UAE Cabinet sets key goals for 2025 at annual government meetings

The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, recently convened in Abu Dhabi for the UAE Government Annual Meetings. Also present were senior leaders including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The meetings emphasized the UAE Government Annual Meetings as a pivotal national event to reinforce collaboration between federal and local bodies, setting clear goals for 2025.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said: “Today, I chaired the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, launching this pivotal national gathering with a special session of the Cabinet. The Annual Meetings bring together the UAE’s leading 500 officials, underscoring the critical importance of unified teamwork across federal and local entities. Working with a cohesive team spirit is no longer a choice; it is essential to advance the UAE’s development journey.”

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Key agenda and initiatives

Federal Housing Program

The Cabinet reviewed advancements in housing support. Since 2017, UAE homeownership has risen from 76% to 91%, while pending housing requests have dropped from 13,000 to 650. Additionally, waiting periods for housing support have decreased from four years to just one. The Sheikh Zayed Housing Program has allocated AED 60 billion to support over 90,000 citizens.

Anti-Drug Strategy

A comprehensive National Anti-Drug Strategy (2024-2031) was also approved. The plan includes initiatives to increase public awareness, expand rehabilitation centers, and strengthen border controls. This strategy aims for a drug-free UAE by 2031, focusing on prevention, treatment, and reintegration.

International partnerships and agreements

The Cabinet ratified 22 international agreements covering trade, legal cooperation, education, and energy. These included partnerships with countries like Jordan, South Korea, and the United States, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to global engagement.

Industry Development Council Report

The Cabinet reviewed the 2023 results of the Industry Development Council, which has secured AED 6.17 billion in financing solutions through strategic partners of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, reduced fees of Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation services for companies participating in the In-Country Value (ICV) programme. Regulatory progress includes an industrial census, waste valuation policies, and extended tariffs on imported steel.

Climate and economic initiatives

In line with climate goals, the Cabinet reviewed the UAE’s contributions to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Cabinet ratified several agreements and memoranda with various countries, covering areas such as legal cooperation, economic and civil affairs, healthcare, and investment. Notable among these are comprehensive economic partnership agreements with Jordan and South Korea, and an agreement on cooperation in the field of nursing accreditation with the United States.

The UAE will also host key international meetings, including the 2025 Meridian Conference and the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of Arab Financial Institutions in Abu Dhabi.

Financial and digital advancements

The UAE’s membership in OpenPeppol, a non-profit organization promoting e-invoicing standards, was approved to enhance digital integration. The Cabinet approved the UAE’s subscription to a capital increase in the Arab Monetary Fund, contributing approximately AED1,082 million. Amendments to the AMF’s articles of agreement were also approved. Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed semi-annual financial reports and discussed education and free zone initiatives.

The UAE Cabinet’s discussions mark important steps for 2025, with a focus on national development, international cooperation, and sustainable growth across sectors.