By Claudio Di Zanni, Managing Director, Edenred Middle East

One of the most critical issues faced by low-income employees across the UAE and the broader Gulf region is achieving true financial empowerment. In the UAE, over 60% of the workforce comprises low-income migrant workers earning less than AED 5,000 per month. These employees are the backbone of the nation’s key industries, yet many still struggle to access the benefits of a fully digital financial ecosystem.

While the UAE’s Wage Protection System (WPS) was introduced to safeguard workers’ rights—ensuring salaries are paid accurately, on time, and through traceable digital channels—the banking system’s minimum salary requirement prevents a large portion of the workforce from opening traditional accounts. This creates a structural gap that payroll solutions are designed to fill, enabling compliant salary payments and basic access to digital finance.

As the Middle East accelerates its digital transformation and workforce reforms, how workers are paid and supported financially has become as important as how they contribute to growth. This shift has put a renewed spotlight on the systems managing their wages and day-to-day financial needs. For low-income employees, these systems determine not just how they are paid, but how securely they live—affecting access to savings, remittances, and their ability to handle emergencies.

When Digital Pay Isn’t Enough

The introduction of the Wage Protection System marked a turning point in the UAE’s journey toward fair and transparent wage practices. Today, nearly all employees are paid through digital channels, ensuring salaries are disbursed accurately and on time. Yet despite these advances, a significant percentage of wages are still withdrawn in cash each month, showing that digital pay does not automatically translate into digital financial inclusion.

For many employees, limited digital literacy, mistrust of financial systems, and unfamiliarity with digital tools prevent them from engaging fully with the digital economy. As a result, the very system designed to protect and empower workers can feel more like a compliance obligation than an opportunity for empowerment.

This is where payroll providers play a critical role. Too often, the industry stops at compliance—ensuring wages are delivered digitally—without addressing the human factors that determine whether employees can truly benefit from financial technology. Empowerment comes not from the transfer itself, but from helping workers understand, trust, and use digital money confidently. Only then can payroll innovation translate into lasting financial well-being and equal access to economic opportunity across the UAE.

Digital salary management platforms have already transformed how employees receive and manage their earnings. Mobile apps and prepaid cards now give workers immediate access to their wages, allowing them to make purchases, send remittances, and track expenses in real time. Many solutions integrate seamlessly with the WPS, enabling even unbanked employees to participate in the digital economy for the first time. A recent study found that organizations implementing mobile-accessible payroll solutions report up to 25 percent higher employee satisfaction, underscoring the clear business value of digital inclusion.

Empowering Through Education

Financial literacy programs are equally critical in helping employees make informed decisions about saving, budgeting, credit, and long-term planning. In the UAE, less than 31 percent of the population demonstrates basic financial literacy, highlighting a major opportunity to empower workers through education.

From workshops to mobile-based learning tools, such programs can equip employees with the practical skills to use digital salary systems effectively, avoid debt traps, and build savings or plan remittances. Employers that distribute salary cards directly at worker accommodations and provide multilingual support during onboarding see much higher adoption rates, as these field-level activations build trust and make digital tools easier to use.

Employers who take financial education seriously often see a clear business impact. Companies that invest in onboarding sessions and field engagement consistently report higher digital adoption rates. These activations not only build trust but also transform digital payroll from a compliance task into a tangible employee benefit.

When workers understand and trust digital tools, they gain control over their finances—and that stability shows at work. Financial stress is one of the most common challenges among low-income employees, limiting their ability to manage urgent expenses and affecting productivity, retention, and overall well-being. In sectors such as construction, this stress can even impact concentration and safety, as employees distracted by financial worries are less able to perform at their best.

Partnerships between employers and fintechs like Edenred are expanding this approach, combining digital wage tools with financial education programs that improve confidence, satisfaction, and long-term well-being.

The Next Phase of Financial Empowerment

Employers remain central to driving inclusion. By choosing payroll partners that provide multilingual support, education, and easy mobile access, companies can reduce disputes, strengthen retention, and improve overall workforce stability.

A growing number of organizations are now exploring earned wage access programs, which allow employees to access a portion of their earned income before payday. Surveys show that most low-income workers value this flexibility to cover urgent expenses, medical bills, or family emergencies—without resorting to high-interest loans or informal borrowing. When paired with education and budgeting tools, earned wage access can provide not just relief in emergencies but also encourage more responsible money management.

