Chaired by Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Cabinet approves National Investment Strategy 2031; National Policy for Combating Health Risks
ABU DHABI (WAM)His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting held at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; and H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Interior.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: 'Today, I chaired a UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, we approved our National Investment Strategy for the next six years. Our goal is to increase annual foreign investment inflows from AED112 billion in 2023 to AED240 billion by 2031 and grow the UAE's total foreign investment stock from AED800 billion to AED2.2 trillion over the coming years. This strategy will focus on key sectors, including industry, logistics, financial services, renewable energy, and information technology. The UAE continues to develop its economy, expand global markets, attract investments, and create the most business-friendly environment in the world.'
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed added: 'We also reviewed the progress of the UAE's strategic partnerships with African nations, where 95% of previously approved initiatives have been successfully implemented. As a result, our total trade volume with Sub-Saharan Africa has grown from AED126.7 billion in 2019 to AED235 billion over five years—an 87% increase. The UAE will continue to build new economic bridges across the world and reinforce its role as a global trade hub, connecting markets worldwide.'His Highness Sheikh Mohammed stated: 'We also reviewed the National Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to increase the digital economy's contribution to GDP from 9.7% to 19.4%. We remain committed to strengthening the UAE's position in the global digital economy through ambitious national initiatives and projects over the next six years.'His Highness Sheikh Mohammed added: 'In healthcare, the Cabinet approved a new National Policy for Combating Health Risks, designed to establish national response scenarios, enhance preparedness, and develop recovery and control plans for health crises and emergencies. Continuous readiness for any health emergency is an essential part of strengthening health security and ensuring the highest quality of life in the UAE.'His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announced: 'We also approved the Executive Regulations for Organ and Human Tissue Donation and Transplantation, ensuring better access to life-saving treatments for individuals suffering from conditions that can only be addressed through organ transplants. The UAE now has more than 13 licensed transplant centers, with a 30% increase in transplant procedures. Kidney, liver, heart, lung, and pancreas transplants are now being performed in the UAE, and we will continue to develop the healthcare sector to provide world-class medical services for all.'His Highness Sheikh Mohammed declared: 'We also approved the restructuring of Emirates Research and Development Council, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, to define national research priorities, develop policies and programmes, and enhance collaboration between government entities, the private sector, and academia. The UAE remains committed to expanding its leadership in research and development.'His Highness Sheikh Mohammed added: 'In social affairs, we approved a series of new decisions aimed at enhancing the social support and empowerment system. These decisions set clear eligibility criteria and establish comprehensive regulations for both basic and supplementary allowances, ensuring a more structured and effective support framework. The annual budget for social support programmes has increased by 29%, reaching nearly AED3.5 billion, while the number of beneficiaries has risen by 37%—expanding support to a wider segment of society. Additionally, 3,200 beneficiaries have been successfully integrated into the workforce, transforming from recipients of financial aid into active contributors to the nation's progress.'H.H. Sheikh Mohammed said: 'In the government affairs, we also approved the Remote Work System from Outside the Country in the Federal Government, enabling the UAE to tap into global expertise and specialized talent to execute projects and studies for federal entities.'H.H. Sheikh Mohammed said: 'The Cabinet also approved 28 international agreements, including economic partnership agreements with Malaysia, New Zealand, and Kenya, as well as security, logistics, and government cooperation agreements with several nations. The teams continue their work, our growth trajectory accelerates, and every day, we witness our nation's future becoming greater, stronger, and more prosperous—driven by the dedication of thousands of exceptional teams across all sectors.'The UAE Cabinet approved the National Investment Strategy 2031, which focuses on transforming the UAE into a leading global strategic investment hub, strengthening its position as a key centre for attracting foreign direct investment and supporting national economic growth, as it included the identification of the most important 5 priority sectors based on the contribution of new foreign direct investment inflows: industry, financial services, transport and logistics, renewable energy and water, telecommunications and information technology.The strategy includes 12 new programmes within the strategic directions, in addition to 30 initiatives under these programmes, most notably: the Financial Sector Development Programme, the One-Market Programme, the Institutional Innovation Attraction Programme, the Partner Countries Gateway Programme, "InvestUAE," the Investment Offices and Promotion Incubator.While current investment results indicate that total cumulative foreign direct investment is AED0.8 trillion and annual foreign direct investment inflows are AED112 billion. The target by 2031, according to the strategy, is to increase foreign direct investment stock to AED2.2 trillion, raise annual foreign direct investment inflows to AED 240 billion, increase the share of foreign direct investment in total investments (domestic and foreign) to above 30%, and reach the contribution of foreign direct investment to GDP to 8%.In economic affairs, the Cabinet reviewed during the meeting the progress of the UAE's strategic partnerships with African countries, where 95% of previously approved initiatives have been successfully implemented. Besides, the total trade volume with Sub-Saharan Africa has grown from AED127 billion in 2019 to AED235 billion over five years, achieving and increase of 87%.The Cabinet also approved the launch of the National Green Certificates Programme for buildings. It is a classification system, non-compulsory in its first stage of implementation, aimed at assessing and certifying sustainable buildings according to the highest environmental standards, targeting commercial buildings, hotels and hospitality facilities, industrial establishments, government buildings, and houses, communities and compounds.The Cabinet also assessed the