Latest news with #UAECabinet
Arabian Business
01-08-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE Cabinet approves major reorganisation of Gender Balance Council under Sheikh Mohammed
The UAE Cabinet has approved a resolution to reorganise the UAE Gender Balance Council, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The move aims to enhance participation of all community segments in the nation's development journey, promote equal opportunities, and solidify the Emirates' position as a model for gender balance. The resolution expands the Council's scope and strengthens its roles by developing legislative and regulatory frameworks to advance gender balance across government and private sectors. This aligns with the country's vision and boosts its position in global indices. UAE Cabinet approves reorganisation of Gender Balance Council The Council aims to achieve gender balance and equal opportunities across all sectors in the UAE, support men's and women's contributions to sustainable development, and ensure harmony with national priorities related to family, motherhood, and community. It seeks to position the Emirates as a role model for gender equality whilst enhancing coordination among federal and concerned entities. Reporting directly to the Cabinet, the Council's mandates include proposing and reviewing policies, legislation, and strategies to promote gender balance, coordinating with authorities for approval and implementation, and monitoring global reports to suggest improvements. The Council will develop mechanisms to measure progress, establish a national database, conduct studies on regional and international trends, and represent the UAE in regional and international organisations and events. New council membership The Cabinet has approved the restructuring of the UAE Gender Balance Council, chaired by Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with membership including: Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy Omar Obaid Mohammed Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Huda Al Hashimi, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women's Union Reem Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood Faisal Saeed bin Butti Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre Khalid Abdulrahim Al Harmoodi, Assistant Secretary General for Cabinet Affairs Support Hessa Abdulrahman Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Community Development Ahmed Yousef Al Nasser, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Market Policies at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation According to a statement by the Dubai Media Office, Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and Wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, expressed gratitude to the leadership for prioritising gender balance as a national goal and a pillar of sustainable development. 'This steadfast support has elevated the UAE to a leading position globally in this critical area, making the Emirati model a benchmark for others regionally and worldwide,' the report said, citing her. Sheikha Manal stressed that the UAE Gender Balance Council will redouble its efforts, working with government and private sector partners to fulfil the leadership's vision, aiming to position the UAE as a leader across all fields. She highlighted the achievements of Emirati women across sectors, including science and life sciences, demonstrating their capability and honouring the trust placed in them by the leadership. She also emphasised women's vital role in the UAE's progress and global competitiveness, adding that the country provides ample opportunities for women to continue this success and represent the nation proudly on the international stage. She thanked previous members of the UAE Gender Balance Council for their contributions, which boosted the UAE's competitiveness, and congratulated new members, confident that their expertise will strengthen the Council's leadership in achieving successes aligned with the UAE's vision for growth, prosperity, and excellence. She added that the Council will continue collaborating with all entities to develop policies and regulations for gender balance in both public and private sectors, in line with the UAE Government's directives and aspirations. In addition, Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, highlighted that the UAE's progress in gender balance has inspired nations across the region and the world. 'With determination and dedication, the UAE has shown that excellence and global leadership are within reach in any field,' she said, according to the statement. She affirmed that, under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Council will strive to position the Emirates as a leader in sharing best practices for gender equality. Al Marri pointed out that the Cabinet's resolution, led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to reorganise the UAE Gender Balance Council will strengthen its role and deepen efforts to promote gender balance as a principle in both government and private sectors, reflecting the country's focus on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities across all levels.
