Post by : Badri Ariffin

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum led a significant UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, reflecting on two decades of transformative governance. The assembly reviewed the extensive progress in public service delivery, decision-making, and international competitiveness.

Attended by high-ranking UAE officials, the meeting underscored the scale of achievements over 20 years, which included issuing over 16,000 decisions, engaging thousands of teams, and overseeing budgets surpassing AED 1.1 trillion. This era prioritised efficient decision-making, streamlined services, and robust legal and digital frameworks.

Since becoming Prime Minister in 2006, Sheikh Mohammed has championed a performance-oriented administration. Initial milestones featured the inception of a comprehensive federal strategy in 2007 and the introduction of the Government Performance System in 2008, which integrated planning and evaluation into the public sector. Six strategic cycles have been executed, aligning with national objectives and financial allocations.

National ambitions took shape, illustrated by the UAE Vision 2021 aimed at positioning the country among the world's leading nations. This vision further unfolded through the National Agenda, the Centennial 2071 initiative, and the future-focused “Preparing for the Next 50 Years” programme. The recent “We Are the UAE 2031” framework aims to further clarify priorities for the next decade, targeting social growth, investment, and enhanced living standards.

Artificial intelligence has become integral to governance, marked by the appointment of the world’s inaugural Minister of AI in 2017 and the launch of a national AI framework. Pioneering initiatives included the establishment of the Regulatory Intelligence Office in 2025, aimed at leveraging AI for legislative enhancement. The unified UAE legislation platform now hosts over 2,500 laws, attracting nearly one million visits monthly.

Investment in government sectors remained strong, with education receiving the top funding, followed by health and social welfare, leading to a 167 percent increase in the federal budget over 20 years, nurturing long-term human capital and infrastructure progress.

Economic metrics showcase significant advancements—real GDP has almost doubled, non-oil foreign trade has surged, and non-oil exports have seen extraordinary growth. The job market has similarly transformed, showing marked progress in skilled positions and heightened female workforce participation.

The Cabinet also evaluated developments in tourism, circular economy strategies, healthcare provisions for People of Determination, UNESCO cultural heritage initiatives, and structures to tackle financial crime. The ratification of several international agreements affirmed the UAE's commitment to global cooperation.

In summary, the meeting spotlighted the UAE’s dynamic approach, revealing how strategic planning, flexibility, and foresight have cemented the nation’s status as a modern governance exemplar, while setting a clear trajectory for the future.

#Dubai