UAE honours workers on International Labour Day with gifts, awards

The UAE marked International Workers’ Day on May 1 with a nationwide celebration across both public and private sectors, highlighting the vital contributions of workers to the nation’s development.

Public and private sector entities organised the celebrations under the theme ‘Honouring Our Workers’, featuring a variety of events such as distributing gifts, recognising outstanding employees across sectors — including domestic workers — and visiting hospitalised individuals recovering from occupational injuries.

The hospital visits were a key aspect of the commemoration, showcasing the country’s commitment to enhancing occupational health and safety standards. In line with this, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at ensuring safe and healthy living and working conditions for all workers. The Ministry also continues to actively monitor private sector adherence to these standards in an effort to reduce workplace incidents and promote overall wellbeing.

Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at MoHRE, said, "These activities enhance workers’ wellbeing, promote happiness among them, and add to the UAE labour market’s appeal".

She further explained that the initiative aligns with national strategies, including ‘We the UAE 2031’ and reflects the nation’s economic aspirations.

"These activities enhance workers’ wellbeing, promote happiness among them, and add to the UAE labour market’s appeal", she said.

Alshehhi also emphasised that recognising the workforce has become an integral part of the UAE’s labour environment, "These activities enhance workers’ wellbeing, promote happiness among them, and add to the UAE labour market’s appeal".

This inclusive and modern approach, she noted, fosters cooperation among stakeholders and underscores values of "compassion, respect and inclusion".