ABU DHABI, 5th December, 2022 (WAM) -- The Labour Camps Developers Group, part of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), held its first meeting in 2022 at the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s headquarters to discuss the latest developments in labour camps, and its current challenges, proposed solutions, and plans.

This is in line with the sustainable economic development objectives for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The meeting, led by Otaiba Saeed Al Otaiba, Chairman of the Labour Camps Developers Group, was attended by Mohamed Helal Al Mheiri, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and representatives of labour camps in Abu Dhabi.

Al Mheiri said, 'As the voice of the private sector and the party in charge of protecting the sector’s interests, Abu Dhabi Chamber will continue its efforts to support the enforcement of the labour camps’ regulations. We will also continue to raise awareness on foreign workers’ rights and liaise with the relevant government entities to take pre-emptive steps to overcome any challenges in the future.”

“There is a need to enhance integration and coordination between the public and private sectors to improve levels of productivity and contribute to increasing the revenues of industrial and commercial companies, which would support the social and economic growth of the community,” he added.

Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Board of Directors approved the restructuring of the Labour Camps Developers Group in September 2022. As per the new structure, Al Otaiba has been appointed the Chairman of the group, and Ahmad Abu Al Yazid, Ammar Ramadan, Mudather Ahmed, Firas Jumblatt, Firas Zahzah, and Khalil Ibrahim, are its members. The group’s tasks include dealing with the challenges of labour camps in Abu Dhabi, and recommending to the board that they discuss the challenges and take necessary action.

The Labour Camps Developers Group is one of the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s initiatives to enhance coordination and communication with the private sector in Abu Dhabi, identifying the challenges facing it and proposing solutions in coordination with various local and government entities.

Al Otaiba said, ”The group will continue to conduct initiatives to improve the working conditions of Abu Dhabi’s labour forces. We will ensure setting up all conditions that provide them with a safe working environment and meet their needs in line with the best safety standards and international criteria regarding foreign workers. In doing so, we contribute to consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in the field of investment on the regional and global levels and attract more FDIs and workforces to support the emirate’s growth and development.”

The meeting resulted in several outcomes, including reconsidering the working group's organisational structure, holding monthly meetings, and appointing representatives of relevant government entities as permanent members in it, with plans for communicating with these entities soon to move forward with the required steps.

The meeting also included recommendations for overcoming some challenges to improve the efficiency and quality of services provided by the Labour Camps Developers Group.

Al Musaffah, Hameem, and Al Mafraq areas in Abu Dhabi currently have more than 30 labour camps that have been developed and equipped with all amenities, facilities, and services. The rapid growth rate and the new facilities launched in Abu Dhabi led to the arrival of many workers and service providers, which increased the need for suitable accommodation and residential facilities.

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