Fadia Saade, the Regional Director for Human Development at the World Bank, highlighted that the United Arab Emirates serves as a leading example in implementing policies that promote comprehensive human development and empower women and youth. She noted that through labor law reforms and investments in early childhood development, the UAE has successfully established a holistic model that balances work and life while enhancing women’s participation in the workforce.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency, Saade commented on a new report released by the World Bank as part of its key human development initiative for the Middle East and North Africa. She explained that the labor law reforms introduced in 2022 enabled the adoption of flexible work arrangements such as part-time, temporary, and remote work, thus broadening participation opportunities for women and youth. Additionally, in 2021, new and improved provisions for parental leave were implemented to encourage work-life balance and support women’s workforce participation.
She further emphasized that the government’s investments in early childhood development and affordable childcare services have empowered women, built essential skills in youth, and prepared them for future job markets.
Fadia Saade stated that Middle Eastern and North African countries could learn from the UAE’s experience in flexible labor mobility policies, which include innovative residency options like golden and green visas for professionals, investors, and freelancers, as well as job search and remote work visas.
She pointed out that the UAE is also enhancing labor rights protection through measures such as unemployment insurance, wage protection systems, and strengthened recruitment regulations. The implementation of similar flexible residency policies and labor protection measures could enhance the region’s capacity to attract and retain talent, supporting economic diversification and fostering innovation.
Regarding the World Bank’s new report, Saade noted that human capital in the region has improved significantly in recent years, yet there remains substantial potential for further progress toward achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The report discusses how three major trends—aging populations, climate change, and technological transformation—are shaping the region’s future.
She urged governments to continue investing in future-ready human development policies that enhance fundamental human capital, drive institutional reforms, and adopt tailored strategies that consider each country’s unique context.
Saade indicated that Gulf Cooperation Council countries might focus on aging issues and digital transformation, while middle-income countries could concentrate on fiscal management, and low-income or fragile states should prioritize maintaining human capital and strengthening institutions. She reiterated that with sustained commitment and reform, the region can turn emerging challenges into drivers of sustainable and inclusive growth.