Zawya
31-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE Cabinet issues resolution reorganising UAE Gender Balance Council
DUBAI - Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE Cabinet has approved a resolution to reorganise the UAE Gender Balance Council. This step reinforces the UAE's steadfast commitment to enhancing the participation of all community segments in the nation's development journey, promoting equal opportunities, and solidifying its global standing as a model for gender balance. The resolution aims to expand the Council's scope and strengthen its strategic roles by developing supportive legislative and regulatory frameworks to advance gender balance across government and private sectors. This aligns with the UAE's forward-looking vision and boosts its position in relevant global indices. The Council's objectives include achieving gender balance and equal opportunities across all sectors in the UAE, supporting men and women's contributions to sustainable development, and ensuring harmony with national priorities related to family, motherhood, and community. It also seeks to position the UAE as a global role model for gender equality while enhancing coordination among federal and concerned entities to create an enabling environment. Reporting directly to the Cabinet, the Council's key mandates include proposing and reviewing policies, legislation, and strategies to promote gender balance, coordinating with relevant authorities for approval and implementation, and monitoring global reports to suggest improvements. It will also develop mechanisms to measure progress, establish a comprehensive national database, conduct specialised studies on regional and international trends, and represent the UAE in relevant regional and international organizations and events. The UAE Cabinet has also approved the restructuring of the UAE Gender Balance Council, chaired by H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with the membership of Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President; Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance; Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy; Omar Obaid Mohammed Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Huda Al Hashimi, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs; Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women's Union; Reem Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood; Faisal Saeed bin Butti Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources; Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre; Khalid Abdulrahim Al Harmoodi, Assistant Secretary General for Cabinet Affairs Support; Hessa Abdulrahman Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Community Development; in addition to Ahmed Yousef Al Nasser - Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Market Policies at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, expressed her gratitude to the wise leadership for prioritising gender balance as a national goal and a key pillar of sustainable development. She noted that this steadfast support has elevated the UAE to a leading position globally in this critical area, making the Emirati model a benchmark for others regionally and worldwide. She stressed that the UAE Gender Balance Council will redouble its efforts, working closely with government and private sector partners to fulfill the vision of the wise leadership, aiming to position the UAE as a global leader across all fields. She commended the united teamwork over the years, which has driven the nation to its current world-class standing. Sheikha Manal also highlighted the outstanding achievements of Emirati women across diverse sectors, including science and life sciences, demonstrating their capability and honoring the trust placed in them by the leadership. Her Highness emphasised women's vital role in the UAE's progress and global competitiveness, adding that the country provides ample opportunities for women to continue this success and represent the nation proudly on the international stage. She extended her thanks to the previous members of the UAE Gender Balance Council for their significant contributions, which boosted the UAE's global competitiveness. She congratulated the new members, confident that their varied expertise will strengthen the Council's leadership in achieving further successes aligned with the UAE's vision for growth, prosperity, and global excellence. She added that the Council will continue collaborating with all relevant entities to develop supportive policies and regulations for gender balance in both public and private sectors, in line with the UAE Government's directives and future aspirations. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, highlighted that the UAE's outstanding progress in gender balance has inspired nations across the region and the world. Al Marri stressed that with determination and dedication, the UAE has shown that excellence and global leadership are within reach in any field. She affirmed that, under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Council will strive to position the UAE as a global leader in sharing best practices for gender equality. Mona Al Marri also pointed out that the Cabinet's resolution, led by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to reorganise the UAE Gender Balance Council will strengthen its strategic role and will deepen efforts to promote gender balance as a core principle in both government and private sectors, reflecting the UAE's focus on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities across all levels. Al Marri noted that the nation's commitment to advancing women's rights and gender equality through innovative laws and policies has significantly improved its global competitiveness rankings.
Arabian Business
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Arabian Business
UAE holidays 2025: Is there another long weekend in September? Expected dates revealed
UAE residents could look forward to another long weekend in September 2025. To mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the occasion – known as Mawlid al-Nabi – is observed on 12 Rabi al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar. In 2025, this is expected to fall on Thursday evening, September 4, subject to the sighting of the moon. If confirmed, this would result in a three-day weekend, starting Friday, September 5. The UAE Cabinet previously announced that both public and private sector employees would receive the same number of official holidays, in line with the unified holiday calendar. Official confirmation of the holiday will come closer to the date, based on lunar observations. The final decision rests with the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the relevant local authorities. Earlier in the year, residents in the UAE had several public holidays, including Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, which provided extended weekends. The remaining public holidays for 2025 include Commemoration Day and National Day on December 1 and 2.
