The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) () is the federal ministry in charge of labour market regulation, workforce policy development, and promoting Emiratisation within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ministry also enforces employment legislation, manages labour relations, and oversees private sector compliance across the country's seven emirates.
History.
Establishment.
Founded in 2004 as the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, it was restructured in 2006 into two separate ministries: the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Social Affairs.
2016 Restructuring.
In 2016, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to reflect its expanded mandate under the UAE Vision 2021.
Recent Developments.
The ministry led emergency labour policies during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), and introduced sweeping reforms to the Federal Labour Law in 2021.
Mandate and Responsibilities.
The ministry’s responsibilities fall under four core pillars:
1. Labour Market Regulation.
Includes enforcement of employment contracts, dispute resolution, licensing recruitment agencies, and issuing work permits.
2. Workforce Development.
MoHRE supports skills training, workforce planning, job placement, and partnerships with education institutions.
3. Worker Protection.
Administers the Wage Protection System (WPS), ensures occupational health standards, and enforces employment rights for all workers.
4. Economic Development.
Supports the UAE's diversification agenda by promoting flexible labour policies and attracting skilled talent.
Organisational Structure.
MoHRE is divided into sectors such as:
Legal Framework.
Key laws under MoHRE include:
Emiratisation Strategy.
Approach.
Focuses on job creation for Emiratis, mandatory quotas, training, and wage subsidies.
Public Services.
Digital and Physical Channels.
Over 100 services are available through the MoHRE website, mobile app, Tasheel centers, call centers, and kiosks.
Leadership.
As of 2025, the ministry is led by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar.
International Engagement.
MoHRE collaborates with organizations such as the ILO, UN Women, and GCC Labour Councils to promote ethical recruitment and international labour standards.
Future Vision.
MoHRE’s future plan (2023–2025) includes: