The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, convened in Abu Dhabi at the UAE Government Annual Meetings.
The session saw high-level attendees including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, and Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed. This pivotal meeting underscored a unified national approach to federal-local integration, setting a clear agenda for 2025.
Highlighting housing progress, Sheikh Mohammed revealed that federal housing policies have increased citizen homeownership from 76% to 91% over five years, with reduced housing request backlogs and waiting times. The Sheikh Zayed Housing Program, with AED 60 billion allocated since inception, reflects the UAE’s commitment to citizen welfare and quality of life.
The Cabinet also ratified the comprehensive National Anti-Drug Strategy, targeting a drug-free UAE by 2031. This strategy emphasizes community resilience, drug trafficking prevention, rehabilitation expansion, and enhanced international cooperation to curb drug-related issues.
In industry and climate, the Cabinet reviewed the Industry Development Council's 2023 achievements, including AED6.17 billion in financing and robust support for the In-Country Value program. The Cabinet also discussed advancements in environmental initiatives aligned with the UAE’s climate neutrality goals.
Sheikh Mohammed underscored the UAE’s expanding global engagement, with 22 new international agreements encompassing economic, educational, and health cooperation. Key agreements include partnerships with Jordan, South Korea, and the U.S. in economic and health sectors. Upcoming events like the 2025 Meridian Conference and the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of Arab Financial Institutions further cement the UAE’s regional leadership in finance and security.
These decisions and initiatives reinforce the UAE's dedication to sustainable growth, global partnerships, and enhanced quality of life for its citizens.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
