UAE approves remote work for federal employees, unveils $65.4B investment plan

The UAE government has introduced a new remote work system allowing federal employees to work from outside the country, alongside a six-year national investment strategy designed to double foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows by 2031.

The initiatives were announced during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

"In the government affairs, we also approved the Remote Work System from Outside the Country in the Federal Government, enabling the UAE to tap into global expertise and specialised talent to execute projects and studies for federal entities," Sheikh Mohammed said, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

UAE’s six-year investment strategy

The UAE aims to increase annual FDI inflows from AED 112 billion in 2023 to AED 240 billion by 2031, while boosting total foreign investment stock from AED 800 billion to AED 2.2 trillion.

"This strategy will focus on vital sectors including industry, logistics, financial services, renewable energy, and information technology," Sheikh Mohammed stated. "The UAE continues to develop its economy, open new markets, attract investments, and create the best business environment globally."

The Cabinet also reviewed the UAE’s growing trade partnerships with Africa, highlighting that 95% of previously approved initiatives have been implemented, leading to an 87% increase in trade with Sub-Saharan Africa—from AED 126.7 billion in 2019 to AED 235 billion over five years.

Other key discussions included:

• The National Digital Economy Strategy, aims to increase the digital sector’s GDP contribution from 9.7% to 19.4%.
• A new National Policy for Combating Health Risks, alongside expanded organ donation and transplantation regulations, with a 30% increase in transplant procedures.
• The restructuring of the Emirates Research and Development Council, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to boost collaboration between government entities, the private sector, and academia.
• Social support system enhancements, with a 29% budget increase to AED 3.5 billion and a 37% rise in beneficiaries.
• 28 new international agreements, including economic partnerships with Malaysia, New Zealand, and Kenya.

These strategic initiatives reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for investment, innovation, and economic growth.