This flexibility can increase employees’ sense of financial security, yet it should complement—not replace—broader financial literacy and planning initiatives. The most successful models combine accessible financial products, user education, and ongoing engagement, ensuring workers have both the tools and the confidence to manage their finances effectively.

As technology evolves, artificial intelligence and data analytics will make financial support more personalized and accessible. Predictive models can help employers identify employees under financial strain, while new digital products can guide users toward healthier financial behaviors. But technology alone will not close the gap.

Real progress will depend on collaboration between fintechs, employers, and regulators to build an ecosystem that blends technology, education, and empathy. Businesses increasingly recognize that supporting workers in their financial journeys fosters a more engaged and loyal workforce, directly impacting productivity and retention. Selecting payroll partners that combine compliance with education, multilingual support, and mobile accessibility helps companies reduce payroll disputes and improve satisfaction.

The trajectory of financial empowerment for low-income employees in the UAE is promising. The next stage will depend on how effectively stakeholders align innovation with understanding—ensuring every salary payment becomes an opportunity for inclusion and growth. When that happens, financial empowerment will move from aspiration to reality.

Srijith KN

After spending a solid month with the OPPO A6 Pro 5G, I can confidently say this phone delivers on its core promise: being a device you can truly depend on, day after day, without babying it or constantly hunting for a charger. This isn’t trying to be the flashiest phone on the market, instead, it focuses on what actually matters for most people. It is one of the most dependable phones I have tested recently. It focuses on strength, endurance, and smoothness rather than chasing trends or relying on flashy gimmicks.

A Bright, & Beefed-Up OLED Screen

The screen is protected by AGC DT-Star D+ Crystal Shield Glass, which is part of the Dragontrail family of protective glass made by Japanese manufacturer AGC. This chemically strengthened aluminosilicate glass makes it much harder for small scratches and tiny cracks to start and spread. That means it is less likely to pick up visible wear from keys in a pocket or light knocks on a table, and it holds up better to impacts that would otherwise cause micro fractures. I’ve been deliberately rough with it (within reason), and the screen remains pristine. No micro-scratches, no damage from accidental drops.

Built Like a Tank Yet Aesthetically Pleasing

The first thing that struck me was how good it feels in the hand. The build quality feels premium and at 185g, it’s got a reassuring heft without being heavy. The metal mid-frame enhances the in-hand feel, and with just 8 mm of thickness, the A6 Pro is comfortably slim to hold or to fit into a pocket. My review unit came in Stellar Blue shade, and it has this understated gradient effect that shifts subtly under light. The matte texture does a good job of resisting fingerprints, and the overall build feels more high-end than you’d expect from a mid-range device.

Don’t Worry If You Drop It!
Now, let’s talk durability – and I promise to skip the technical mumbo-jumbo to the minimum. The Oppo A6 Pro has been tested by a third-party organization (GRG Metrology & Test Group) to meet US military standards (MIL-STD-810H). These tests include drop tests from various heights and angles, vibration testing, temperature extremes, and humidity exposure. It’s the same testing standard used for equipment that soldiers carry into the field, which means it is certified to work reliably in harsh, unpredictable conditions.

On top of this, Oppo also includes a protective case in the box, unlike many other more expensive brands who just provide a wire and paperwork which I appreciate.

The Oppo A6 Pro has been tested by a third-party organization (GRG Metrology & Test Group) to meet US military standards (MIL-STD-810H).

The Engineering Inside That You Can’t See

Inside the OPPO A6 Pro, smart engineering keeps it tough and reliable. Its motherboard is reinforced with AM04 high-strength aluminum alloy which is stronger and more resilient than standard aluminum, helping the phone resist bending and daily stress. OPPO also added Sponge Bionic Cushioning inspired by sea sponges, using foam and silicone pads that act like tiny airbags to absorb shocks and protect vital components during drops. Together, these unseen innovations make the A6 Pro built to withstand everyday wear and tear with ease.

Splash It, Dip It, and Take Underwater Shots While You’re At It
The A6 Pro takes IP (Ingress Protection – basically dust and water resistance) rating to the next level. Most high-end phones come with an IP68 rating, which means they can survive being dunked in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. The A6 Pro however, offers a higher IP69 rating which means it is designed to withstand even high-pressure hot water jets, like industrial pressure washers spraying water at 85°C. This is pretty much the highest level of water and dust protection you can get on regular consumer devices.