outcomes of the implementation of the Industrial Technology Transformation Programme, which included the launch of the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI), the first-of-its-kind indicator for measuring technological advancement and sustainability practices in factories. It also reviewed the progress of the National Digital Economy Strategy 2031, launched to double the digital economy's contribution to GDP from 9.7% to 19.4%.The Cabinet also approved the National Policy for Combating Health Risks in the UAE, which aims to enhance the healthcare sector readiness in the UAE, provide the best response in cases of emergency, and to ensure health security by addressing health risks and their impact on public health.The Cabinet also approved a decision to restructure the Emirates Research and Development Council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Mandates of the Council include defining the R&D priorities across the country, launching, approving, and overseeing research and development initiatives funded by the federal government, reviewing studies, projects, and proposals related to research and development to assess and review detailed data to ensure alignment with national objectives, and submit reports about them to the Cabinet.The Cabinet approved a decision to establish the Pharmaceutical Policies Committee, chaired by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment, with members representing several entities and organization from the health sector. The Cabinet also approved a decision to restructure the Postal Sector Regulatory Committee under the chairmanship of Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri.The Cabinet, during its meeting, approved a decision to issue a Federal Law on the Protection of New Plant Varieties, a decision to issue the Executive Regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Combating Commercial Fraud, the Executive Regulations of the Federal Law on the Practice of Certain Healthcare Professions by Non-Physicians and Pharmacists, the Executive Regulations of the Federal Law on Mental Health, among others.The Cabinet approved the issuance of the Executive Regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Social Support and Empowerment. In the same context, the Cabinet approved regulations governing social support disbursement for unemployed individuals. Additionally, the Cabinet approved a decision on the Inflation Allowance, defining the eligible categories, which include beneficiaries of the Social Support and Empowerment Programme, recipients of local social assistance programmes, and other qualifying groups as stipulated in the decision.The Cabinet also approved the Remote Work System from Outside the Country in the Federal Government, designed to leverage global talent and expertise outside the UAE to execute specialised job tasks, complete projects, and conduct studies relevant to government operations.
In international affairs, the Cabinet approved the ratification of 3 comprehensive economic partnership agreements between the State and the governments of Malaysia, New Zealand, and Kenya, among other international agreements and MoUs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
7 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE launches first 'Youth Social Mission' under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3
AL ARISH (WAM) The Federal Youth Authority has announced the launch of the first group of participants in the 'Youth Social Missions Programme,' within the 'Humanity Track,' to take part in Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 in Al Arish, Arab Republic of Egypt, as part of the UAE's ongoing support for the Palestinian people. The first group was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, coinciding with World Humanitarian Day. The minister met the participating youth in the field, commending their high spirit and readiness to contribute to humanitarian efforts representing the UAE in one of the world's most crisis-affected regions. Speaking in Al Arish, Al Neyadi said, "The UAE believes humanitarian work must be instilled in younger generations, embodied by the leadership's vision of empowering youth to be ambassadors of giving and global peace. Through initiatives such as the Youth Social Missions Programme, we aim to prepare Emirati cadres capable of representing the nation's values and providing support to communities worldwide in a sustainable and humanitarian manner, reflecting the UAE's image and international standing." He added, 'Emirati youth in this mission are a shining example of a generation carrying a profound humanitarian responsibility, embodying the UAE's values of solidarity and giving. Their participation in Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 demonstrates their readiness to stand at the forefront in supporting the Palestinian people and delivering aid to those most in need, with a spirit of initiative, responsibility and true belonging to their homeland and its enduring humanitarian principles.' Director of Empowerment at the Federal Youth Authority, Rashid Ghanem Al Shamsi, said that launching the first group of the Youth Social Missions Programme reflects ongoing efforts to build an integrated framework for empowering youth in humanitarian, development and cultural fields. He noted that the initiative provides practical tools and real field experiences to enhance their capabilities and enable them to contribute effectively across various areas that bring positive impact and prosperity to communities worldwide. He added that the participation of Emirati youth in Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 represents a milestone in empowering them for international relief work. Their field tasks include preparing relief shipments, packaging and distributing food, medical and water supplies, supporting logistics teams, and following up on the UAE Lifeline pipeline that delivers water to around 600,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This experience offers youth a genuine opportunity to understand the challenges of humanitarian work firsthand and contribute effectively to alleviating suffering in crisis areas. The first group's field missions also include distributing food and medical aid, providing psychosocial support, and contributing to direct relief efforts in coordination with official entities engaged in the humanitarian operation in Gaza. The initiative aims to develop the skills of Emirati youth, broaden their awareness of global issues and growing humanitarian needs, and open avenues for participation in international initiatives that support the Sustainable Development Goals and reinforce the UAE's role as a leader in humanitarian action. The Youth Social Missions Programme is one of the flagship national initiatives launched by the Federal Youth Authority under the 'Society and Values' pillar of the National Youth Agenda 2031. It aims to prepare Emirati youth to participate in humanitarian, development and cultural missions, thereby enhancing the UAE's global presence and training a new generation of ambassadors for humanitarian work.
