TLDR:
The UAE pushes for investment growth
Focus on innovation and sustainability
35% rise in FDI inflows
DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has urged national leaders to quicken their efforts in bolstering the UAE’s global standing as a leading investment hub, reflecting the leadership’s ambition to place the country at the forefront of the international economy. During a key meeting with UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Sheikh Hamdan underscored the strategic importance of aligning national initiatives with the UAE’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. The discussion focused on enhancing the nation’s attractiveness for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and emerging industries. Attended by Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, the meeting highlighted the UAE’s dedication to cementing its global leadership position as an investment destination.
The UAE’s focus on innovation and sustainability, alongside the empowerment of Emirati talent, formed the crux of Sheikh Hamdan’s vision for advancing the national economy. Acknowledging the impressive growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, the discussions covered the importance of maintaining investor confidence through flexible policies, robust infrastructure, and supportive legislative frameworks.
The UAE’s investment position
During the meeting with the UAE Minister of Investment, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Sheikh Hamdan focused on ensuring that national policies remain aligned with the long-term ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. This vision places emphasis on establishing the UAE as a prominent player in the global economy, attracting substantial investments, particularly in future-focused sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, and sustainability.
Key government entities, including the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, were highlighted as playing crucial roles in promoting an environment that encourages innovation. The integration of these advanced sectors is seen as pivotal in achieving sustainable development and driving economic diversification, ensuring that the UAE remains an attractive hub for international investors.
At the core
Sheikh Hamdan’s discussions placed significant focus on the critical role that innovation and sustainability play in the UAE’s long-term economic strategy. With the global shift toward greener, more sustainable business models, the UAE is positioning itself as a leader in this space. Sheikh Hamdan underscored the importance of fostering innovation across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, to create a more resilient economy.
The national strategy also places a premium on developing Emirati talent, advancing their capabilities to enable them to drive future economic growth. This investment in local talent is seen as a cornerstone in achieving the goals of economic diversification, particularly as the country strives to move away from oil dependency.
Investor confidence, flexible policies
Fostering a secure, welcoming investment environment is key to the UAE’s strategy for attracting foreign investors. Sheikh Hamdan reiterated the importance of implementing flexible policies that promote growth while ensuring that the country’s advanced infrastructure and enabling legislative framework continue to meet the demands of international businesses.
This commitment has already begun to bear fruit. According to the 2024 Global FDI Report from UNCTAD, the UAE witnessed a significant rise in foreign direct investment inflows, amounting to over AED112.6 billion in 2023. This represents a 35 percent increase compared to the previous year, cementing the UAE’s position as the second-largest destination for FDI globally.
