Abu Dhabi: Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE Cabinet convened in Abu Dhabi to launch the UAE Government Annual Meetings.
His Highness was joined by major leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, among others.
The Annual Meetings serve as a platform for the UAE’s top 500 officials to align on federal and local government integration. Speaking on the importance of unity, Sheikh Mohammed stated that, “Working with a cohesive team spirit is no longer a choice; it is essential to advance the UAE’s development journey.”
The Cabinet laid out a national agenda for 2025, emphasizing a shared vision and strategic projects that enhance the well-being of UAE citizens.
Housing and Anti-Drug Strategy
Highlighting significant strides in housing, Sheikh Mohammed outlined achievements under the Federal Housing Program. Since its inception, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program has provided over AED 60 billion ($16.32 billion) to support 90,000 UAE nationals, reducing the average waiting period for housing from four years to one.
The Cabinet also approved the National Anti-Drug Strategy (2024-2031), aimed at fostering a drug-free society by 2031. This comprehensive plan encompasses enhanced border security, public awareness campaigns, expansion of rehabilitation centers, and measures to reduce recidivism rates for recovering addicts. “Drugs are the cancer of societies-a destructive force that leads to addiction and despair,” Sheikh Mohammed said, underlining the UAE’s commitment to eradicating drug-related harm.
International Partnerships Agreements
In a move to enhance global relations, the Cabinet ratified 22 international agreements covering trade, legal cooperation, education, and more. This includes economic partnerships with Jordan, South Korea, and a collaboration with the United States in nursing accreditation. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that, “Our growing global engagement is a vital element in our sustainable development journey.”
The Cabinet also endorsed the UAE’s membership in OpenPeppol, a non-profit organization promoting unified e-invoicing standards, a step aimed at enhancing digital commerce in the UAE.
The UAE’s capital increase in the Arab Monetary Fund was approved, totaling approximately AED 1.08 billion ($294 million).
Industrial Growth and Environmental Commitments
The Cabinet reviewed the 2023 achievements of the Industry Development Council, which included securing AED 6.17 billion ($1.67 billion) in financing for industrial initiatives. Further, the council has supported local manufacturers through reduced fees and new regulatory advancements, like the Industrial Regulation and Development Law and extended tariffs on imported steel.
Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed the UAE’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. These measures underscore the UAE’s commitment to climate neutrality and environmental responsibility on the international stage.
Upcoming Events and Financial Reports
In a move that highlights the UAE’s regional leadership, the Cabinet approved hosting the 2025 Meridian Conference on Critical Information Infrastructure Protection and the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of Arab Financial Institutions in Abu Dhabi, which will mark the Arab Monetary Fund’s 50th anniversary. The Cabinet also examined semi-annual financial reports and updates on education governance, financial free zones, and the dual licensing initiative.