UAE cabinet sets strategic goals for 2025 during annual government meeting

Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, the UAE Cabinet recently held its annual government meeting in Abu Dhabi. The gathering was attended by prominent leaders including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reported nukta.com

The UAE Government Annual Meetings serve as a crucial national event aimed at fostering collaboration between federal and local authorities and establishing clear objectives for 2025. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed stated: “Today, I chaired the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, opening this significant national event with a dedicated Cabinet session. The Annual Meetings convene the UAE’s top 500 officials, highlighting the necessity of unified teamwork among federal and local entities. Collective team effort is essential for advancing the UAE’s development journey.”

Key agenda items and initiatives

Federal housing programme: The Cabinet assessed the progress in housing support, noting an increase in homeownership from 76% in 2017 to 91% now, alongside a reduction in pending housing requests from 13,000 to 650. The waiting period for housing assistance has also been shortened from four years to just one. The Sheikh Zayed Housing Program has allocated AED 60 billion to aid over 90,000 citizens.

Anti-drug strategy: A comprehensive National Anti-Drug Strategy (2024-2031) was approved, encompassing initiatives aimed at raising public awareness, increasing rehabilitation centers, and enhancing border controls. The strategy strives for a drug-free UAE by 2031, focusing on prevention, treatment, and reintegration.

International partnerships and agreements: The Cabinet ratified 22 international agreements across various fields such as trade, legal cooperation, education, and energy. These agreements include partnerships with countries like Jordan, South Korea, and the United States, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to global collaboration.

Industry development council report: The Cabinet reviewed the 2023 outcomes of the Industry Development Council, which secured AED 6.17 billion in financing solutions through strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. Additionally, fees for services provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for companies involved in the In-Country Value (ICV) programme have been reduced. Regulatory progress includes an industrial census, waste valuation policies, and extended tariffs on imported steel.

Climate and economic initiatives: Aligned with climate objectives, the Cabinet evaluated the UAE’s contributions to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. It ratified several agreements covering legal cooperation, economic matters, healthcare, and investment. Notably, comprehensive economic partnership agreements were established with Jordan and South Korea, along with a cooperation agreement on nursing accreditation with the United States. The UAE is also set to host significant international meetings, including the 2025 Meridian Conference and the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of Arab Financial Institutions in Abu Dhabi.

Financial and digital advancements: The UAE’s membership in OpenPeppol, an organization promoting e-invoicing standards, was approved to enhance digital integration. The Cabinet also approved the UAE’s contribution to a capital increase in the Arab Monetary Fund, amounting to approximately AED 1,082 million, along with amendments to the AMF’s articles of agreement. Additionally, semi-annual financial reports were reviewed, along with discussions on education and free zone initiatives.