UAE Cabinet endorses 2024 plan, focusing on sustainability.

Post by : Dr. Amrinder Pal Singh

Photo: The National

In a significant move, the UAE Cabinet convened for its first meeting of the year on Friday, endorsing the ambitious 2024 development plan set forth by President Sheikh Mohamed during Union Day. At the heart of this comprehensive plan lies a commitment to implementing national priorities, with a key focus on sustaining the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The President's announcement at Expo City Dubai in December emphasized the pivotal role of sustainability in the nation's ongoing development endeavors.

The forthcoming year is poised to be a "new milestone for even greater developmental achievements," declared Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in a statement shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). The strategic plan underscores the government's dedication to enhancing the country's developmental landscape while upholding the principles of sustainability and honoring the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed.

During the Cabinet meeting, the accomplishments of the UAE in 2023 were reviewed and commended. One noteworthy achievement highlighted was the Zayed Housing Programme, a funding initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for UAE citizens. Over 4,300 housing decisions, totaling Dh3.2 billion, were issued under this program, contributing to a remarkable 90% homeownership rate for citizens across all housing programs, making the UAE second globally in this regard.

Emphasizing the success of the Emiratisation drive – the Nafis Programme – Sheikh Mohammed noted that 92,000 Emiratis had joined the private sector since the initiative's launch in September 2021. He affirmed that Emiratisation would remain a priority, with plans to further enhance the efficiency of the labor market through initiatives like the Emirates Labour Market Award and the Optional Alternative Voluntary End of Service System.

Economic indicators also painted a positive picture, with the UAE's non-oil GDP achieving a growth rate of 5.9% in the first nine months of 2023. The country secured top positions globally across more than 215 developmental, economic, and human indicators, as reported in international assessments.

The hospitality sector experienced substantial growth, recording an 11.6% increase, attributable to the rising number of visitors to tourist destinations and international events hosted by the UAE. Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged the success of the National Legislative Plan for 2023, where 73 federal laws were issued, including 10 introduced for the first time in the country's legislative framework.

The year 2023 witnessed unparalleled legislative activity, marked by the issuance of 60 national policies and strategies, along with approval for 62 international agreements. The Cabinet's commitment to legislative advancements and strategic policy decisions further solidified the UAE's position as a global leader.

In addition to domestic achievements, the Cabinet reviewed progress updates on GCC joint economic efforts in 2022. The UAE's trade exchange with GCC countries reached Dh287 billion, with exports totaling Dh80 billion, marking a 12% increase from 2021. Imports also grew to Dh70 billion, a 25% surge compared to the previous year.

Sheikh Mohammed commended President Sheikh Mohamed for his leadership, highlighting the successful hosting of significant events such as the Cop28 climate conference in Dubai and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre's successful space mission. He remarked that 2023, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed, witnessed economic growth, global political influence, scientific advancements, and notable developments in education and healthcare.

Looking forward, Sheikh Mohammed expressed optimism for 2024, foreseeing it as a year that will mark even greater developmental achievements across all sectors. The momentum generated in 2023 is expected to propel the nation towards new milestones and successes.

Beyond domestic affairs, the Cabinet also delved into international collaborations. It approved an agreement between the UAE government and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania to enhance security and combat terrorism. Another approved agreement involved collaboration between the UAE government and Kazakhstan to establish a wind power plant, aligning with the country's commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, a collaboration between the UAE Cybersecurity Council and the International Telecommunication Union was greenlit, focusing on ensuring a secure cyber environment.

The Cabinet also confirmed the UAE's hosting of three events: the Second Gulf Metrology Forum, the thirteenth session of the Annual Investment Meeting, and the sixth Applied Linguistics and Language Teaching International Conference and Exhibition. These events underscore the UAE's commitment to fostering global partnerships and providing platforms for international dialogue and cooperation.

In conclusion, the first Cabinet meeting of the year showcased the UAE's unwavering commitment to holistic development, sustainability, and global collaboration. The 2024 plan, guided by the vision of the country's leadership, sets the stage for a year of unprecedented achievements and progress across various sectors. As the UAE continues its journey towards becoming a global hub for innovation, economic resilience, and sustainable practices, the Cabinet's strategic decisions position the nation on the path to greater prominence on the world stage.

#UAEDevelopment2024 #SustainableUAE #VisionaryLeadership #UAEProgress #CabinetMeeting #GlobalCollaboration #UAEAchievements #YearOfMilestones #NationalPriorities #EmiratisationSuccess #LegislativeAdvancements #GlobalLeadership #UAEInnovation #EconomicGrowth #UAEEvents2024 #CabinetDecisions #SustainableEnergy #InternationalCooperation #UAELeadership