UAE Approves National Investment Strategy 2031 for Economic Growth

Image Source – Emirates News Agency (WAM)

The National Investment Strategy 2031

At a meeting held in Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed approved key strategic initiatives, including the National Investment Strategy 2031, social support policies, and significant international agreements. The UAE’s Vice President, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, along with senior UAE leaders, attended the meeting.

The National Investment Strategy 2031 aims to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) share of total investments to over 30% and its contribution to the UAE GDP to 8%. Sheikh Mohammed announced the UAE’s ambitious goal to double annual FDI inflows to Dhs240bn by 2031, increasing total foreign investment stock to Dhs2.2tn.

National Digital Economy and Sustainability Strategy

Reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to its National Digital Economy Strategy, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the need to increase the digital economy’s contribution to GDP from 9.7% to 19.4% over the next six years. During the meeting, the National Green Certificates Programme for buildings was also approved, which aids in a voluntary classification system assessing sustainability standards in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.

Healthcare and Social Development Reforms

The cabinet endorsed the National Healthcare Policy for Combating Health Risks, which focuses on emergency preparedness, response scenarios, and recovery strategies. It also approved the Executive Regulations for Organ and Human Tissue Donation and Transplantation, which enhance access to life-saving procedures. In total, the UAE now has 13 licensed transplant centers, and kidney, liver, heart, lung, and pancreas transplants have increased by 30%.

Read: The UAE Healthcare Sector Evolution: Innovations and Strategies

In addition, reforms to the national social support system were also approved by the cabinet. The budget was increased by 29% to Dhs3.5bn and expanding beneficiary coverage by 37%. Regulations were also approved by the cabinet for unemployment support and an Inflation Allowance for eligible social assistance beneficiaries.

Research, Development, and Workforce Initiatives

The cabinet approved the restructuring of the Emirates Research and Development Council, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, to set national research priorities and enhance collaboration between government, private sector, and academia.

The cabinet approved the reorganization of the Emirates Research and Development Council to establish national research priorities and strengthen collaboration among the government, private sector, and academic institutions. Most importantly, a Remote Work System for federal government employees was also approved allowing the UAE to recruit global talent for specialized projects.

International Partnerships and Legislative Developments

The cabinet also reviewed strategic partnerships with African countries, highlighting the growth of its total trade volume which increased by 87% and grew by Dhs126.7 bn in 2019 to Dhs235 bn in 2024. 

Read: The UAE Foreign Trade Soars to Dhs 3tn in 2024

Laws governing healthcare professions, mental health, and commercial fraud were issued, including the Federal Law on the Protection of New Plant Varieties, and the establishment of a Pharmaceutical Policies Committee to regulate the pharma sector.

The UAE Economic Growth – 2025

By announcing National Investment Strategy 2031, Sheikh Mohammed concluded the meeting by reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to economic growth, innovation, global market expansion, investment attraction, and fostering the country as the world’s most business-friendly destination. 

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