Ministry of Labour to gather public opinion on revised UAE Labour Law via innovative website

du, the new telecommunications operator in the UAE, is partnering with MOL to develop the interactive portal.

At a joint press conference held today, the Ministry of Labour and du announced the co branded interactive website on the revised labour law will be active for two months starting 6 February, 2007 inviting valuable feedback from UAE residents. Initially the website will be in Arabic, followed shortly by an English version.

Commenting on the historic moment, H. E. Dr. Ali Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Labour said: 'The labour law is one of the most important mechanisms impacting the market. It is based on transparency and our partnerships with labourers, business people and the society at large. This initiative is an important step in translating our vision of continuing development and providing access to government services using the latest communications technology.

'In this age of fast paced information technology, an institution as vital as the Ministry of Labour needs to establish innovative and transparent channels of communication in order to effectively connect with the public. It is equally important to gather the opinion of those that the law will impact. The Internet is one of the most powerful tools today to interact with people.

'We are grateful that du, with its benchmark expertise, is our communications partner in this first of its kind initiative. With du's support, we will use the portal's results to evaluate the comprehensiveness and efficacy of the law.'

The UAE Labour Law, which was last amended in 1980, is being modified again after a period of 27 years. It is set to be finalized in December 2007.

Osman Sultan, Chief Executive officer of du said: 'We feel privileged to be chosen by the Ministry of Labour as its communications partner. Our involvement with MOL is part of our responsibility towards the community to not only provide better service through telecommunications but also to develop the society through awareness raising initiatives. It is in the heart of our mission and values to empower communication and interaction and this campaign is a significant illustration of the same allowing people to gain awareness and comment on a law that touches a vital part of our everyday living.

'As du gets closer to launch, we would like to highlight our support of the public and private sector, while playing a proactive role in partnering with any initiative that services the community. This is in line with our long term strategy.'

The Ministry of Labour invites all UAE residents to visit the portal and post their comments. The website will be active until 6 April, 2007, following which the Ministry will analyse the feedback and review the UAE Labour Law on the basis of public opinion, before it is passed.

Al Kaabi: 'This unique initiative provides visitors access to the law and the opportunity to provide their feedback and suggestions. The ministry will then use this important information as the basis of analysis which will be crucial in our efforts to finalize the draft law before it is submitted to the parliament.'

The Ministry of Labour aims to develop an efficient working environment and balance the interests of both employees and employers. It also seeks to create harmony between the economic and national interests of the country while involving UAE citizens in the country's overall development and decision making process.