The World Bank has lauded the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a pioneering example in human development, particularly for its progressive policies aimed at empowering women and youth. Fadia Saadah, the World Bank’s Regional Director for Human Development in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, highlighted the UAE’s comprehensive approach to fostering work-life balance and increasing women’s participation in the workforce. This has been achieved through significant labor law reforms and substantial investments in early childhood development and childcare services. Saadah emphasized the impact of the UAE’s 2022 labor law amendments, which introduced flexible work arrangements such as part-time, temporary, remote, and shared jobs, thereby creating more opportunities for women and young people. Additionally, the UAE’s 2021 enhanced parental leave policies have further supported work-life balance and encouraged women to remain active in the workforce. Saadah also pointed out the UAE’s innovative labor mobility policies, including the Golden and Green Visas for skilled professionals, investors, and freelancers, as well as job search and remote work visas. These measures, combined with unemployment insurance, wage protection, and strengthened recruitment regulations, have set a benchmark for labor protection and talent retention. The World Bank’s report, ‘Embracing and Shaping Change: Human Development for a Middle East & North Africa Region in Transition,’ underscores the need for continued investment in human development to address megatrends such as ageing populations, climate change, and technological advancements. Saadah suggested that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries prioritize ageing and digitalization, middle-income nations focus on fiscal management, and lower-income or fragile states emphasize preserving human capital and institutions. With sustained commitment, the MENA region can transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth, ensuring a prosperous future for all.