The A6 Pro boasts the highest level of water and dust protection you can get on regular consumer devices.

Why does this matter if you’re not planning to pressure-wash your phone? Because it means the phone can handle pretty much any real-world water situation you throw at it – heavy rain, accidental bathroom sink disasters. And from a utilitarian standpoint, you can use it to take underwater photos in the pool. Even though I didn’t put it through an intense test, I’ve accidentally splashed it a couple of times while being glued to Netflix while washing dishes. Zero issues.

What really shows OPPO’s confidence: they’re offering a 1-year liquid protection plan for pre-order customers. Not many companies put their money where their mouth is like that.

Decent, Consistent Performance 

The Oppo A6 Pro runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor. This is a mid-range chip built on 6nm architecture, with eight cores, two performance cores for demanding tasks, and six efficient ones for everyday stuff. I’m not a hardcore mobile gamer, but my personal favourite Offroad League runs smoothly on the A6 Pro without lag or stuttering. The AI GameBoost feature intelligently prioritizes gaming traffic for a more responsive experience. And what about, PUBG Mobile you may ask. It runs without hiccups at a fluid 60 fps, as long as you don’t expect flagship level performance and smoothness.

Keeps Its Cool Under Pressure

The A6 Pro uses a vapor chamber cooling system, like many modern smartphones, which is essentially a thin, sealed chamber with a tiny amount of liquid inside. When the phone heats up, this liquid evaporates and moves to cooler areas of the chamber, then condenses back into liquid and releases the heat. In real-world use, this ensures that even during extended gaming sessions or when recording videos, the phone might get a little warm but never uncomfortably hot. 

Clean Software & Genuinely Useful AI Features 

The phone runs on ColorOS 15 on top of Android 15, and OPPO has clearly spent time making it both responsive and easy on the eyes. There is a bunch of bloatware which you can uninstall if found unnecessary. Other than that, the overall interface feels modern and uncluttered. Animations are smooth and there are plenty in-built customizations options including icon packs and themes to choose from. 

One highlight feature I found impressive is what Oppo calls AI LinkBoost 3.0. It simply means that the phone has antennas positioned all around it while in-built AI constantly monitors the signal strength. When you’re in weak signal areas like basements, elevators, crowded malls; the AI intelligently switches between networks to maintain the strongest connection. I’ve noticed the A6 Pro sustaining stronger signal reception in underground parking garages compared to some other recently tested devices of the same segment.

I’ve also found Oppo’s AI Docs surprisingly handy. It can summarize long documents or translate text instantly, which has come in useful more than once while working on the go. It’s one of those built-in tools that quietly adds convenience to your day.

Solid On the Camera Side

The 50MP main camera is competent for everyday photography. In good lighting, photos are sharp with good detail. There’s a Hi-res mode that captures full 50MP images, meaning you can crop in significantly without losing detail. Alongside the 50MP main sensor, the OPPO A6 Pro 5G gets a 2MP depth camera that assists the main camera while shooting in portrait mode. Edge detection around faces and hair is appreciably good, and portraits look natural and refined without overprocessing. The 16MP front camera delivers clean, high-quality selfies retaining natural skin tones.

Let’s be honest: this isn’t competing with flagship cameras. In low light, it struggles a bit. But for social media, documentation, video calls, and everyday photography, it’s more than adequate. The underwater photography capability is fun for pool parties. I have included some sample images for your reference. Overall, a decent camera for all kinds of everyday use. 

Almost 2 Days on A Single Charge

The 6,500mAh battery is massive, and it lives up to the promise. In my daily use, it easily lasts almost two on a single charge, with regular navigation, occasional gaming, long video streaming sessions, video calls with family, and a decent amount of camera time. Unlike me, who is a heavy smartphone user (both due to the nature of my work and personally), a moderate user could easily get two full days of battery life from the A6 Pro. It’s one of those phones that you can take on a weekend trip and leave the charger behind without worry.

The 80-watt SUPERVOOC charger that comes standard in the box is incredibly fast.

When it does need to be topped up, the 80-watt SUPERVOOC charger that comes standard in the box is incredibly fast. Fifteen minutes plugged in gets you nearly half a day’s worth of power, and a full charge takes under an hour. The phone also stays pretty cool while charging, which translates to appreciable thermal management.

Another small but genuinely useful feature is reverse charging. I’ve used it to top up my wireless earbuds twice, and it’s exactly the kind of practical feature that ends up becoming part of your routine.

