The past 12 months have been a time of great challenge and upheaval for many in the Middle East. From the continuing human suffering in Gaza, renewed war in Lebanon to Syria throwing off more than five decades of Assad family rule, the pace and nature of events have been truly remarkable.
This time last year, the UAE formally joined the Brics group of nations – another sign that by playing a constructive global role at time of geopolitical upheaval, the Emirates was living by its core principles. But many of those principles – such as championing tolerance, pursuing sustainability and fostering innovation – have also played an important part in many of 2024’s developments at home.
In February, the Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi's Abu Mureikha area opened its doors, adding to the important mosaic of faith communities in the UAE, where tolerance as well as compassion informs much of its social policy. This ethical approach was seen in this year’s successful visa amnesty that gave thousands of those who overstayed their visa allowance a second chance at making a life in the Emirates or returning home with dignity.
The UAE also oversaw the successful handover of its Cop climate summit presidency to Azerbaijan, but at home the work to build a more sustainable future continued. The Emirates Rail project – a cornerstone of plans for greener transport in the Gulf – continued to make progress by signing 10 deals and agreements with international companies; in December, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi reported that the capital had cut more than 360 million single-use plastic bags since a ban came into effect in 2022.
The continued pursuit of innovation was also evident in 2024. Yesterday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced the latest winner in the UAE’s Great Arab Minds award scheme, Algerian economist Prof Yassin Ait Sahalia for his work on improving financial and economic planning. From literature to the arts, and medicine to architecture, this year’s awards have seen the Emirates again championing the best and brightest in the Arab world.
Throughout the year, the UAE also continued to act as a global crossroads for thought leaders and policymakers by providing an important platform for dialogue. In March, the Association of South-East Asian Nations Committee held its first meeting in the Emirates, convening in Abu Dhabi. The World Future Energy Summit was held in the capital in April and in Dubai the Global Women’s Forum brought together global leaders, senior government officials, academics and entrepreneurs to support women’s empowerment.
Of course, there were challenges. In April, the UAE was hit by its worst rain and floods since records began 75 years ago. The disruption was swift but so too was the response: President Sheikh Mohamed issued a directive for dams and canals to be constructed across the UAE and Dubai quickly announced plans for a Dh30 billion ($8.16 billion) rainwater drainage network.
That sense of preparedness was a continuation of earlier long-term thinking; this year was the 10th anniversary of the introduction of national service in the UAE and in December thousands of Emirati recruits and members of the reserve forces took part in a Stand of Loyalty parade before UAE leaders.
Today will naturally be a time of reflection, with many uncertain about what 2025 will bring to a region that is in the grip of rapid and unpredictable change. However, it would be wise to also reflect on the past 12 months in the UAE and consider the benefits of living in a country that so successfully marries principles with policy.
