The United Arab Emirates is deepening its transition to a new economy model, positioning innovation, advanced technology and sustainability at the centre of long-term growth and global competitiveness.
The shift is driven by a national vision to build a resilient and diversified economy led by innovation, supported by skilled talent and high-quality investment. Government policies, flexible legislation and advanced infrastructure continue to strengthen the UAE’s role as a global hub for business while enhancing readiness for future economic change.
Key sectors driving the new economy include artificial intelligence, financial technology, the digital economy, renewable energy, advanced industries and the circular economy. According to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the number of companies and commercial licences operating in these sectors reached 56,000 by the end of the first half of 2025.
Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri said the UAE is entering a new phase that builds on a knowledge-based foundation to shape the economy of the future. He noted that the new economy is a core pillar of the We the UAE 2031 vision, which aims to position the country as a global centre for emerging economic sectors within the next decade.
Progress has been supported by updated legislation, including laws regulating digital trade, intellectual property, copyright protection and commercial transactions. Ten major policies and laws have been issued or revised to accelerate growth across new economy sectors.
Sustainability remains a central focus. The UAE has approved and implemented 22 circular economy policies to improve waste management, expand recycling and regulate resource flows. Work is also under way to develop a national food economic cluster that integrates agriculture, food production and modern agri-tech, with more than 40,000 trademarks registered in the sector.
Further circular economy measures are being developed to reduce waste, support green infrastructure and empower small and medium-sized enterprises, reinforcing the UAE’s long-term economic transformation.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
