During the opening speech at the 2024 UAE Government Annual Meetings, Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, highlighted the UAE leadership’s promise to improve life for citizens and keep the nation as a top global role model.
The meetings took place under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and were chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
Al Gergawi explained that the UAE Government’s Annual Meetings serve as a key platform for decision-makers to evaluate progress and strategies for upcoming challenges and successes.
He said, “Today we gather as one team, as one nation, inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, working together to ensure our nation’s stability and prosperity.”
Al Gergawi emphasized that, despite global changes, the UAE remains firm in its principles and values, guided by its leaders’ vision.
He pointed out major government achievements, noting, “In 2024, while global trade grew by only 1.5%, the UAE saw over 11% growth in foreign trade. Foreign direct investment (FDI) increased by 35%, making the UAE second only to the USA in new FDI projects. In just three years, the number of trade licenses has doubled to one million, and the UAE has ranked highest in the global economic stability index.”
He also highlighted the UAE’s accomplishments across various sectors, including nearly 134 million passengers at UAE airports, over 100 ports operated globally by local companies, and the successful operation of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.
Al Gergawi attributed these successes to the visionary leadership of the UAE, which has taken proactive steps to improve the nation’s readiness. He noted, “The UAE ranks second globally in adaptability to change, fourth in government efficiency, seventh in competitiveness, and tenth in the global soft power index.”
In his speech, Al Gergawi shared that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has directed this year’s meetings to focus on national identity, family, and artificial intelligence. This emphasis will lead to actionable plans and initiatives for 2025.
He stated, “Our top priority is our national identity, which includes preserving our values, language, heritage, and culture. Without it, who are we? National identity is crucial for our leadership and is consistently highlighted by His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
“This year’s meetings will have a special retreat aimed at creating a comprehensive national identity plan and another retreat focused on supporting Emirati families, which are the foundation of our community.”
Regarding the significance of AI, Al Gergawi mentioned, “According to the Principles of the 50, the UAE’s advancements in digital and scientific fields will define our new development and economic paths. We are boosting our efforts to lead in future technologies, including AI, to enhance government efficiency. A dedicated retreat will address AI’s critical role.”
To wrap up his address, Al Gergawi highlighted key results since the last Annual Meetings. He shared, “Today, we see the outcomes of our initiatives from last year. Across important sectors like housing, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the economy, 33 federal entities have launched 121 transformative projects.”
“Additionally, with the foreign investor compass project, total foreign direct investment reached AED 828 billion by the end of last year.”
He added that the Zero Government Bureaucracy program, initiated during the previous meetings, has eliminated 3,000 unnecessary processes, cutting the time needed for procedures by 70%.
Al Gergawi noted, “In just four years, we have updated over 75% of federal laws, introduced 38 new laws to address global changes, and retracted about 100 outdated laws.”
The UAE Government’s Annual Meetings, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, gather ministers, government officials, and local leaders. Since their establishment in 2017, these meetings have unified government efforts, promoting proactive planning and faster progress. Discussions involve all stakeholders in shaping the nation’s vision, contributing to the UAE Centennial 2071 goals.
