His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired a UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was attended by senior members of the UAE leadership, it was announced.

Those present included His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Also attending were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance.

The meeting was further attended by H.H. Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Sheikh Mohammed said he chaired the Cabinet meeting to review the achievements of the Federal Government over the past 20 years. He revealed that the government issued more than 16,000 resolutions during this period. He added that thousands of work teams were formed, supported by budgets exceeding AED1.1 trillion.

According to Sheikh Mohammed, these efforts reshaped the structure of government work in the UAE. He reported major progress in streamlining services, updating legislation, and modernising infrastructure. This included technology, investment, digital systems, and legal frameworks. He noted that the government has now entered a new phase of developmental work.

Sheikh Mohammed stated that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s development journey has become a global role model. He announced that the UAE currently leads the world in more than 280 development indicators. These indicators cover citizen wellbeing, education, health, and housing.

He also revealed that the country ranks among global leaders in trade and economic relations. In addition, the UAE has achieved top positions in artificial intelligence, space industries, sovereign assets, talent attraction, and its role as a global economic hub linking East and West.

Reflecting on the past two decades, Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE decided 20 years ago to aim for first place globally. He added that despite initial doubts, the country has become a development model followed by other nations. He reported that this model is now being exported to more than 55 countries.

The Cabinet reviewed the 20 year journey since Sheikh Mohammed assumed the role of Prime Minister on 5 January 2006. The review highlighted key turning points in government culture, work models, and systems. These changes helped accelerate progress, enhance national gains, and strengthen the UAE’s global standing.

Between 2006 and 2025, the government achieved multiple milestones across sectors. It established a development model focused on accelerating and multiplying growth through innovative systems and forward looking strategies.

Among the most prominent initiatives was the launch of the UAE Government’s first comprehensive strategy in 2007. This was followed by the Government Performance System in 2008. These initiatives introduced scientific planning and performance measurement across federal entities.

Strategic planning cycles were later introduced in alignment with federal budgets. To date, six strategic cycles have been implemented across the Federal Government.

In 2011, the UAE Vision 2021 was launched to position the country among the best in the world by its Golden Jubilee. This was followed in 2014 by the National Agenda, which served as a roadmap for achieving this vision.

In 2016, executive teams were formed to support the National Agenda. In 2017, the UAE Centennial 2071 plan was announced. The long term vision focuses on advanced education, a sustainable economy, and national identity to ensure global leadership by the centennial year.

In 2020, the government launched the Preparing for the Next 50 Years project. This national consultative programme aimed to shape the country’s future development path.

A new methodology for government work was introduced in 2021. It focused on accelerating achievements, prioritising objectives, and implementing short term transformative projects. It also granted greater authority to ministries and federal entities, guided by the Principles of the 50.

In 2022, the We Are the UAE 2031 plan was launched. It represents the first ten year agenda of the Centennial 2071 vision and focuses on social, economic, investment, and developmental priorities.

Over the past 20 years, the Federal Government also launched several landmark initiatives. These included the Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Program in 2006, the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Excellence Award, and the Government Experience Exchange Programme.

The government also launched the World Governments Summit, the UAE Government Annual Meetings, the Regulations Lab, and the Arab Government Excellence Award. These initiatives strengthened innovation, global collaboration, and institutional excellence.

Artificial intelligence was highlighted as a core pillar of government work. The UAE appointed the world’s first Minister of AI in 2017 and launched a national AI strategy to accelerate adoption across sectors.

In 2025, the government established the world’s first Regulatory Intelligence Office. This initiative aims to transform legislation into a dynamic, AI powered framework.

The Cabinet also reviewed the UAE legislation platform. The unified digital platform includes more than 2,500 laws and regulations and attracts around one million visits per month. During this period, over 350 national policies and strategies were adopted.

Government spending exceeded AED1.1 trillion over two decades. The UAE ranked first globally for efficiency of government spending. The federal budget grew by 167 percent, from under AED27 billion in 2006 to AED90 billion in 2026.

Education received more than AED170 billion in funding. Health and prevention received over AED60 billion. Social development programmes exceeded AED100 billion, while citizen housing programmes received more than AED55 billion.

The UAE’s real GDP grew by 94 percent, reaching over AED1.77 trillion in 2024. Non oil foreign trade increased by 599 percent to nearly AED3 trillion. Non oil exports rose by 1827 percent to AED559 billion.

The labour market also recorded strong growth. In the last five years, establishments increased by 45.76 percent. The total workforce grew by 101.76 percent. Skilled labour increased by 49.92 percent, while women’s participation rose by 101.92 percent.

The Cabinet reported strong gains in international competitiveness rankings. The UAE ranked first in 279 global indicators, entered the top five in 525 indicators, and placed among the top 10 in 738 indicators.

Cultural heritage was also discussed. The Cabinet reviewed the National Plan to inscribe cultural heritage elements on UNESCO lists for 2026 to 2036.

Tourism developments were highlighted as well. The Cabinet reviewed 2024 results of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. Hotel establishments reached 1,252, while hotel rooms increased to 217,000.

Updates to the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031 were also reviewed. New studies will focus on green procurement, incentives for the circular economy sector, and water management and reuse.

The Cabinet approved a new healthcare policy for People of Determination. The policy aims to provide comprehensive, high quality, and personalised healthcare throughout their lives.

The formation of a Higher Committee for Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing was also approved. The committee will oversee the national strategy under Federal Decree Law No. 10 of 2025.

In addition, the Cabinet approved the restructuring of the UAE Circular Economy Council. It also approved the Guidebook for Sustainable Digital Services to promote renewable energy, AI, cloud computing, and eco friendly IT practices.

On international affairs, the Cabinet ratified agreements with Tajikistan on air services and with Slovakia on economic cooperation. It also approved negotiations and signing of 21 additional international agreements and memoranda of understanding.

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