At the recently concluded UAE Government Annual Meetings 2024, His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, celebrated the remarkable contributions of innovative teams significantly impacting the nation. This event, held against the backdrop of the continuing development of the United Arab Emirates, was graced by esteemed leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister. Their recognition of these "Union Teams" was not merely ceremonial; it underscored their pivotal role in enhancing the UAE’s global standing through innovation and societal contributions.
The recognition ceremony saw the presence of notable figures like H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. Their participation highlighted the importance of the achievements being celebrated, emphasizing the UAE leadership's commitment to fostering excellence across various sectors.
Sheikh Saif articulated his pride, stating, “The UAE's continued remarkable achievements are a testimony to the wise vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.” This statement emphasized the role of the national teams whose dedication, loyalty, and creativity have been instrumental in realizing national projects.
The ceremony recognized several outstanding teams, including those behind the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the New Visa and Residency Framework national team, and the Emiratisation Nafis team. These teams were honored not just for their innovation but also for their ability to successfully contribute to the UAE’s strategic goals and the broader international reputation of the nation.
Focusing on economic achievements, the CEPA team facilitated the signing of 14 agreements, with six already ratified and seven more expected. This initiative has led to remarkable trade accomplishments, contributing to AED 1.395 trillion in foreign trade during the first half of 2024 and attracting AED 112.7 billion in foreign direct investment in 2023.
On the energy front, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, hailed as the largest clean energy source, supplies 25% of the UAE's power. This project has sustainable energy as its core, preventing 22.4 million tons of CO2 emissions annually and providing 75% of the country's clean electricity. The impact on the environment and energy sector positions the UAE as a leading nation within energy-intensive industries and artificial intelligence hubs.
Further reflecting the UAE's dynamic approach, the new visa and residency framework gained traction during 2023, enhancing the nation’s competitiveness on the global stage. Cross-border traffic surged from 84 million visitors in 2022 to 108 million the following year, with entry permits rising to 61 million. Such growth indicates the positive impact of strategic plans aimed at boosting international relations and trade.
Underpinning these advancements, the Emiratisation Nafis program emerged as another highlight of the Annual Meetings. The initiative has successfully placed over 82,000 Emiratis in the private sector since its inception, resulting in substantial growth—22,000 companies now employ Emirati talent, marking a staggering increase of over 223% within three years.
The UAE Government’s Annual Meetings 2024 were centered around discussions on national development plans and priorities for the coming year. This year's agenda, conveyed through significant organizational changes, aimed to align with the leadership's vision for continuous improvement across various frameworks adopted over previous sessions.
Throughout the recognition event, Sheikh Saif underscored the importance of collaboration, stating, “Working together amplifies the value of our national endeavours.” His remarks echoed the leadership's consistent encouragement of unity and teamwork, indicating these elements as the backbone of the UAE's continuing achievements and advancements.
With remarkable strides being made on various fronts, the outcomes of the UAE Government's Annual Meetings shine brightly. Each recognized team, from economic partnerships to energy production and Emiratisation efforts, solidifies the UAE's position as both a regional leader and strong global competitor.