The National
09-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Sheikh Mohammed launches AI system to measure government performance
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday announced the launch of a new system being used by the federal government to measure performance. Using artificial intelligence algorithms, he said the new system supports decision-making, helps planning and improves the ability to anticipate future challenges. 'We have launched a new system in the federal government to measure government performance,' he wrote on X. 'The new system enables support for decision-making, monitoring plans and strategies, and enhancing the ability to anticipate some future challenges and opportunities using artificial intelligence algorithms.' It follows the announcement last month that the National Artificial Intelligence System would become an advisory member of the UAE Cabinet, starting in January next year. 'Continuous improvement is a fundamental part of the government's work habits,' Sheikh Mohammed said. 'Because stopping the development of our tools is a step backward. Our slogan is: 'There is no perfect system, but everything is capable of development and improvement.'' Using technology Last week, the Dubai Ruler, who is also Vice President, said AI would be used to manage government resources in a bid to make services easier and faster. He has directed teams across ministries to use strategies based on more innovative and flexible foundations, incorporating AI as part of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. The planning cycle will involve 38 federal groups and brings together key public officials, including directors of strategy, future planning and finance. AI has been at the heart of UAE policy for years. In October 2017, the Emirates appointed the world's first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Al Olama. He is now Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications. In early 2019, the UAE launched the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to become one of the leading nations in AI by 2031. In the same year, the country established the world's first graduate-level, research-based university that was dedicated to AI, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. And in January this year, Abu Dhabi launched its Digital Strategy 2025-2027, which aims to transform the emirate into the world's first fully AI-powered government by 2027. At the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said that over the next 25 years, AI would propel civilisation faster than at any stage in history. Efficiency drive Seeking a more efficient public sector is also nothing new. Sheikh Mohammed last month announced the next part of a scheme to make government services simpler and more efficient. He said that under the first phase of the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme service time was reduced by more than 70 per cent. Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the 'next phase will focus on further reducing unnecessary procedures, streamlining digital applications by achieving zero digital bureaucracy and ensuring a 24-hour uptime for digital systems'.
Khaleej Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Social infrastructure drives progress, and the UAE is taking the lead
The country is modernising procurement and embracing digital platforms,ensuring efficient, transparent delivery of critical healthcare, education, and community services Dubai's shimmering skyline is a testament to what visionary infrastructure can achieve. But the UAE's most transformative opportunity today lies not only in its skyscrapers or airports, but in the everyday spaces that shape community life, such as in schools, hospitals, public spaces and community hubs. With the UAE's population growing at an accelerated rate of 4% annually, and approximately 88% of the population residing in urban areas, the demand for healthcare, education, and community services is surging. The country's rapidly expanding youthful demographic, with a median age of just 35.8, further amplifies this need. Social infrastructure is quickly emerging as the nation's opportunity to take the next great leap forward. In October 2024, the UAE Cabinet approved a balanced Dh71.5 billion federal budget for 2025, and almost 40% of that budget was allocated to social development, with education accounting for the majority of spending in that sector, followed by healthcare. Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan will increase land allocation for educational and healthcare facilities by 25%, ensuring tomorrow's communities have access to essential services close to where they live. Meanwhile, newly introduced federal legislation on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in 2024 provides a modern, investor-friendly framework to accelerate social infrastructure delivery. These reforms underscore a broader shift: one that sees liveability, inclusion and resilience as pillars of national competitiveness. New insights from Ansarada's Social Infrastructure Outlook 2025 align with this momentum. Insights from the report, developed in partnership with Infralogic, predict a 25% rise in project activity across the Middle East by 2027, pushing annual transaction values to an estimated US$2 billion. Already, the UAE has committed more than Dh27 billion (US$7.4 billion) to upgrade and expand its social infrastructure footprint. These figures are encouraging, yet they spotlight the one process that has the potential to slow momentum: procurement. Traditional procurement processes often rely on sprawling email threads, unsecured document transfers, and cumbersome spreadsheets, which can significantly delay project delivery. If the UAE is to fully unlock the potential of social infrastructure, a smarter and more innovative path from concept to contract is essential. Digital, transparent and standardised procurement systems are critical. By modernising procurement, the UAE can reduce delivery risk, fast-track approvals, and strengthen investor confidence. Digital procurement platforms can automate compliance, reduce risk, enhance transparency, and accelerate deal flow. In short, they turn procurement into an engine of innovation, not an obstacle to it. The future of the UAE The UAE is uniquely positioned to move into this next phase of societal growth. It has the vision, the capital, the regulatory framework, and a clear demographic mandate. What remains is to match the scale of ambition with the processes needed. Social infrastructure is more than steel and concrete. It's about enabling people to thrive through education, healthcare, housing, and community. By embracing digital delivery tools and prioritising smarter procurement, the UAE can ensure its next chapter of growth is defined not only by what it builds, but by how its people thrive within it.