Al Etihad
10 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Ministry of Education announces full readiness for academic year 2025-2026, removes centralised tests at end of second semester
19 Aug 2025 18:54 ABU DHABI (WAM) The Ministry of Education (MoE), in cooperation with the UAE Government Media Office, held a media briefing in the presence of Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, to outline its key preparations and development plans for the academic year 2025–2026, in line with national briefing was also attended by Mohammed Al Qassim, Under-Secretary of MoE; Sulaiman Al Kaabi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Professional Development Sector; and Amna Al Saleh, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Curriculum and Assessment Sector, along with representatives of local media Amiri confirmed that since January, the MoE has been developing proactive plans to ensure public schools' readiness for the academic year 2025–2026, covering all aspects from facilities to advanced curricula. She noted that this year will introduce qualitative updates to boost the competitiveness of national education, including fundamental changes to the assessment tests at the end of the second semester have been removed and replaced with school-based summative assessments, with centralised tests remaining only in the first and third semesters. The new system optimises school days, diversifies student performance assessment tools, enhances learning quality and teaching methods, promotes student wellbeing and adjusts semester weights in line with the updated Amiri highlighted the approval of the second phase of the project-based learning and assessment (PBLA) system, now covering all Cycle 2 students in public and private schools applying the MoE follows the success of phase one, which engaged 127,500 students across 350 also noted the development of the national testing system through a new standardised proficiency test to measure Arabic, English and mathematics skills for grades 4–11 in public schools, with the first phase expected to include 26,000 Amiri reiterated the Ministry's focus on strengthening national identity through Arabic language and Islamic education as the foundation of student character. The new plan increases teaching time for both subjects in kindergarten and dedicates daily hours for Cycle-1 students to reinforce Arabic reading and writing, achieved by redistributing class periods without extending school Arabic baseline assessment will also be introduced in Grade 1 across 100 public and private schools to establish standard levels, enabling tailored support programmes to enhance linguistic skills and steadily raise proficiency, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to placing national identity at the core of operational readiness, Al Amiri announced the opening of nine new schools across several emirates, which will welcome over 25,000 students, supported by more than 800 new teachers. More than 460 schools have been maintained and equipped, 5,500 buses allocated, more than 10 million textbooks printed, and 47,000 laptops Qasim highlighted the Ministry's efforts to enhance students' quality of life through the new Physical Education, Sports and Health Programme in public schools. The first phase of the initiative promotes a healthy, sustainable lifestyle by improving school health environments, organising sports tournaments, restructuring PE classes, and introducing healthy Qasim reiterated the Ministry's continued commitment to partnership with parents and educational cadres, emphasising their important role in shaping the national education system. This year, a participatory educational vision was developed to enhance their involvement in part of this, Ta'aleem Councils are being restructured: the School Leadership Council will have 14 members, the Teachers Council 14 members, and the Young Teachers Council seven members. Additionally, 520 Parents' Councils, representing 6,140 members nationwide, will be activated to contribute to MoE decisions and announced the MoE's educational campaign, 'From Skill to Leadership,' engaging educators, parents and the community. The campaign aims to develop students' skills and transform them into achievements through three pillars: exploration, creating inspiring school environments to discover talent; development, enhancing skills via strategic partnerships and advanced training; and excellence, encouraging participation in local and international programmes will launch in the first month: 'My Inspiring Family' involving parents, and 'Inspiring People in the Field,' both designed to motivate students on their educational MoE confirmed that the coming academic year will see the introduction of its nationally developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum – the first of its kind in the UAE – providing lessons from both local and international communities on integrating AI into education. Approximately 1,000 teachers will implement the curriculum across all grades, aiming to prepare students to use AI responsibly and effectively in daily and future initiative will offer practical insights on harnessing AI in education, helping to shape local educational policies and contribute to the global discussion on the future of Ministry of Education continues to enhance the capabilities of its educational cadres through advanced training programmes. More than 23,000 educators participated in a specialised training week, totalling around 170 hours across 40 workshops for leaders and teachers and 20 workshops for support positions. In the next academic year, the Educational Competency Assessment Project will target more than 12,000 cadres across kindergarten and Cycle 1 levels and 11,000 cadres across Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 in order to define clear career paths and empower staff in line with national education system requirements.
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Zawya
Qatar: His Highness (HH) the Amir Receives Written Message from Egypt's President
HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a written message from HE President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi pertaining to bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them. HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received the message on Tuesday during his meeting with HE Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the State of Qatar Amr Kamal El Din El Sherbini. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.
