‘Human capital at heart of Qatar’s development vision’

Doha, Qatar: Minister of Labour H.E. Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri emphasized that the evolving nature of employment, propelled by artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the expansion of the green economy, necessitates increased investment in skill development and reskilling. Emphasizing the importance of aligning education and training programs with labor market demands, he advocated for proactive planning to prepare for the future of work.

Mentioning that Qatar's labor market has witnessed ongoing legislative and institutional reforms over the past years, Al Marri underscored efforts to create a more adaptable, efficient, and sustainable system. These reforms encompassed the implementation of a non-discriminatory minimum wage, fortifying the Wage Protection System, establishing regulatory frameworks for labor mobility, improving labor inspection and occupational safety standards, and creating mechanisms for labor dispute resolution and access to justice.

The Minister's participation in the plenary session of the 52nd Arab Labour Conference in Cairo highlighted the report of the Director-General of the Arab Labour Organisation. The report covered the organization's activities and achievements in 2025, alongside several other reports and files. These included 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, which took place in Kuwait last December.

Al Marri noted that the Director-General's report also underscored the challenges faced by Arab countries due to conflicts and instability, as well as the necessity for development models that are more resilient and better equipped to adapt to shifting circumstances. He explained that Qatar has positioned people at the core of its development policies, as outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030.

This vision aims to achieve a balance among human, social, economic, and environmental development, while fostering a diversified and competitive knowledge-based economy and investing in human capital.

Al Marri stressed that rapid transformations in the world of work, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the green economy, demand greater investment in skills and reskilling. He highlighted the need for closer alignment between education and training programs and labor market requirements, along with proactive planning for the future of work.

This strategic approach would enable economies and workers to capitalize on technological opportunities while minimizing potential negative impacts on the most vulnerable groups affected by these changes.