UAE Cabinet Approves National Cybersecurity Strategy and API-First Policy

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, led a meeting of the UAE Cabinet at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.

Many important leaders attended the meeting, including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence; His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

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Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid spoke about a major new project – the Etihad High-Speed Passenger Rail. This railway will connect the emirates at a speed of 350 km per hour. It will not only make travel faster but also help grow the economy, adding over AED 145 billion to the country’s GDP in the next 50 years. He said the railway is not just a transport project, but a big step towards building world-class infrastructure in the UAE.

Another key decision made at the meeting was the creation of the UAE Logistics Integration Council. This council will help organize and improve the country’s logistics sector, which includes ports, roads, transport, customs, railways, and border crossings. Right now, the logistics industry is worth AED 129 billion, and the government aims to grow it beyond AED 200 billion in the next seven years.

The Cabinet also launched UAE Government Innovation Month. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said that innovation is a key part of how the government works. The Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, which was set up earlier, shares UAE’s best practices with more than 30 governments worldwide. This helps the UAE maintain its leadership in government innovation and ensures that the country keeps improving in various fields.

The UAE Cabinet approved a new National Cybersecurity Strategy. Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE is among the top countries in the world when it comes to cybersecurity. The goal is to make the country’s digital systems even safer and more advanced. The strategy focuses on five key areas: governance, protection, innovation, building capabilities, and partnerships. The government will work to keep digital infrastructure secure while encouraging new technological developments.

Another major decision was the launch of the next phase of the UAE Strategy for Talent Attraction and Retention 2031. The UAE aims to attract the best global talent in key fields such as technology, renewable energy, healthcare, aviation, advanced industries, finance, food technology, and creative industries. A report by LinkedIn shows that the UAE is the most preferred destination for professionals looking for new career opportunities and a high standard of living.

The Cabinet also reviewed progress on the high-speed train project that will connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This project will use the latest technology to improve travel time, boost the economy, and make life better for residents and visitors.

The government discussed the UAE Innovates 2025 agenda. This year marks the 10th edition of Innovation Month, which started on February 1st, 2025. The event aims to celebrate and promote new ideas that improve lives and business growth in the UAE.

Another policy approved was the API-First Policy, which sets rules for how government and private sector digital systems connect and work together. This will help make government services faster and more efficient.

The Cabinet also approved the UAE National Geospatial Data Policy. This policy ensures better cooperation between different departments managing geospatial (location-based) data. The goal is to improve decision-making and protect sensitive information.

The government reviewed the UAE Circular Economy Agenda 2031, which focuses on sustainability. Many new policies have already been launched, including those for managing natural resources, supporting local supply chains, and increasing the use of recycled materials.

The Cabinet also discussed the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2022-2030. So far, 1,800 hectares of land have been restored, and carbon levels in the soil have been stabilized. Scientists have also submitted 96 research papers under the UAE Rain Enhancement Science Program.

The National Youth Agenda 2031 was another important topic. The government reviewed progress on youth programs, as well as updates on the National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity and the appointment of Chief AI Officers in government departments.

The UAE Cabinet agreed to join the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA). This will help the country build global partnerships and attract more investment.

Reports were also reviewed from several government bodies, including the UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council, the Economic Integration Committee, the Government Financial Policy Coordination Council, and others. The government also looked at the progress of Zayed University’s Board of Trustees in 2023.

The UAE Logistics Integration Council was officially formed, with Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, as its chairman. The Council will focus on improving the country’s logistics sector by aligning policies and strategies.

The Cabinet also reorganized the Sports Coordination Council, now led by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports. The council will work to develop and support sports initiatives in the country.

A new Industrial Property Grievance Committee was set up to manage disputes related to patents, trademarks, and industrial property rights.

The Cabinet also approved the National Guideline for Bi-Directional Charging, which will help the UAE move towards clean energy. This system will improve the electricity grid by allowing energy to be stored and used efficiently.

The government also set new penalties for violations related to the accounting and auditing profession to ensure transparency and professionalism in the sector.

The UAE signed and approved 33 international agreements with various countries. These agreements include trade, investment, tax policies, and economic cooperation with nations like Qatar, Kuwait, Australia, and Jordan.

Finally, the Cabinet approved the UAE’s hosting of several major international events. These include the General Assembly meeting of the International Police Sports Union, the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, and the First International Camel Forum 2025, among others. These events will strengthen the UAE’s global position in organizing and hosting major conferences.

Through all these initiatives and decisions, the UAE continues to strengthen its economy, improve its infrastructure, promote innovation, and maintain its position as a global leader in various fields.