The UAE is stepping up efforts to improve worker welfare, as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) rolls out a comprehensive set of regulations governing labour accommodation across the country.

The new guidelines aim to raise living standards for workers, many of whom are part of the UAE’s diverse expat community, by introducing enhanced health, safety, and well-being measures, including mandatory free internet access in accommodation facilities.

Under the updated rules, employers are required to provide licensed and adequate housing or offer a housing allowance. Larger accommodations housing 1,000 workers or more must now include 24-hour medical clinics, along with recreational spaces and access to financial services.

The changes also place a stronger emphasis on mental well-being. Accommodation managers are expected to organise social and recreational activities during official holidays, helping workers stay connected and engaged outside of work.

Location planning is another key focus. Labour accommodations must be situated near industrial zones and transport networks, while maintaining safe distances from residential neighbourhoods and environmental risks.

In terms of daily living standards, the regulations outline clear requirements for cleanliness, proper lighting, sanitation, food preparation areas, and access to safe drinking water, as well as pest control and secure gas systems.

Emergency preparedness has also been reinforced. Employers must provide first aid rooms, isolation areas, and emergency response plans, while larger facilities are required to have on-site doctors, nurses, and ambulance services.

To ensure accessibility and transparency, workers must be given written guidance in multiple languages, explaining their rights, health and safety procedures, and how to contact authorities for support or to file complaints. This is complemented by clear emergency signage, evacuation plans, fire safety measures, and regular drills.

The ministry says these updates are part of a broader push to strengthen worker protection, ensure compliance, and enhance quality of life.

Urban transformation is underway in Khorfakkan, as the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has begun demolition work on the southern entrance bridge to the city, marking the first step in a wider redevelopment plan.

The move comes as part of preparations for the upcoming Khorfakkan University Tower, a project expected to become a new architectural landmark and a defining feature of the city’s skyline.

For residents and expats living in Sharjah’s east coast hub, the development signals a shift towards a more modern and visually striking urban environment, while still maintaining the coastal charm that makes Khorfakkan a popular weekend escape.

According to authorities, the tower is one of several ongoing projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life, improving infrastructure, and elevating the overall visitor experience. The redevelopment aligns with Sharjah’s long-term vision of creating sustainable, well-connected urban spaces across the emirate.

Khorfakkan, known for its scenic beaches and mountainous backdrop, has increasingly become a focal point for development in recent years. Projects like the University Tower are expected to further position the city as both a lifestyle destination and a growing residential hub for UAE residents seeking a quieter alternative to larger cities.

While the demolition may temporarily affect traffic flow in the area, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for the city.

In a major shift for global energy markets, the UAE has announced plans to exit OPEC and the OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1, 2026.

The move signals a bold step in the UAE’s long-term strategy, as it looks to gain greater control over its production policy and respond more flexibly to changing global demand.

Officials said the decision follows a comprehensive review of the country’s energy capacity and future outlook, with a focus on national interest and the ability to meet market needs more efficiently.

Despite ongoing geopolitical pressures, including supply concerns, global energy demand is expected to remain strong in the years ahead. The UAE says it is positioning itself to meet that demand with a balance of reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

The country, which first joined OPEC in 1967 through Abu Dhabi, has long played a key role in stabilising oil markets. Officials described the exit not as a break, but as an ‘evolution’,  one that allows the UAE to act more independently while still supporting global market stability.

Positioning itself as a reliable energy partner, the UAE said it will continue supplying some of the world’s most cost-competitive and lower-carbon oil, while gradually adjusting production in line with demand.

At the same time, the country is doubling down on investments across the energy spectrum, from oil and gas to renewables and low-carbon technologies, as part of a broader push toward long-term resilience and economic diversification.

Source: WAM