UAE Government Assures Kenyans Abroad of Safety and Stable Working Conditions

The United Arab Emirates has assured Kenyan families living in the country that their safety and daily life remain unaffected despite heightened regional tensions.

United Arab Emirates Minister of State Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri told Capital FM that the Kenyan community is regarded as part of the country’s wider society. He said businesses continue to operate normally and essential services remain fully functional, adding that expatriate workers are treated as an integral part of national life.

The comments follow recent visits by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to hospitalised residents, during which he reiterated that all residents fall under the country’s responsibility. His remarks were presented as part of the government’s emphasis on continuity of care and social stability.

Kenyan authorities estimate that between 30,000 and 50,000 Kenyan nationals live and work in the United Arab Emirates, with many based in Dubai. They are employed across sectors including hospitality, aviation, information and communications technology, transport, security, and domestic work. Their employment is supported by a bilateral labour agreement signed in 2018 between the two countries.

Al Hajeri acknowledged that wider regional instability presents challenges for trade, infrastructure, and security. He said the UAE’s systems remain stable and continue to operate without disruption, describing resilience and openness as central to the country’s approach.

In Kenya, officials say the UAE remains an important destination for migrant workers as well as a key trading partner. They note that any disruption would have implications for households dependent on remittances and for broader economic relations.

The UAE has maintained that its expatriate communities remain protected and that public services continue to function normally, aiming to reassure foreign workers and their families abroad.