we approved a new structure for the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, including establishing a coordinating council for the labour market in the UAE, to maintain its stability and enhance its competitiveness. The workforce is the real engine of the economy, and monitoring their concerns and protecting their rights are essential elements for advancing our national economy.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum further noted, “Also today, we reviewed the results of implementing the ‘Operation 300 Billion’ project launched in 2021, that aims to increase the industrial sector contribution to our GDP to AED300 billion, by the year 2031.

His Highness also highlighted the accomplishments of the industrial sector, noting that its current contribution stands at AED197 billion to the GDP, up from AED 132 billion. Since the launch of the ICV Programme, national spending has increased to AED67 billion in 2023.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid added, “The advancement of the industrial sector is a national priority. We are overseeing its progress by providing a variety of incentives to stimulate its growth.

His Highness said, “The UAE Cabinet approved a national policy on biofuels encouraging the production and consumption of locally produced biofuels, and the amendments on the executive regulations of the federal law on citizenship and passports. We approved extending the validity period of the UAE passport from 5 to 10 years for Emiratis aged 21 and above. The new amendments include further facilitations and comprehensive digital services to be provided by the relevant authorities.”

His Highness said, “At today’s Cabinet meeting, we reviewed the accomplishments of the Digital Wellbeing Council for the year 2022. This council, in collaboration with various social media platforms, has successfully eliminated over 160,000 websites and accounts that targeted our youth, through promoting substance use and unfavorable habits that are foreign to our culture.”

His Highness concluded that the family serves as the strongest defense for our children. It is crucial to instill awareness in new generations. “We emphasise the importance of cooperation among families, media, and schools to safeguard our children, who are the most valuable asset of our nation.”