UAE sets in motion 12-year plan to improve quality of life

Cabinet launches National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, looks over the new national wellbeing strategy with Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Courtesy Dubai Media OfficeShow less

A 12-year strategy to improve quality of life for Emiratis and residents was launched by the UAE Cabinet on Sunday.

The National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 aims to make the UAE a world leader in quality of life by launching 90 new projects that will improve the "physical, psychological and digital health of future generations," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai said on Twitter.

Sheikh Mohammed announced the new strategy after chairing a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi.

He said the strategy would focus on strengthening family ties and work on improving the quality of life in cities across the country to attract more residents to those areas.

The end goal of the strategy is a developed country, a cohesive society and prosperous individuals.

On Sunday, the Cabinet identified 14 key areas to achieve these goals and nine strategic objectives that will build a national framework for wellbeing. These include promoting healthy and active lifestyles, good mental health and adopting positive thinking.

One of the key initiatives is the development of the first National Wellbeing Observatory to support the policymaking process. The observatory will monitor wellbeing indicators, submit regular reports to the UAE Cabinet, propose training programmes for government employees, and launch the Academy of Wellbeing future generations. The observatory is also charged with forming a National Wellbeing Council to manage and co-ordinate the new strategy, reported state news agency Wam.

On Sunday, the Cabinet also approved the Federal Law on Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms. This new law aims to protect public health from the risks of genetically modified organisms or their products.

It also ensures the protection of the environment in the development, manufacture, production, transfer or circulation of genetically modified products – which are used globally in agriculture and pest control.

The Cabinet also adopted the executive regulations for the Federal Law on Medical Liability, which defines the conditions and standards of health facilities and the level of health services.

Sheikh Mohammed said the regulations will deal with medical errors and the mechanism of complaint submission in the UAE’s health sector.

In international affairs, the Cabinet adopted and ratified a number of international conventions, including ratification of the UAE’s accession to the International Alliance for Green Development along the Belt and Road initiative, as well as an agreement with Peru on the mutual exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and private passports.

Agreements with South Korea and Peru on the elimination of double taxation in respect of income taxes were also ratified, along with an agreement with Gabon on mutual encouragement and protection of investments, reported Wam.

The Cabinet also approved an agreement with Honduras on air services between and beyond their territory as well as membership in the Multilateral Organisations Performance Assessment Network.