The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has launched a nationwide initiative to dramatically reduce government procedures and enhance service delivery, focusing on achieving zero bureaucracy. The program, driven by directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is actively seeking input from businesses, workers, and the public to identify and eliminate redundancies across all areas of labour market services. This effort aims to both streamline processes and bolster the UAE’s economic competitiveness.
MoHRE is currently inviting participation from six key segments – employers, employees, investors and entrepreneurs, individual customers, private sector companies, and people of determination. The initiative began in 2024 and is already showing significant results, with plans for further expansion and simplification in 2025. According to the ministry, the ultimate goal is to eliminate at least 2,000 unnecessary procedures and decrease processing times by 50%.
The Push for Zero Bureaucracy in the UAE Labour Market
This ambitious program reflects a broader governmental strategy to proactively address challenges and improve efficiency in the public sector. The UAE leadership has repeatedly emphasized the need for streamlined processes to attract investment and support a dynamic workforce. However, the successful implementation of zero bureaucracy relies heavily on real-world feedback from those who interact with the current system.
MoHRE is leveraging significant investments in its digital infrastructure to achieve these goals. The ministry recently migrated its data center to FedNet, a secure government cloud platform, and strengthened data integration with partner entities. The report indicates these changes have already led to substantial time savings, reducing processing times for some transactions by up to 100%.
The initiative isn’t simply about reducing customer frustration, the ministry said. It represents a fundamental shift in organizational culture, emphasizing a proactive and customer-centric approach to government services. This focus aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2030, a long-term plan for sustainable development and economic diversification.
Current Progress and Impact
Since the beginning of 2024, MoHRE has reportedly completed approximately 13 million transactions utilizing automation and artificial intelligence, with minimal human intervention. This demonstrates the growing capacity of the digital infrastructure and the increasing effectiveness of automated processes. This automation also frees up human resources allowing them to tackle more pressing matters.
The digital transformation extends beyond simple time savings. It is expected to improve accuracy, reduce errors, and enhance transparency in government operations. This contributes significantly to attracting foreign investment, one of the key secondary objectives of the initiative, alongside improving the employee experience.
Participants are being asked to share detailed accounts of their experiences, including specific pain points and suggestions for improvement. An electronic survey is available to gather this information in a standardized format, ensuring all feedback is carefully analyzed. The ministry specifically requests details about relevant qualifications or experiences to prioritize input based on expertise.
Targeted Participation Segments
- Employers – Companies in public and private sectors
- Employees – Workers across various sectors
- Investors and Entrepreneurs – To create a seamless investment environment
- Individual Customers – Citizens and residents interacting with services daily
- Private Sector Companies and Institutions – To enhance market competitiveness
- People of Determination – Ensuring accessible and inclusive services
The range of targeted segments underscores MoHRE’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that the benefits of reduced bureaucracy are shared across the entire community. Special attention is being given to ensuring services are accessible to people of determination, reflecting the UAE’s dedication to creating a society for all.
Looking ahead, the second phase of the program, slated for 2025, will prioritize strengthening government data integration, eliminating duplicated processes, and expanding proactive services. This will involve continued collaboration with stakeholders and further investment in digital technologies. According to MoHRE, this buildout of modernized infrastructure will allow for an even better experience and streamlined processes.
The success of the “zero bureaucracy” initiative will depend on ongoing efforts to identify and address remaining inefficiencies. Further reports are expected in the coming months, detailing the elimination of specific procedures and demonstrating the continued reduction in processing times. The government’s commitment to innovation and customer service will be key to maintaining momentum and achieving the ambitious goals set for 2025 and beyond.
