Doha: The State of Qatar is actively participating in the 52nd session of the Arab Labour Conference, currently taking place in Cairo. The event sees involvement from heads and members of delegations, along with representatives from the tripartite constituents of Arab countries, and relevant Arab and international organizations. Heading the Qatari delegation to the conference is HE Minister of Labour, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri.
According to Qatar News Agency, the conference is set to discuss the Director-General of the Arab Labour Organisation's report on the organisation's activities and achievements during 2025, alongside various reports and files submitted for the current session. Notably, these include outcomes from the 45th session of the Committee on Trade Union Freedoms held in Cairo in April 2026 and the 24th session of the Arab Committee for Women's Labour Affairs that took place in Kuwait last December.
Addressing the Plenary Session, HE Minister Al Marri emphasized the complex regional circumstances under which the conference is being held. He highlighted that regional tensions and conflicts are affecting security, stability, and the economic landscape, influencing labour markets and development prospects. He stressed that the impact of such crises transcends national borders, affecting trade, transport, supply chains, and energy markets, which in turn challenges economies and labour markets in maintaining employment levels and generating new job opportunities.
His Excellency reiterated Qatar's stance that regional security and stability are crucial for sustainable development and labour market stability. He advocated for de-escalation, dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful solutions to safeguard regional development achievements and protect the populace. The Minister also noted that the Director-General's report highlighted similar challenges and called for more resilient development models in response to ongoing instability.
HE Minister Al Marri pointed out that Qatar's development policies, as outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030, prioritize human, social, economic, and environmental development. These policies aim to create a diversified, competitive knowledge-based economy while investing in human capital. In alignment with this vision, Qatar has implemented legislative and institutional reforms in its labour market, including a non-discriminatory minimum wage, the strengthening of the Wage Protection System, regulatory frameworks for labour mobility, enhanced labour inspection, and mechanisms for resolving labour disputes.
He further emphasized the necessity for investment in skills, reskilling, and aligning education and training with labour market needs to address rapid transformations in the work environment, such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation. This approach is intended to harness technological opportunities while minimizing adverse effects on vulnerable groups.
In conclusion, His Excellency underscored the importance of social dialogue and partnership among governments, employers, and workers in formulating policies that balance competitiveness and productivity with social justice and workers' rights. He expressed hope that the conference will strengthen Arab cooperation and lead to practical initiatives that enhance labour market stability and offer decent work opportunities, keeping human development central to the process.