Economic Integration Committee reviews latest developments in the enhancement of economic legislation
Abu Dhabi: The Economic Integration Committee held its third meeting for the year 2025, chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy. It was attended by H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and H.E. Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, along with the directors general of the Economic Development Departments across the UAE.
The meeting reviewed the latest developments in the advancement of several economic laws and their significance in enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE's business environment and supporting its transition towards a new economic model based on knowledge and innovation. Additionally, it assessed the progress made by the Committee in implementing the outcomes and recommendations from the second meeting of 2025.
H.E. Bin Touq stated that the UAE, thanks to the directives of its wise leadership, has made significant strides in building an advanced economic legislative framework characterized by flexibility and stability. This ensures an ideal and attractive economic environment for investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners from around the world, boosting national economic growth.
In this context, His Excellency highlighted the key role played by the Economic Integration Committee in continually enhancing the UAE's economic legislation and policies, adopting innovative national initiatives, and enhancing cooperation and coordination with partners at both federal and local levels. These efforts have ensured greater alignment and coherence across the country's legislative and regulatory landscape, given that the UAE has introduced over 30 economic laws and resolutions in the past four years.
The Minister of Economy said: 'The UAE is ushering in a new phase focused on strengthening the competitiveness of its legislative environment in line with global best practices. This follows the Cabinet's approval of an integrated smart legislative system to guide the development of legislation and regulations across the UAE Government. Powered by artificial intelligence and advanced digital solutions, the system has enhanced the Committee's capabilities in proposing and developing economic legislation and policies, assessing their real-time impact on the business community, and streamlining coordination with relevant stakeholders in the country.' His Excellency explained that the new system will play a key role in achieving the national target outlined in the 'We the UAE 2031' vision, which is to make the UAE the first globally in developing proactive legislation for new economic sectors by the next decade.
Other topics discussed by the Committee include developments in the legislative and executive framework for regulating and protecting competition in the UAE. Emphasis was placed on the importance of organizing workshops and seminars in collaboration with relevant local entities to raise awareness on the importance of enforcing competition laws and policies across various economic sectors and preventing monopolistic practices. These efforts are aimed at achieving economic balance in the market and protecting consumer rights.
Furthermore, the latest Committee meeting reviewed the progress made by the UAE Circular Economy Council so far, most notably the adoption of 22 circular economy policies across four main sectors: manufacturing, food, infrastructure, and transport. It also includes the establishment of the Circular Economy Policy Committee and the formation of partnerships with the UAE private sector to drive growth in sustainable technologies, clean energy, and waste management. The Committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of these policies and accelerating the transition to a circular economy model, which will help secure a more prosperous future for current and future generations while advancing the nation's vision to become the world's most prosperous society by the next decade.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
Big-ticket events set the stage for tourism growth in the Middle East
According to the ATM Travel Trends report, 50% of industry experts consider leisure events as a key opportunity for the region's tourism growth Experts speaking at ATM 2025 discussed how global sports tournaments, cultural festivals and music events across the region are boosting tourism and economic growth Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 'Big-ticket' events are playing a pivotal role in driving international tourism and accelerating economic growth, according to experts speaking recently at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. In the GCC alone, the event and exhibition market is expected to reach US$827 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.94%. Following the global success of mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Expo 2020 Dubai, momentum is building across the region as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 World Cup. Discussing the evolution and impact of these events, panellists including H.E. Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Sebastien Doussin, Senior Vice President - Global Travel Services & Destination Management. Dnata and Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), shared fascinating insights at ATM 2025, where the events industry was under the spotlight. The panel addressed how big-ticket events – so-called for their high value, cost and impact – have demonstrated their ability to attract millions of international visitors, boost hotel occupancy, stimulate infrastructure growth and generate long-term brand positioning for host destinations. Highlighting the importance of understanding the long-term strategic value of big-ticket events beyond immediate sales, H.E. Khalid Jassim Al Midfa commented: ' Big-ticket events provide a destination with an opportunity to establish brand positioning and exposure in a competitive global environment. These events play a vital role in supporting broader government objectives, but it is essential to invest in the right product for your destination.' Doussin reaffirmed the importance of large-scale events in destination positioning, referencing the growth of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the surge of international golfing tournaments throughout the UAE and the launch of NBA events in the capital. Commenting on the impact of technology on events, Doussin said: 'Technology has already changed big-ticket events, especially in terms of distribution and customer experience. All of the ticketing for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar was completely digital through the official event app, offering flexibility and ease of use. Ultimately, technology enables an event to become more seamless, easier and enjoyable.' Meanwhile, Hamid urged the industry to broaden the definition of big-ticket events to include exhibitions, conferences and cultural performances. He referenced Bangkok's weekly concerts, which are mainly K-pop driven, as examples of how live entertainment extends tourist stays. Supporting the panel's observations, the ATM Travel Trends report highlights the rising appeal of live entertainment and sports in influencing travel decisions. Leisure events were outlined as the top opportunity for tourism growth among 50% of industry experts, as consumer demand for in-person and cultural experiences has increased significantly in recent years. The trend of combining traditional leisure and business travel, or 'bleisure', has also accelerated as increased remote working and flexible working visas have enabled more people to live and work overseas. Building on this, business travellers are often extending their stays in destinations, creating a new opportunity in this rapidly expanding sector. The report also highlighted that business events (MICE) are emerging as a significant driver of tourism growth across the Middle East, complementing the region's thriving leisure sector. Global business travel reached a record US$1.4 trillion in 2024 and is projected to rise to US$2 trillion by 2030. The Middle East is well-positioned to capture a growing share of this lucrative market, increasing from approximately 2.5% in 2024 to over 3% by the end of the decade, supported by world-class infrastructure, a strategic location, and an expanding schedule of high-profile events. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, concluded: 'As big-ticket events continue to gain global prominence, their role in shaping the future of tourism, driving economic diversification and enhancing international reputation has never been more evident. The Middle East, with its strategic vision, world-class infrastructure and focus on innovation, is well-positioned to lead the next era of global event tourism.' Building on the success of its inaugural edition, IBTM@ATM will return to ATM 2026, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-7 May 2026, with a dedicated zone within Hall 3, highlighting the show's strategic focus on the global business events sector. Designed to facilitate high-value connections, the zone allows business event suppliers to showcase, promote their destinations and services, and engage with pre-qualified international event planners, Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs), and associations through an exclusive hosted buyer programme. This specialised area will once again host the IBTM Stage, providing a comprehensive conference programme tailored to industry professionals, encouraging knowledge exchange and thought leadership. IBTM@ATM 2026 is set to be a vibrant hub for innovation, collaboration, and business growth in the global events industry. ATM will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-7 May 2026. Now in its 33rd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading global platform driving growth and innovation across every sector of travel and tourism. Held annually in Dubai – the gateway to global travel and tourism with its unmatched connectivity – ATM is where the energy of opportunity comes to life. More than just an event, ATM is a dynamic hub for industry communities, with forums, experiences, and networking that continue well beyond the show floor over the week. Now in a period of rapid expansion, ATM has grown 16% year on year, attracting over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries. The next edition of ATM will take place in Dubai from 4–7 May 2026. About RX RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. About RELX RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are: WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes. Next event: 4 to 6 November 2025 at ExCel London. WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022. Next event: 14 to 16 April 2026 – Expo Center Norte, SP, Brazil. WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019. Next event: 13 to 15 April 2026 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology. WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.
