His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, attended by key government leaders, including H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
National Investment Strategy 2031
The Cabinet approved the National Investment Strategy 2031, aimed at transforming the UAE into a leading global investment hub. The strategy sets ambitious targets:
- Increase annual FDI inflows from AED 112 billion (2023) to AED 240 billion by 2031.
- Grow total foreign investment stock from AED 800 billion to AED 2.2 trillion.
- Prioritize five key sectors: industry, financial services, transport & logistics, renewable energy & water, and telecommunications & IT.
The strategy includes 12 new programs and 30 initiatives, such as:
- Financial Sector Development Programme
- Institutional Innovation Attraction Programme
- InvestUAE Initiative
- Partner Countries Gateway Programme
Economic Growth & Trade Expansion
The Cabinet reviewed UAE’s economic partnerships with Africa, noting that 95% of approved initiatives have been implemented, leading to an 87% increase in trade volume with Sub-Saharan Africa from AED 126.7 billion (2019) to AED 235 billion.
Additionally, the National Digital Economy Strategy was discussed, with a goal to increase its contribution to GDP from 9.7% to 19.4% through digital transformation initiatives.
Health Sector Reforms & Organ Transplant Regulations
The Cabinet approved key healthcare policies, including:
- National Policy for Combating Health Risks: Establishing national response plans and enhancing preparedness for health emergencies.
- Executive Regulations for Organ and Human Tissue Donation: Expanding transplant services across 13 licensed centers, with a 30% increase in transplant procedures, covering kidney, liver, heart, lung, and pancreas transplants.
Social Support & Employment Initiatives
The Cabinet approved a 29% increase in the annual budget for social support programs, raising it to nearly AED 3.5 billion. The number of beneficiaries has grown by 37%, and 3,200 individuals have been integrated into the workforce, transitioning from financial aid recipients to active contributors.
Additionally, regulations on social support for unemployed individuals and the Inflation Allowance program were approved, ensuring comprehensive financial assistance for qualifying citizens.
Government Reforms & International Agreements
- Remote Work System for Federal Employees Abroad: Enabling global talent to contribute to UAE projects remotely.
- Restructuring of Emirates Research and Development Council, led by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to drive national research priorities.
- Pharmaceutical Policies Committee & Postal Sector Regulatory Committee: New structures to enhance healthcare policies and postal services.
- Ratification of 28 International Agreements, including Economic Partnership Agreements with Malaysia, New Zealand, and Kenya, strengthening global economic ties.
Sustainability & Green Initiatives
The Cabinet launched the National Green Certificates Programme for buildings, a voluntary classification system assessing sustainable commercial buildings, hotels, industrial establishments, and government properties.
The Industrial Technology Transformation Programme was also reviewed, highlighting the launch of the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) to measure factory technological advancement and sustainability.
The UAE Cabinet’s latest decisions reflect a comprehensive vision for economic expansion, social support, healthcare improvements, and sustainability. With major initiatives focused on investment, trade, digital transformation, and international cooperation, the UAE is strengthening its position as a global leader in economic growth, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
