The UAE has recently received significant regional and international recognition for its dedication to human rights, as the nation continues to implement legislative and regulatory reforms that align with its comprehensive development goals. Placing human rights at the center of its development strategies, the UAE aims to ensure dignity, welfare, and justice for all individuals, as guaranteed by its constitution and law. These initiatives are designed to foster a society based on justice, tolerance, and openness.

Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), stated that promoting and protecting human rights remains a top priority for the UAE. The country has earned global acclaim, having been elected to the UN Human Rights Council three times, with its most recent term spanning from 2022 to 2024. Kruse emphasized the UAE’s achievements in developing comprehensive legislative frameworks that are in harmony with international laws, forming partnerships, and enhancing societal awareness of human rights principles.

On January 27, 2025, the UAE submitted its second periodic report to the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee during its 27th session held at the Arab League headquarters. Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, Chairman of the Arab Permanent Committee for Human Rights, praised the UAE’s strong commitment to enhancing human rights both nationally and regionally. This commitment is reflected in the country’s legislative reforms and political and social initiatives that promote fundamental freedoms, protect vulnerable groups, and support gender equality.

In recent years, the UAE has made remarkable legal reforms, updating more than 80 percent of its federal laws since 1971. In 2024 alone, the country enacted over 47 federal laws and issued 130 regulatory decisions, facilitated by the “UAE Legislations” digital platform. This platform hosts over 1,000 federal laws and attracts approximately 500,000 monthly visits, with 40 percent of these from outside the UAE, showcasing a significant interest in its legal framework.

The UAE prioritizes the rights of women and children, ensuring their access to healthcare, education, entertainment, and welfare. In December 2024, the Ministry of Family was created to promote family stability, address domestic issues, and protect children’s well-being. The UAE ranked seventh globally and first regionally in the UNDP Gender Inequality Index 2024, reflecting its commitment to gender equality. Furthermore, a ministerial decision has mandated that private joint-stock companies in the UAE allocate at least one seat for women on their boards of directors after the current board’s term concludes.

With a diverse population of over 200 nationalities, the UAE has introduced substantial labor protections. This includes the Federal Decree-Law amending the regulation of the Employment Relationship Law, known as the “UAE Labour Law,” which aims to expedite dispute resolution and ensure compliance with labor standards. The country also launched the “Unemployment Insurance Scheme,” which covers 99% of private-sector workers, along with an optional end-of-service savings scheme to enhance employee benefits. Additionally, a midday work ban is in place from June 15 to September 15 to protect laborers from heat exposure.

Through these groundbreaking policies and initiatives, the UAE continues to lead in championing human rights in the region, reinforcing the principles of equality, justice, and tolerance.