Zawya
12 hours ago
- Zawya
Egypt's SCZONE, Toyota Tsusho discuss inauguration of Ro-Ro terminal in West Port Said
Egypt - A high-level delegation from the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), headed by Chairperson Walid Gamal El-Din, has held discussions in Tokyo with Toyota Tsusho over the expected inauguration date of the new roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) car terminal at West Port Said Port. The delegation, which also included Mohamed Ibrahim, Assistant Chairperson of the Authority, and Mohamed Abou El-Dahab, Director General of Green Economy, was in Japan to attend the ninth edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). On the sidelines of the conference, the SCZONE team met with representatives of Toyota Tsusho—one of the three international partners operating the West Port Said Ro-Ro terminal, alongside Bolloré (France) and NYK (Japan). The terminal is being developed on 212,000 square metres, with a 600-metre quay and a 170,000-square-metre logistics yard. The meeting was attended by Takao Tomita, General Manager of Infrastructure Projects at Toyota Tsusho, and Mohamed Abdel Gawad, Egypt's Minister Plenipotentiary for Trade in Japan. Gamal El-Din underscored the importance of completing the terminal on schedule, stressing its role in supporting the automotive industry, which the SCZONE seeks to localise within its industrial zones. He said the project would enhance the SCZONE's attractiveness as an investment destination, positioning it as a regional hub for vehicle manufacturing and related industries by ensuring access to diverse international markets. He further noted the integration between the Authority's ports and industrial zones, which enables the creation of smart manufacturing and logistics bases at the heart of a global trade corridor, strengthening the SCZONE's competitiveness and reinforcing its role in global supply chains. The TICAD forum, now in its ninth edition, is a platform for Asia–Africa cooperation, bringing together African nations, development partners, international organisations, donor countries, private sector representatives and civil society. The conference focuses on Africa's development priorities in areas including trade, investment, sustainable growth and governance, while mobilising international support. Since its launch in 1993, TICAD was held every five years until 2013, and has since been convened every three years, alternating between Japan and an African country. The current edition follows TICAD8, which was hosted by Tunisia in 2022.
Tourism Breaking News
a day ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Ministry of Economy & Tourism to host ‘UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit' as part of FHS World 2025 in Dubai this October to explore new partnerships & boost tourism investments
Post Views: 117 The Ministry of Economy and Tourism announced that it will host the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit on 27 October 2025 in Dubai, as part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025). The Summit aims to enhance economic and tourism partnerships between the UAE and African nations, boosting mutual investments across key priority sectors, particularly tourism, hospitality, and related services. As part of the initiative, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Bench – the organizers of FHS World – in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. The MoU was signed by H.E. Badreya Al Maidoor, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry, and Daria Smith, Portfolio Director at The Bench. The two parties will collaborate on organizing the event and coordinating its promotional efforts, in line with the Summit's objective of highlighting investment opportunities in tourism-related activities and projects across the African continent. The event will bring together over 250 high-level participants, including senior government officials, decision-makers, and investors from 53 African countries, including tourism ministers and representatives of investment promotion agencies from across the continent. This reinforces the UAE's role as a reliable investment partner for Africa and opens new avenues for strategic collaboration in vital sectors that contribute to building a more integrated and sustainable economic future. H.E. Badreya Al Maidoor said: 'The UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit will serve as a strategic platform for exchanging insights and expertise between the UAE and African nations, supporting sustainable development efforts through the establishment of projects and partnerships that serve mutual interests. This aligns with the objectives of 'We the UAE 2031' vision, which aims to position the country as a leading global hub for the new economy, driven by international partnerships and future-focused sectors.' Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO of The Bench said: 'We are honoured to partner with the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism to launch the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit as part of FHS World 2025. This collaboration reflects our shared ambition to accelerate investment and development across Africa's hospitality sector. The UAE has long served as a bridge between global capital and emerging markets, and this new platform will strengthen the connections between African nations and the international investment community. Together, we are creating an ecosystem that fosters meaningful dialogue, unlocks deal flow, and drives long-term economic growth across the continent.' The Summit will enable participants to explore opportunities for collaboration between government entities and the private sector across the tourism, investment, infrastructure, and hospitality sectors in both the UAE and the African continent. It also seeks to highlight future initiatives within the tourism and hospitality sectors in both markets.
