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The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; His Highness. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; and His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Interior.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the UAE's advancement in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, where the country secured 5th place globally, scoring 96.09 out of 100 points. This achievement places the UAE among leading nations in economic competitiveness, government efficiency, legislative strength, and business environment excellence. The UAE's ranking has improved from 28th in 2009 to 5th in 2025, reflecting significant progress over the past 14 years.
The IMD report assesses countries based on four main factors: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. The UAE excelled in several areas, ranking 1st globally in the absence of bureaucracy index, 2nd in government policies adaptability index, and 4th in government efficiency index. Additionally, the UAE led 113 global indicators, including employment rate, absence of bureaucracy, availability of global expertise, digital transformation in companies, venture capital, inbound mobility of higher education students, public-private partnerships, energy infrastructure, and female parliamentary representation.
The Cabinet approved housing grants for over 1,838 citizens in the first half of the current year, totaling AED 1.2 billion. This initiative aims to ensure decent housing and enhance family stability across the UAE.
The Cabinet reviewed the results and activities of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, chaired by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Council continues to implement projects and forge national partnerships to develop Emirati villages economically, socially, and as tourist destinations. Its initiatives have created meaningful opportunities for families, young talent, and small business owners, ensuring that every part of the UAE benefits from the nation's developmental momentum.
The Cabinet reviewed the results of Digital Identity implementation in government transactions, which now has over 11 million registered users and has recorded more than 600 million logins. The unified integrated digital ecosystem for government services connects over 130 government entities and private sector organizations, facilitating 2.6 billion digital transactions efficiently, accurately, and swiftly.
The Cabinet approved the restructuring of the Higher Committee Overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Committee has made strides in advancing national policies and strengthening measures to combat money laundering and terrorism financing across the country. It will continue its work to ensure the UAE remains a global leader in combating these issues.
The Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Maritime Navigation Centre under the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The new center will manage and operate the Integrated National Maritime System for monitoring maritime traffic, oversee the National Maritime Single Window, and enhance the safety and security of the maritime sector. It will also activate and develop mechanisms to prevent harmful practices, protect the UAE's marine life, and advance the sector through conducting scientific research and studies.
The Cabinet approved the 2024 Annual Report of the Higher Commission for Free Trade Negotiations, highlighting the signing and conclusion of 27 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with strategic global economies, 8 of which have already come into force. These agreements have driven the UAE's foreign trade volume to an unprecedented AED 5.23 trillion in 2024. The UAE's non-oil exports reached a historic milestone, exceeding AED 440 billion in 2023, marking a 16.3% growth compared to 2022 and a remarkable 83% increase from 2019. Re-exports also reached a record AED 684.3 billion, with a 6.3% growth compared to 2022. Additionally, the UAE attracted AED 113 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI) in 2023, reinforcing its position as a global trade hub.
The Cabinet reviewed the year 2024 achievements of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Highlights included the completion of major projects in Qidfa, such as the waterfront development, Palm Walk, and cycling tracks. Strategic projects were also initiated in Masfout, including Marble Park, a Ladies' Club, Friday Market, and restoration of Al Sharia and Al Falaj areas as cultural landmarks. The first phase of the Al Sila' Waterfront development project exceeded an 87% completion rate, while plans for Al Rams included several initiatives, such as building a community council, developing the marina and corniche, and advancing ecotourism plans.
The Council launched the "UAE Villages Councils" programme, creating ten integrated community councils and distinct digital branding for each village under the initiative "Jothoor" (Roots) to empower female artisans in the UAE. Several cultural festivals and local market initiatives were organized, attracting over 206,000 visitors, supporting 171 families, and engaging 790 volunteers.
The Cabinet reviewed the achievements of the fourth edition of the "Make it in the Emirates" platform (2025). This initiative attracted over 122,000 visitors and participants, facilitated AED 168 billion in potential procurement agreements to localize the manufacturing of 4,800 products. Agreements worth AED 11 billion were signed for industrial projects, alongside AED 40 billion in financing solutions over five years to support SMEs. A new category, the "UAE Traditional Crafts," was introduced to recognize individuals and organizations excelling in traditional Emirati crafts.
The Cabinet reviewed a report on the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, which highlighted the federal government housing decisions issued during the first half of 2025. The total number of decisions issued during that period reached 1,838, with a total value exceeding AED 1.25 billion.
The Cabinet approved drafting a federal law to safeguard the UAE's cultural heritage. The law will enhance awareness, support intangible heritage, and align national efforts with international best practices. The Cabinet also restructured the UAE Council for Climate Action to oversee the implementation of the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy and promote carbon market systems. The UAE added nine sites to the global list of biodiversity hotspots and launched a roadmap to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. Protected areas were expanded by an 18% increase for mainland reserves and a 12% increase for marine reserves.
The Cabinet approved the ratification of 13 international agreements and protocols, including partnerships with Montenegro on tourism, real estate, and economic cooperation; Vietnam on a comprehensive economic partnership; Uganda on mutual visa exemptions; and New Zealand on investment promotion. Agreements were also signed with Eswatini, the Central African Republic, Kenya, Peru, Nigeria, and Jordan. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the negotiation and signing of 36 international agreements and memoranda of understanding, including agreements with Hong Kong on legal assistance, Montenegro on energy cooperation, and the Eurasian Economic Union on economic partnerships.
New embassies will be established in Togo, Gabon, Cameroon, and Tajikistan, alongside a UAE Consulate General in Miami, USA.
The Cabinet endorsed the UAE's participation in 13 international events in countries such as Malaysia and Ethiopia. The UAE will also host key summits, including the Annual Summit of the Central Banks Data Cooperation Group.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the UAE's accession to the International Competition Network, the OECD Forum on Tax Administration, and the Svalbard Treaty, alongside participation in the International Legal Forum in St. Petersburg.
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