UAE's Ambitious Strategy for Talent and Growth
New Phase Launched in Talent Attraction and Retention Strategy
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reached another milestone in its efforts to attract and retain global talents. During the latest cabinet meeting led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, several significant decisions were made aimed at long-term development across various sectors of the economy.
Talent Attraction and Retention Strategy Until 2031
The UAE Talent Attraction and Retention Strategy was launched in 2021 with the goal of attracting the world's most talented professionals to the country. Now, a new phase is commencing to further strengthen the UAE's position as a global hub for expertise and innovation.
The strategy's main focus areas:
a, Technology
b, Renewable Energy
c, Healthcare and Biotechnology
d, Logistics and Aviation
e, Advanced Industries
f, Financial Services
g, Food and Water Technology
h, Creative Economy
The UAE ranks first in the MENA region according to the United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index and is among the top 20 countries globally. Additionally, a LinkedIn report indicates that the UAE is one of the most favored destinations for those seeking new career opportunities and a high quality of life.
Etihad High-Speed Passenger Rail: The Future of Transportation
During the cabinet meeting, the Etihad High-Speed Passenger Rail project was also presented, set to radically transform transportation between the Emirates. The train will reach a maximum speed of 350 km/h and will traverse six stations:
a, Reem Island (Abu Dhabi)
b, Saadiyat Island (Abu Dhabi)
c, Yas Island (Abu Dhabi)
d, Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi)
e, Al Maktoum International Airport (near Dubai)
f, Al Jaddaf (Dubai)
According to Sheikh Mohammed, this railway line is not just a transportation project but a strategic national linkage that will contribute to the country's economic growth. Projections suggest the railway will result in over 145 billion dirhams GDP contribution in the next 50 years.
UAE Logistics Integration Council
The UAE is committed to further strengthening its position as a global trade hub. To this end, the UAE Logistics Integration Council will be established to coordinate the activities of various federal and local players (ports, roads, transport, customs, railways, and border crossings).
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted: "The value of the logistics sector was 129 billion dirhams in 2023, and our goal is to raise this value above 200 billion dirhams over the next seven years."
The council will be chaired by Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.
National Cybersecurity Strategy
The UAE is among the world leaders in cybersecurity. The new phase of the National Cybersecurity Strategy is built on five main pillars:
1. Governance
2. Protection
3. Innovation
4. Capacity Building
5. Partnership
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the UAE has one of the most advanced and secure digital infrastructures, and it continues to aim for a resilient and secure digital environment.
Combatting Desertification and Land Rehabilitation
The cabinet also reviewed the implementation of the National Desertification Strategy 2022–2030. In the recent period:
a, 1,800 hectares of previously degraded land have been rehabilitated,
b, the total area of ecologically improved land reached 378.2 km²,
c, the percentage of degraded land areas decreased to 1.2%.
Investment Promotion and Global Cooperation
The UAE has joined the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), which provides an opportunity for international cooperation expansion and sharing best practices. This step might introduce new strategies in attracting global investments and further developing the business environment.
Summary
The UAE government's latest decisions clearly reflect the country's forward-looking vision. Whether in talent attraction, infrastructure development, cybersecurity, or sustainability, the UAE strives to remain a key player on the global stage. The announced strategies and projects not only aim at economic growth but also at improving the quality of life for its population.
