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UAE First Regionally and Seventh Globally, According to IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 20182018
Mohammad Bin Rashid: Our competitiveness journey is an accelerating one, and it only makes us more determined to reach the highest ranks
UAE is number one globally in 23 indicators including “Government Decisions” and “International Talent”
- UAE is the only country in the region to be among the top 10 in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2018
- UAE maintained its leadership in the region and moved up three ranks from 2017’s position
- UAE moved up 21 positions in 7 years from 2011 till 2018
- Mohammad Bin Rashid: We have the determination, we have the talent, and we have the resources. Being Number One suits our nation
- Mohammad Bin Rashid: UAE’s experience is a regional one that led to a top global rank. An experience of determination and success that is open for all the Arab nations. We will continue in enhancing our business environment, our infrastructure and our resources, because we want a better life for our people and all the residents in the UAE.
Dubai, UAE – 23 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates came in first rank regionally and seventh rank globally in global competitiveness. That is according to the latest edition of the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2018, published by the Swiss based Insatiate of Management Development (IMD) that was unveiled today. According to the report, the UAE out-performed advanced economies such as Sweden, Norway and Canada and has jumped 21 ranks between the years 2011 and 2018.
According to the report, the UAE came first globally in various indicators such as “Government Decisions”, “Public-Private Partnerships”, “Employment” and “International Talent”. The UAE also came second globally in “Business Efficiency” factor, and third globally in “Diversification of Economy”, “City Management” indicators, forth in “Energy infrastructure” and “Development and Application of Technology” indicators.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai stated that the UAE’s experience is a regional one that led to a top global rank. An experience of determination and success that is open for all the Arab nations. We will continue in enhancing our business environment, our infrastructure and our resources, because we want a better life for our people and all the residents in the UAE.
His Highness added that UAE’s competitiveness journey is an accelerating one, and it only makes us more determined to reach the highest ranks, stressing that we will continue in the competitiveness race and we will not settling for anything less than being number one globally. His Highness concluded by saying” We have the determination, we have the talent, and we have the resources. Being Number One suits our nation.
Emirati Leadership
The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2018 is comprised of four key factors, 20 sub factors and 340 indicators that cover all the major areas of a nations competitiveness in social, administrative, business economic topics that also include government efficiency, education and innovation. In the Economic Factor, the UAE moved from fifth globally in 2017, to third globally in 2018. It also retained its fourth global rank in the government efficiency factor.
On an indicator level, UAE held a number of advanced position in various indicators such as International Trade (1st globally), Employment (3rd globally), and International Investment (10th globally). UAE also achieved high ranks in a number of indictors such as first globally in Employment as a percentage of population, 3rd globally in Diversification of Economy, 5th globally and Export Growth and 6th globally in Youth Unemployment (lack of). The UAE also achieved number one in Quality of Air Transportation and Public-Private Partnerships. The UAE also came 2nd globally in Cyber Security, 3rd globally in Management of Cities, Maintenance and Development and 4th globally in Energy Infrastructure and Application and Development of Technology.
Government and Business Environment
In the Government Effeminacy factor, UAE maintained its 4th rank globally as well as achieved the No 1 rank globally in eight indicators, such as “Government Decisions”, “Immigration laws”, 2nd globally in “Adaptability of Government Policy” and “Lack of Bureaucracy”, 3rd in “Ease of Doing Business” and 4th globally in “Labor regulations”.
As for the Business Efficiency, UAE kept its 2nd rank globally and achieved the first rank globally in 7 of its indicators such as “Overall productivity”, “Industrial Disputes (Lack of)”, “Labor force percentage of total population”, “International Experience” and “Attitudes Towards Globalization”. UAE also came 2nd globally in “Entrepreneurship”, “Digital Transformation”, “Changing Market Conditions” and “Agility of Companies”. The UAE achieved 3rd globally in “Opportunities and Threats” and 5th globally in Use of big data and analytics.”
Commenting on this year’s performance, Her Excellency Reem bin Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State of International Corporation and Chairwoman of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, said: “Under the guidance and direction of the UAE wise leadership, which is built on the continued and sustainable investment in human development and national talent, adoption of innovation and the non-stop development and improvement for the UAE economy; UAE has proven the effectiveness of its comprehensive developmental strategy that its government entities is implementing.”
