UAE Unveils 2025 Vision: Enhancing Families, Identity, and AI development

In a crucial move to shape the future of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has announced a nationwide action plan for 2025. This ambitious plan focuses on three pivotal areas: strengthening the family unit, promoting Emirati identity, and driving advances in artificial intelligence.

Speaking after chairing the latest UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of these three key priorities. He called on all parties to contribute to shaping the country's strategies in these sectors for the year ahead. This initiative is set to be a top agenda item at the government's annual meeting in Abu Dhabi on November 5.

The focus of government expenditures was on public security and safety, health, education, economic affairs, social protection, housing and utilities, Sheikh Mohammed elaborated on X. By doing so, the UAE seeks to create a more stable and nurturing environment for its citizens.

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Promoting Emirati Identity; driving artificial intelligence advancements

Promoting Emirati identity is another critical component of the 2025 plan. The government is committed to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the UAE. This involves various cultural and educational programs designed to instill a sense of national pride and identity among the Emirati people. By fostering a strong sense of identity, the UAE aims to build a more unified and resilient society.

Further, artificial intelligence is another key area of focus for the nation’s action plan. The government is keen to leverage artificial intelligence to drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the overall quality of life for its citizens. This includes investing in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development, as well as implementing AI solutions across various sectors such as healthcare, education, and finance. The UAE's vision is to become a global leader in AI innovation and application.

Basic facts about United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), or simply the Emirates, is a country in West Asia, in the Middle East, at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a federal, elective monarchy composed of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi as its capital. It shares land borders with Oman to the east and northwest, and with Saudi Arabia to the southwest; as well as maritime borders in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran, and with Oman in the Gulf of Oman.

As of 2024, the UAE has an estimated population of about 10 million, of which 11 per cent are Emiratis. Dubai, is the nations most populous city, and is an international hub. Islam is the official religion and Arabic is the official language, while English is the most spoken language and the language of business.

UAE has witnessed remarkable growth post Covid-19

The UAE's economic growth has been remarkable, especially in the post-coronavirus era. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the country's impressive economic statistics, including a government revenue of Dh546 billion in 2023, with Dh402 billion in expenditure. The most significant government expenditures were in public security and safety, health, education, economic affairs, social protection, housing, and utilities and the nation looks to continue on this path of economic growth.

The number of companies operating in the Emirates has surged to over a million by mid-2024, up from 405,000 in the first half of 2020. This represents a staggering 152 per cent increase, reflecting the UAE's robust economic recovery and growth. The country is now ranked fifth in the world in terms of gross domestic product growth and has attracted a record Dh112 billion (Dirham) in direct foreign investment.

Combating financial crimes and building international collaborations

In addition to its economic and social initiatives, the UAE is also taking significant steps to combat financial crimes. The cabinet has adopted the national strategy for combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and arms proliferation. This policy aims to monitor the practices of financial institutions and virtual asset providers, ensuring a safer and more transparent financial environment.

The nation is also expanding its international collaborations. Ministers have approved the restructuring of the Supreme committee for free trade negotiations, headed by the Minister of Economy. Furthermore, the UAE has joined the Nationally Determined Contributions Partnership, an international alliance focused on promoting sustainable development goals and supporting measures to adapt to climate change.