A significant reduction in labour violations across the UAE marked 2025, even as government inspection activity intensified — a result authorities are crediting to artificial intelligence tools now embedded in their enforcement operations.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) reported that overall compliance among private sector firms climbed by 34 per cent over the year, with violation rates falling in several key categories despite a 4 per cent increase in the number of inspection visits, which surpassed 695,000 in total.
Among the sharpest declines was fake Emiratisation — a category long considered a priority enforcement concern — where violations fell by 62 per cent. Breaches tied to working conditions and occupational health and safety also contracted, and non-compliance with labour accommodation standards dropped by 30 per cent.
The ministry pointed to its use of AI-driven monitoring, digital analytics, and data-based risk indicators as central to the results. These systems, it said, allow inspection teams to more precisely identify irregularities and direct resources toward high-risk sectors rather than relying on blanket enforcement.
More than 3,000 joint campaigns were conducted in coordination with federal and local government bodies throughout the year. MoHRE also highlighted reporting channels that allow workers and employers to flag violations confidentially, which officials say have improved responsiveness across the labour market.
Despite the overall downward trend in violations, enforcement actions remained active. Around 2,600 cases were forwarded to public prosecution in 2025, covering offences including wage delays and non-payment, hiring workers without valid permits, and failure to meet accommodation requirements.
The compliance improvements coincide with continued growth in the UAE’s private sector, which expanded its workforce by 12.4 per cent in 2025, while the number of registered establishments rose by 7.8 per cent. MoHRE described the parallel movement of economic growth and tighter regulatory adherence as the intended outcome of its governance framework.
The ministry stated it would maintain a zero-tolerance position on violations that compromise workers’ rights or undermine labour market stability, warning that its supervisory systems would continue to develop alongside employer partnerships and technology investment.