“We wish to congratulate the UAE leadership and people for this great achievement and comment the collaborative efforts of all the local and federal government entities that worked hand in hand, in support of UAE international competitiveness and the progress it made this year,” added Her Excellency.
Malik Radwan Al Madani, Director of Competitiveness Strategy Deferment at the FCSA added that “No single entity alone can enhance competitiveness performance. It is the result of a collaborative effort between all the relevant local and federal government entities, through the commitment in the constant improvement of performance, the launch of impactful programs and initiatives that aim to extend services to businesses and individuals, thus, moving the nation’s competitiveness scale and contributing to the countries journey to become one of the best countries in the world by the year 2021.”
Global Rankings
In an analysis prepared by the Competitiveness Strategy at the FCSA showed that this year’s top 10 position was highlighted by extensive movement between competing economies. Most prominently, was the United States of America taking over Hong Kong as the Number 1 most competitive country. Hong Kong moved to 2nd followed by Singapore which moved up to number 3. The Netherlands captured the 4th place moving ahead of Switzerland that moved back to 5th and Denmark to the 6th place. UAE moved up to 7th place ahead of Norway, 8th, Sweden 9th and Canada 10th.
The IMD World Competitiveness Center, a research group at IMD business school in Switzerland, has published the rankings every year since 1989. This year 63 countries are ranked.
Al Mheiri: Data is key for UAE’s Future Food Security Strategy
Dubai, UAE, 28 February 2018
During her tour of the headquarters of Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), H.E. Maryam bint Mohammed Saeed Al Mheiri, Minister of State for Future Food Security underscored the importance of cooperation and identifying areas of collaboration between the two entities. The minister met with FCSA team and was briefed on the authority’s mandate and scope of responsibilities in managing global UAE competitiveness efforts, statistics and data portfolio and the realization of sustainable development goals.
Additionally, FCSA Team presented an overview of statistical indicators related to food security and discussed strategic aspects of statistical work, means of collecting data and making it accessible to stakeholders, particularly joint projects between FCSA and government entities, as well as the private sector.
During the meeting, the minister indicated the importance of collaboration with FCSA on the Minister’s initiatives and future projects, as well as FCSA’s role in supporting such programs through FCSA’s expertise in both statistics and competitiveness.
H.E. Al Mheiri said that she looks forward to further cooperation and future joint projects with the FCSA, specifically taking advantage of the entity’s expertise in the field of researches and knowledge products to support UAE’s Future Food Security portfolio.
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General, said: “FCSA is keen to support federal and local government authorities in the field of statistics, data and global competitiveness ranking. FCSA’s expertise and competencies are all set to be at the disposal of H.E. the Minister and her team with the aim to achieve the desired goals and support UAE’s strategy to achieve food security,” he emphasized.
Following the meeting, Al Mheiri was taken on a tour of FCSA office and was briefed on the services and facilities highlighting the distinctive architectural design of FCSA headquarters and its impact on employees, inducing a creative work environment that stimulates productivity and innovation.
- Partnerships that enhance competitiveness and commercial rule of law will underpin investment opportunities in Dubai and UAE
- Business environment and investors power reflect positively on UAE’s rank in competitiveness reports
Dubai, UAE- 26 February 2018
Mark Beer, OBE, Chief Executive of the Dispute Resolution Authority (DRA) at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and an accompanying delegation of senior executives, consultants and financial analysts, visited the FCSA to discuss mutual areas of cooperation between the two entities.
Both teams discussed various topics related to the investment environment in UAE, attending to investors’ interests and attracting development projects that contribute to the sustainability of UAE economic sectors.
“We are glad to have had the opportunity to understand FCSA’s role in boosting its competitiveness in global reports and indicators”, said Mr. Beer. He also hailed FCSA’s interest in collaborating with stakeholders who can influence UAE’s ranking and performance in competitiveness reports, and all the current effort being exerted to maintain an attractive investment environment in the UAE.
“In addition to contributing to UAE’s future plans to become a knowledge-based economy, it is very important that investors have access to accurate data and statistics that reflect market conditions”, said Mr. Beer.
