During the 2025 annual meetings of the UAE government, His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, declared that the UAE today stands as a major global economic hub and a nexus of interest for world‑leaders and decision‑makers. He emphasised that we are living in a transitional era characterised by economic doubt, geopolitical polarisation between East and West, and shifts in trade, technology and finance. Yet, the UAE remains anchored by five enduring principles that have guided its agenda, decisions and policies since its foundation:
1. Economic openness.
The UAE adopted economic openness from its very inception—aimed at attracting talent, drawing investment, facilitating trade, and forging economic‑commercial partnerships with countries around the world. This mindset of innovation is a central pillar in our economic diversification. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the aim was stated at the 2015 World Government Summit: “we want to celebrate the export of the last barrel of oil after 50 years”. Today, non‑oil activities contribute 77.5 % of the UAE’s GDP in the first half of 2025, on track to reach 80 % by 2031 (and potentially earlier).
Over the last decade, non‑oil foreign trade in goods and services reached approximately AED 27 trillion, with expectations to more than double to over AED 68 trillion by 2035. The UAE has advanced to 5th in the world in global competitiveness, and foreign direct investment rose 48 % in 2024 to AED 167 billion, with cumulative growth of 226 % over the past five years. As His Excellency stated: “Economic openness is not a temporary option—it is a covenant for the next fifty years. Our message is clear: the UAE will remain the gateway to opportunity, the capital of trust and the centre of the future.”
2. Balanced international relations.
The UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, pursues international relations rooted in mutual benefit and shared economic development. In the past year alone, the UAE signed economic agreements and comprehensive partnerships with 32 countries, and non‑oil foreign trade grew by 24 % in the first half of last year. The leadership continues to emphasise building stable, balanced and prosperous relations—not aligning solely with East or West, but forging a future of stability, prosperity, development and peace.
3. Governmental agility.
Flexibility has become part of the UAE government’s identity: decisions are made swiftly, responsively, and in line with evolving economic and technological realities. During the COVID‑19 crisis, the government took bold steps to support the economy. Over the last three years, 80 % of legislation has been updated, leading to a major leap in development. For example, the number of companies in the UAE increased by 235 % over five years—from 400,000 in early 2020 to over 1.3 million by the first half of 2025. Residency‑programmes and investment‑friendly reforms (such as the Golden Visa) helped the UAE become the top destination globally for high net‑worth individuals. “We respond with speed and awareness to challenges,” he said. “Delayed decisions in times of transformation are a form of regression.”
4. Technology as a fundamental driver.
The UAE regards technology not merely as a tool but as a foundational pillar for growth: boosting the economy, advancing education, and improving quality of life. Artificial Intelligence has been integrated into the national curriculum from grade one through twelve. In May, the launch of the “StarGate” project affirmed the UAE’s readiness for the future. Leadership’s directive: “We don’t just keep pace with the technological revolution—we lead it. We don’t wait for the future, we help shape it.”
5. The human being at the core of development.
Above all else, the UAE places the human being at the heart and aim of its development. 91 % of UAE citizens own homes—among the highest rates globally. On health, the UAE ranks among the world’s top countries for life expectancy thanks to high‑quality care and coverage. In education, the nation leads in primary and universal enrolment and is ranked ninth globally in human capital by international reports. The national vision “We the UAE 2031” launched three years ago has already achieved 67 % of its goals in community, economy, international cooperation and governmental system. For every policy, the goal is the individual; every plan is centred on their stability and prosperity; and the ultimate purpose is to build the best possible life for the people of the UAE.
In closing, His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi reaffirmed that the UAE remains committed to these five constants: openness to the world and its peoples; balanced diplomacy; agile governance; leveraging innovation and technology; and placing people at the heart of progress. “Our principles are clear. Our vision is steadfast. Our leadership knows no impossible.”
