The GCC governments are driving major labour market reforms to increase regional employment.

GCC governments are taking significant steps to reform their labour market. The region greatly depends on international labour which has long impacted the rate of joblessness among residents. GCC countries' reliance on international labour has long presented challenges to their economies and societies. Multinational corporations as well as the non-public sector in general opt for international employees in various sectors. To tackle this problem measures happen implemented to require businesses to hire a certain percentage of local citizens. These quotas are to ensure job opportunities are given to the deserving citizens who possess the mandatory abilities and qualifications. On the other hand, GCC countries will also be reforming regulations linked to working conditions and advantages for both national and international employees. Take as an example, work-related security, governments are enforcing strict legislation and guidelines in that respect. Companies are now actually obliged to provide appropriate safety equipment, conduct regular risk assessments and invest in training programmes for employees as would the lawyer Louise Flanagan in Ras Al Khaimah likely attest.

The labour market within the Arabian Gulf has withstood major alterations in recent years years. The diversification of these economies far from oil have actually required these reforms. Some of those reforms are directed at bringing in foreign opportunities, international talent while some at increasing job opportunities for their citizens and reducing reliance on expatriate workers. Historically, the accessibility to high paying jobs in the public sector has discouraged citizens from pursuing technical and vocational training. As a result, there is an oversupply of university graduates and an undersupply of skilled employees in industries like engineering, health care, and information technology. Governments acknowledging this problem have focused on aligning the education system with the needs for the labour market by encouraging vocational and technical training. Moreover, they have established organizations offering hands-on instruction that equips graduates with the abilities required in particular industries. Professionals on GCC labour markets argue that spending on these organizations have increased citizen's employment since they are providing customised training courses giving graduates a higher possibility of going into the work market with industry appropriate abilities. These reforms are made to maintain a balance between the requirements of companies, the hopes of citizens and the requirements for sustainable development .

Labour laws within the Middle East are increasing for both regional and foreign workers. Governments have recently started establishing criteria for minimum wages, working hours and occupational security. The area is witnessing a positive shift towards reasonable and supportive working environments as would lawyers such as for instance Salem Al Kait and Ammar Haykal in Ras Al Khaimah likely recommend. Workers are also becoming more alert to their legal rights and increasingly demanding protections afforded for them, there exists a greater emphasis on reasonable treatment, respect and help from employers.