The Verdict

The OPPO A6 Pro 5G is a no-nonsense device built for long-lasting power, ultra durability, and smooth performance. It’s a competent go-to smartphone that you can rely on for whatever comes your way each day. After a month of real-world use, this phone has proven itself to me as a dependable daily driver. The combination of an enormous battery with lightning-fast charging, genuine military-grade durability with the highest water resistance rating available makes the A6 Pro 5G a compelling package.

The OPPO A6 Pro 5G is a no-nonsense device built for long-lasting power, ultra durability, and smooth performance.

For users who prioritize reliability and endurance over flagship specs, the A6 Pro 5G delivers exactly what it promises. It looks good, feels dependable, and performs smoothly no matter what you throw at it.

On top of that, you get enhanced after-sales service. This includes 1-year liquid protection plan and 1-year screen protection plan for pre-order customers, plus upgraded cross-country warranty coverage across the GCC. It’s not a flashy, style over substance device, but a dependable device that you can count on every day.

FAQ

Qualification for the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) has concluded with a thrilling pole position for reigning champions, TUM. The German team is one of six that have made it through a demanding, multi-stage qualification process to the Grand Final on November 15.

A2RL is a demonstration of cutting-edge autonomous technology, accelerating AI development through competition in extreme conditions. Eleven international teams travelled to Abu Dhabi to qualify for the second season of the world’s most advanced autonomous racing championship.

The competition is designed to push artificial intelligence to its physical limits as the best minds from academic institutions, private companies, and privateer race teams compete on the world stage for a US$2.25 million prize pool.

Record lap times

Further pushing the frontier of driverless technology, history was also made during the week of intensive qualification as teams began to consistently set sub-1-minute lap times on the North Circuit configuration of the Yas Marina track. Italy’s Unimore team, a returning finalist, set an autonomous lap record of 58.87 seconds – seven hundredths of a second faster than the benchmark lap set by a professional human racing driver during data collection laps (59.20 seconds).

The record-setting lap was achieved during Pace Qualification, where all teams completed three separate 15-minute sessions to set their fastest possible times. This was followed by Multi-Car Qualification, four heats of twelve laps, where performance highlights included a spectacular overtake on Unimore from TUM, securing pole position in their pursuit of back-to-back wins.

World First: Six-Car Grand Final

Six teams – TUM, Unimore, Kinetiz, TII Racing, PoliMOVE and Constructor – qualified for the Grand Final on 15th of November 2025 at Yas Marina Circuit. Representing four countries, they will compete in a 24-lap multi-car race, the largest race of its kind and a spectacle like no other. The event will also feature a Silver Race time trial for the remaining five A2RL teams.

This year, former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat returns for the second instalment of the Human vs AI showcase – a demonstration of machine precision versus human instinct and the rapid evolution of AI performance.

Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, commented: “This season, we’re pushing the boundaries of autonomous racing even further and redefining what is possible. From week to week, we are seeing ‘machine’ capabilities rapidly approaching human performance – even surpassing some human benchmark times set during data collection. This week, Unimore has thrown down the gauntlet with a record-breaking lap time.

“Next month, we will witness six formidably competitive teams race for victory. Last year’s A2RL Champion TUM is in pole position, but given the intense competition during qualification, the Grand Final in November is set to be an exhilarating conclusion!”

Ayoub Raji, Co-Lead of Unimore Racing said: “We are proud to have demonstrated that an autonomous race car can deliver close to human capabilities. The competition was fierce, with many teams bringing extensive experience and strong technical resources. Our autonomous stack proved not only to be the fastest but also the safest, skillfully exploiting the kerbs to avoid a collision during TUM’s overtake. We can’t wait to be back on track for the Grand Final on November 15, pushing our software to the absolute limit in pursuit of first place. “

Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week

The 2025 A2RL race will be the climax of the first-ever Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW). This new six-day event brings together researchers and industry experts across a series of high-profile summits, exhibitions, and events. ADAW includes the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit, DRIFTx Exhibition, and RoboCup Asia-Pacific.

A2RL was conceptualized under the vision and direction of H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President and Secretary General of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). It is organized and driven by ASPIRE, part of the ATRC that is responsible for technological “Grand Challenges”. ASPIRE leads the UAE’s efforts to advance breakthrough research, foster global collaborations, and translate high-impact technologies into real-world applications.