The UAE Cabinet meeting approved landmark health insurance expansion, policies to boost industrial growth, labour rights, and digital well-being in an Abu Dhabi meeting on Tuesday.
Here’s everything you need to know.
UAE approves landmark private sector health insurance decision
The UAE cabinet approved a landmark decision that will now require employers to provide health insurance for all private sector employees, including domestic workers, Emirates News Agency WAM reported on Tuesday.
The new law will take effect on January 1 next year and aims to expand health coverage to the entire population, which includes all seven emirates.
According to the decree, private sector companies and employers of domestic workers must pay for health insurance for their registered employees when applying for or renewing their residence permits. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will oversee the implementation of the decision and launch awareness campaigns to inform employers and employees about the legal change.
This move represents a major milestone in the UAE’s journey towards universal health coverage. Currently, many private sector employees lack comprehensive health insurance, leaving them vulnerable to high out-of-pocket medical expenses. This new law will close that gap and ensure all residents can access essential health services.
While some businesses may bear new costs, officials say the long-term benefits outweigh short-term expenses. Healthier workers tend to be more productive and miss fewer workdays due to illness. Supporting the healthcare infrastructure also builds sustainability and resilience.
The government expressed commitment to collaborating with the private sector to smooth the transition. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will provide essential guidance and raise awareness about the new requirements.
“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,” said Ruler of Dubai and UAE Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
The UAE Cabinet also announced several other major announcements for the country’s labour market at the meeting, held at the Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
UAE takes steps to enhance labour market competitiveness
The UAE Cabinet reviewed efforts to support the stability and competitiveness of the labour market.
“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,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
Over 7 million employees are now covered by the Involuntary Loss of Employment scheme, while 98.8 percent of the workforce is protected by the Workers Protection Programme.
The Cabinet approved a new structure for the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to further maintain labour market stability. This includes a new coordinating council to align policies and laws across the emirates.
UAE industrial sector sees major expansion
The Cabinet discussed the growth of the industrial sector.
“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,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
The sector’s GDP contribution has expanded to AED197 billion, with a 49 percent increase since 2020. Industrial exports also grew 61 percent.
Local manufacturing received a boost from the ICV Programme and ‘Make it in the UAE’ initiative. The Cabinet aims to continue providing incentives to meet the goal of AED300 billion GDP contribution by 2031.
UAE bolsters digital wellbeing efforts
Over 160,000 inappropriate online accounts and websites were removed in 2022 through the Digital Wellbeing Council’s coordination with social media firms. This helped increase confidence in internet safety.
“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 unfavourable habits that are foreign to our culture,” said the Dubai Ruler.
“We emphasise the importance of cooperation among families, media, and schools to safeguard our children, who are the most valuable asset of our nation.”
UAE adopts new policies on biofuels, digital accessibility
The Cabinet adopted a National Policy on Biofuels to organise production, manage trading, and reduce environmental impacts. This aligns with sustainability goals.
A National Digital Accessibility Policy was also approved to ensure inclusivity for people of determination and the elderly. It facilitates access to digital services and transactions.
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