The UAE Cabinet has officially approved the National Investment Strategy 2031, aiming to transform the country into a leading global strategic investment hub. This initiative targets an increase in annual foreign investment inflows from AED 112 billion in 2023 to AED 240 billion by 2031.

According to WAM, during the meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the Cabinet members discussed the UAE’s strategic partnerships with African nations. An impressive 95% of previously approved initiatives have been successfully implemented, resulting in a significant trade volume increase with Sub-Saharan Africa from AED 126.7 billion in 2019 to AED 235 billion over five years, marking an 87% growth.

The Cabinet also reviewed the National Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to boost the digital economy’s contribution to GDP from 9.7% to 19.4%. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of strengthening the UAE’s position in the global digital economy through ambitious national initiatives and projects over the next six years.

In healthcare, the Cabinet approved a new National Policy for Combating Health Risks, which is designed to improve preparedness for health crises and emergencies, ensuring high health security standards in the UAE. Furthermore, regulations for organ and human tissue donation and transplantation were approved, increasing access to vital treatments, with the UAE now hosting over 13 licensed transplant centers and a 30% rise in transplant procedures.

The restructuring of the Emirates Research and Development Council was also approved, aimed at defining national research priorities and enhancing collaboration among government entities, the private sector, and academia. In social affairs, new decisions were made to improve the social support system, with a 29% increase in the annual budget for social programs, reaching nearly AED 3.5 billion, and a 37% rise in the number of beneficiaries.

Additionally, the Cabinet announced the approval of the Remote Work System from Outside the Country for the Federal Government, allowing the UAE to tap into global talent for executing specialized projects. The meeting concluded with the approval of 28 international agreements, including economic partnerships with Malaysia, New Zealand, and Kenya, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to expanding its global trade presence.