On 31 January and 01 February 2026, Middle East Centre for Training and Development (MECTD) representatives attended the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) 8th Ministerial Consultation that took place in Dubai. On top of government representatives from the labour sending and labour receiving, this event gathered scholars and international organizations to discuss and exchange perspectives on climate change and labour mobility, skills for a just transition to green economy, addressing legal, social and career implication of gig workers and skills and diversity for labour productivity in labour receiving countries and enhancing social protection. In addition, member states highlighted best practices in the implementation of the Global Compact on Migration (GCM) and progress towards the forthcoming International Migration Review Forum (IMRF). Subsequent to adaptation of ministerial declaration and proposing priority areas for the next ADD meeting, the Sultanate of Oman passed the Chairmanship of the ADD’s upcoming ninth cycle (2026-2027) over to the Republic of the Philippines, who will focus on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization to develop workers’ skills and ensure smarter governance of labour mobility in the Asia-GCC corridor.
