Dubai: The government and the private sector must work together to overcome issues related to the labour market in the UAE, according to Saqr Gobash, the UAE Minister of Labour.
The minister was speaking at a workshop on Tuesday titled Wages and the Cost of Labour in the UAE.
"A permanent and responsible partnership between the government, the private sector and academic institutions is necessary for an objective analysis of the labour market," he said, adding that labour costs are watched closely by policy makers, entrepreneurs, and all those with an interest in the UAE economy.
The workshop addressed questions about labour costs, the factors that determine them, the people who pay them and the impact of public and labour policies on costs. It also produced the findings of an analysis of wages in the UAE.
It was jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour and the Dubai Economic Council (DEC).
In his opening remarks, Gobash hoped the workshop would lead to a "calm" and "deep" dialogue, one which is objective and open to other perspectives.
"Deep and comprehensive dialogue leads to logical and scientific conclusions that provide systematic solutions," said Gobash.
"I am confident that you share our views, that when we commit ourselves to open and critical dialogue we will be in a position to establish partnerships through the organisation of this workshop so we can revive national dialogue about the future of the economy, the education system, environmental challenges, preservervation of identity, and seek higher levels of development for UAE nationals," he said.
