UAE Leaders Stress Financial Awareness for a Sustainable Future

Financial literacy is no longer just about learning how to budget money or make smart investments. Today, it has become an essential part of building a strong, stable, and sustainable society. It acts as a first line of defense against risks that could harm economies and communities. This was the main message shared by senior UAE officials at the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025), during a panel discussion titled “Raising Financial Awareness for a Sustainable Tomorrow: How Can Government Communication Have an Impact on Society?” organized by the UAE Ministry of Finance.

The discussion brought together top government leaders who emphasized the role of communication, education, and partnerships in raising financial awareness and protecting the UAE’s economy.

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Financial Education is Key

Azza Al Jasmi, Director of Government Communication at the UAE Ministry of Finance, spoke about the growing importance of financial awareness. She explained that educating people about finance is not just helpful, but essential for financial protection.

“Enhancing financial awareness among individuals has become paramount in achieving financial protection, and this is where the role of government communication comes in. It must fully take on the task of educating people,” Al Jasmi said.

She highlighted recent government initiatives, such as the introduction of corporate tax, as examples of how clear communication and partnerships are vital. Working with chambers of commerce and private companies ensured that information was shared in a clear and understandable way. Al Jasmi emphasized that such collaborations not only help people understand financial changes but also prevent risks and support long-term economic stability.

Partnerships are the Backbone of Economic Security

For Mohamed Shalo, Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships at the UAE’s National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations, partnerships are the foundation of the UAE’s financial philosophy.

He explained that while the UAE’s economy remains open and welcoming for business, there are risks from parties trying to exploit this openness illegally. To prevent this, more than 80 federal and local entities, banks, gold traders, and research centres are working together under government supervision.

“Partnerships are the cornerstone of the country's financial philosophy, but this does not remove the threat from parties attempting to exploit the country's economic openness to engage in illegal practices,” Shalo said.

Shalo also spoke about how government awareness campaigns succeed by avoiding complicated financial jargon. Messages are delivered in simple language that everyone can understand, targeting different communities and sectors, including the gold market.

However, he also warned that the digital transformation, while beneficial, comes with new challenges. Artificial Intelligence (AI), he noted, is a double-edged sword in finance. While it can help improve services and efficiency, it can also be misused if people are not trained properly. He even suggested that universities consider offering courses in financial media to prepare future generations for these challenges.

Digital Financial Awareness Transforms Behaviour

Husain Alteneiji, Director of Government Communication at Dubai's Department of Finance, shared Dubai’s experience to show that awareness campaigns can create real change in public behaviour.

He explained that the department recognized early on that digital financial literacy was critical. Initiatives such as the Month of Smart Pay, the Day Without Service Centres, and the Week of Payment via Technology helped the community learn and adapt to digital financial transactions.

“These campaigns steadily changed behaviour, so that today 97% of government financial transactions are completed digitally,” Alteneiji said. This shows the effectiveness of awareness initiatives in helping citizens understand and adopt modern financial tools.

Even with this success, he stressed that the work is not complete. He called for continued cooperation with media, research institutions, and universities to ensure that financial awareness keeps pace with rapid digital changes.

Communication is Central to a Safe and Resilient Society

One of the key takeaways from the IGCF 2025 is that government communication is not just a supporting role—it is a driver of societal resilience. The forum, which features over 237 speakers across 51 sessions, highlights the importance of communication in simplifying information, engaging the public, and helping people make informed financial decisions.

Financial literacy, according to the panelists, is essential for sustainable growth and societal protection. By educating citizens, using clear messaging, and forming strong partnerships, governments can prevent economic risks and support long-term prosperity.

Lessons for the Future

1. Education Must Keep Pace with Change – Governments need to constantly update how they teach citizens about new financial regulations, tools, and risks.

2. Partnerships Are Vital – Collaborations between government agencies, private businesses, and research institutions ensure accurate and effective financial messaging.

3. Digital Literacy is Critical – Encouraging the use of digital tools can improve efficiency and safety in financial transactions.

4. Simplicity Works – Avoiding technical jargon and using plain language ensures messages reach all communities effectively.

5. Preparedness Against Risks – Awareness and education serve as the first line of defense against financial crimes and economic risks.

The UAE officials’ discussion at IGCF 2025 makes it clear that financial literacy is no longer optional—it is a necessity. Through education, partnerships, and digital awareness initiatives, the government is working to ensure that people are well-informed and protected. These efforts not only help individuals make better financial decisions but also strengthen the country’s economy and society.

By continuing to engage communities, simplify communication, and adapt to digital trends, the UAE is setting an example of how governments can empower citizens, safeguard economies, and build sustainable societies.

The panel discussion serves as a reminder that the path to financial resilience requires everyone—from government agencies to individuals—to stay informed, aware, and proactive in their financial decisions.