The UAE on Wednesday unveiled a Dh36.7 billion action plan to drive foreign investment into the Emirates and cement its growing status as a leading business hub.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said ministers had approved the National Investment Fund at a special meeting of the UAE Cabinet held at Dubai Airshow 2025.
The fund – which will have an initial capital of Dh36.7 billion – will aim to encourage foreign direct investments into the country through financial incentive packages.
It will seek to increase overseas investment into the country from Dh115 billion annually to Dh240 billion, by 2031, and to raise the total stock of direct foreign investment from Dh800 billion to Dh2.2 trillion in the same year.
“Our message to global investors is clear. The UAE welcomes you,” Sheikh Mohammed said, in remarks shared by the UAE Government Media Office.
“The UAE will provide the world’s best environment for investment. The UAE will continue to support your growth and long-term success.”
The fund is to provide a development package to target companies capable of delivering “remarkable economic impact within the UAE”, the media office stated.
It will enable direct financing of strategic opportunities at the federal level and through co-operation with economic, investment and tourism authorities in the Emirates.
Sheikh Mohammed said the Cabinet had also adopted the National Identity Strategy, supported by 70 government initiatives.
The wide-ranging policy will serve to strengthen national identity among future generations and champion the family unit.
It was first announced by Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture during a keynote speech at the Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi this month.
The strategy aims to strengthen national belonging and pride in the Emirati identity, reinforce family and social cohesion, and promote the UAE’s national identity on the global stage through international co-operation and engagement.
President Sheikh Mohamed has declared next year would be the Year of the Family and stressed that family was a “vital pillar of our nation’s future progress”.
The UAE leader also launched the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, which will promote family values at the top of the national agenda and serve to preserve culture and identity.
Sheikh Mohammed said ministers were briefed on the latest progress of the National Industrial Strategy, another significant initiative aimed at spurring economic development and boosting trade.
The Dubai Ruler said national spending in the industrial sector has reached Dh110 billion, a marked increase of 244 per cent in the past five years.
Sheikh Mohammed noted that industrial exports now stood at Dh197 billion, highlighting the sector's importance to the country's economic rise.
He said the industrial sector contributes Dh210 billion to the UAE's gross domestic product – a total which the Emirates to raise to Dh300 billion by 2031.
The Cabinet reviewed joint efforts to promote economic development throughout the Gulf, with the Emirates playing a role in supporting the ambitions of citizens in the region.
“The UAE remains firmly supportive and committed to this shared path,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
“The UAE today holds the highest number of economic licences issued to citizens of other GCC countries, totalling 36,000.
“The UAE is home to the largest number of property owners from other GCC countries, exceeding 52,000 individuals. And we host the highest number of students from other GCC countries enrolled in our public higher education institutions, reaching 7,500 students.
“Trade between the UAE and GCC countries reached Dh333 billion. Strengthening GCC co-operation is a principle established by the late Sheikh Zayed, and it remains a cornerstone of our national vision.”
Soaring success of Dubai Airshow
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President Sheikh Mohamed views an aircraft during a tour of Dubai Airshow at Dubai World Central. UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed greets Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed views an exhibit. UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed and Faisal Al Bannai, adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, at the airshow. UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed speaks to Staff Maj Gen Musallam Al Rashidi, Director of the Office of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. UAE Presidential Court -
The airshow has more 1,500 exhibitors from about 150 countries. EPA -
Visitors take a closer look at an Emirates Boeing 777. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The airshow, which runs until Friday, is expected to attract thousands of trade visitors. Reuters -
Sheikh Mohammed visits the exhibition. Photo: Government of Dubai Media Office -
Etihad staff are dressed for the occasion. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Modern aircraft are in display. Reuters -
The Dubai Police Band are providing entertainment. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The airshow is a business trade show and is open to industry professionals only. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Mohammed on board a plane. Photo: Government of Dubai Media Office -
A display by Chinese state-owned aerospace manufacturer Comac. Reuters
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the international success of the Dubai Airshow – with this year's 19th edition primed to be the biggest yet – amid continued growth in the country's aviation sector.
“I chaired today’s Cabinet meeting at the Dubai Airshow. The UAE continues to support this global platform, which brings together delegations from 115 countries and more than 150,000 specialists, reinforcing our position as a key contributor to shaping the future of the global aviation sector,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
In the meeting, the Cabinet reviewed the achievements of the aviation industry last year, which contributed Dh340 billion – representing 18.2 per cent – to gross domestic product. The country's airports handled about 148 million passengers last year, a 10 per cent increase from 2023.
