Abu Dhabi: The UAE marked its 53rd Eid Al Etihad (National Day) with pride, reflecting on a transformative year of achievements under the leadership of President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Key milestones spanned Governance, Space Exploration, Sustainability, Healthcare, Education, and Cultural Heritage, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to progress and innovation.
Governance: A new era of leadership
In 2024, a Cabinet reshuffle introduced prominent leaders, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. New roles such as the Minister of Sports and the Minister of State for Entrepreneurship signaled a focus on diversification and innovation.
Legislative Advancements
The UAE implemented significant legal reforms, including the creation of the “International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council,” updates to road safety and traffic regulations, and new laws addressing communicable diseases. Enhanced measures against money laundering and terrorism financing were also introduced.
Strategic National Initiatives
Several initiatives were launched to drive progress, such as:
- Young Government Leaders Program
- National Investment Strategy 2031
- Reyada Fund, supporting graduates and entrepreneurs.
The “Plant the Emirates” program emphasized agricultural development, while a new government efficiency program streamlined bureaucratic processes.
Infrastructure Developments
Key infrastructure projects included the full operation of all four Barakah Nuclear Power Plant reactors and the design of a new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, capable of handling 260 million passengers annually. Sharjah unveiled a desalination plant, while Umm Al Quwain launched one of the world’s largest reverse osmosis facilities and announced plans for a logistics city and cargo airport.
Housing Progress
Emirati homeownership reached 91%, supported by AED 60 billion ($16.3 billion) in federal housing programs since 1999. Abu Dhabi allocated AED 13.216 billion ($3.6 billion) in housing support in 2024, benefiting 8,891 citizens, while Dubai distributed 3,500 residential plots and 2,300 ready homes worth AED 5.5 billion ($1.5 billion).
Lieutenant Ahmed Hassan Al Shehi, from @GDRFADUBAI, in collaboration with Skydive Dubai, performs a parachute jump in the skies of Dubai, carrying the logo of #ZayedAndRashid campaign in celebration of the 53rd Eid Al Etihad. pic.twitter.com/igR6MIeHoR
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 2, 2024
Space Achievements
The UAE’s space sector thrived, with milestones such as joining NASA’s Lunar Gateway Station and establishing the “Supreme Space Council.” The UAE also completed NASA’s HERA mission and continued preparations for the MBZ-SAT project.
Women’s Empowerment
The UAE ranked seventh globally and first regionally in the UNDP Gender Inequality Index 2024. Women represented 70% of university graduates, 46% of the workforce, and held 50% of Federal National Council seats.
Sustainability Leadership
As part of the “Year of Sustainability,” the UAE spearheaded COP28, achieving the “UAE Consensus” for global climate action. Initiatives included the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the world’s first clean-energy-powered “Vertiport.” Partnerships with IRENA and Ghana further supported sustainable development, with AED 30 million ($8.2 million) allocated for nature-based solutions.
Education Excellence: The UAE restructured its education system, introducing UAE Education Day and founding Dubai National University with an AED 4.5 billion ($1.2 billion) investment and Al Dhaid University in Sharjah.
Healthcare Enhancements: Healthcare funding totaled AED 5.745 billion ($1.6 billion) for 2025, including new policies for women’s health and genetic testing for pre-marriage screenings. The private sector benefited from increased Emirati employment through the Nafes program.
Sporting Triumphs
Al Ain FC won the AFC Champions League title, while UAE Jiu-Jitsu teams excelled in international competitions, earning 61 medals at the World Championship and 18 medals at the World Jiu-Jitsu Cup.
This year’s accomplishments highlight the UAE’s dedication to unity, resilience, and progress, making the 53rd Eid Al Etihad a celebration of unparalleled achievements.