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General, addressed the visiting delegation by underlining that the meeting was fruitful and valuable while stressing the importance of partnerships and cooperation in issues of mutual interest.
He also featured the role of the DRA in protecting investors. He affirmed: “Indeed, the DRA is keen to attend to the interests of the investment environment in the Emirate of Dubai and the implications of such an environment on the financial sector in UAE as a whole, which could reflect positively on the country’s performance in global competitiveness rankings.”
Noteworthy, FCSA is so dedicated to promoting joint cooperation with various authorities and institutions in both public and private sectors. By the end of 2017, FCSA hosted more than 60 official delegations and visits at its headquarters, that is receiving more than one official visit per week from various local and out of the country entities. Indeed, FCSA believes in the importance of participatory work aiming at achieving joint interests and future visions for a knowledge-based society which is supported by accurate and transparent statistics and data based on innovation.
H.E. Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy:
- Happiness is the guiding gauge for sustainable development.
H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi:
- The ‘SDGs In Action’ forum reaffirms that happiness as key to the success of sustainable development.
Dubai, February 5, 2018
The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals has included happiness and positivity on the agenda for the upcoming “SDGs In Action 2018” forum, set to take place on February 10, on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai.
The new addition sheds light on the role of happiness and positivity in achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the region and the world. Representatives from the National Happiness and Positivity Programme are set to take part in some of the Forum’s sessions, in order to showcase the UAE’s experience, vision and strategies for spreading happiness among members of the community, and highlight the pragmatic steps taken to implement these goals.
Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Chairwoman of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) and Chairwoman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, said: “Happiness and positivity are key to sustainable development in the UAE. Our country’s consistent high ranking on international happiness indices is a testament to the validity and success of our government’s policies, initiatives and services, all of which seek, first and foremost, to guarantee the wellbeing and happiness of the community. These efforts have catalysed growth in several key sectors in the UAE, boosting the country’s international competitiveness.”
“The inclusion of happiness in the Forum’s agenda adheres to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to embrace happiness as a way of life. It is an opportunity to highlight the visions and strategies adopted by the government to ensure that happiness is treated as a means to achieve sustainable development,” H.E. Al Hashimy added.
For her part, H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing, Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, said: “The accelerated pace of development and prosperity in the UAE is a reflection of the legacy that our Founding Father, H.H. the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, had established for us to keep moving forward, realise the vision and aspirations of our wise leadership, and implement plans and strategies to promote the happiness and wellbeing of our people. This vision closely resonates with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which seeks to make the world a better place. The UAE was one of the first nations to support this Agenda and synchronise it with our national priorities.”
“The ‘SDGs In Action 2018’ forum is an important milestone in the quest to establish the happiness of individuals as a key ingredient in the success of sustainable development efforts,” H.E. Al Roumi continued. “We are committed to building strategic partnerships and bridges of cooperation and communication with all entities involved in implementing the 2030 Agenda in the UAE, which would allow us to develop, apply and harmonise government plans, programmes and policies to support sustainable development and spread happiness.”
The forum is set to bring together 300 officials and decision makers from the government, the private sector and academic institutions from the UAE and abroad, to discuss a set of plans, strategies and initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development in the UAE and the world. Participants will also explore the challenges inhibiting growth, and the UAE’s pioneering experience and impressive developmental track record, which has caught the world’s attention.
- Young Emiratis to take part in an event to discuss the implementation of SDGs on the sidelines of the World Government Summit 2018.
Dubai, January 30, 2018
The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals applauded the great turnout from young Emiratis for the “SDGs in Action 2018” event, set to take place on February 10, 2018, on the sidelines of the World Government Summit, in an effort to engage the youth in SDG plans and programmes.
The UAE youth join more than 300 executives from various local and international public, private and academic establishments to discuss plans, strategies and initiatives that seek to achieve sustainable development, and address key challenges facing SDGs around the world.
Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), said: “Harnessing young people’s energy and channelling it towards development plans is the key to successful sustainable progress. In line with the leadership’s wise vision to engage young people in decision making, UAE government officials are committed to encouraging young Emiratis to take part in international events of this scale, in an effort to hone their skills and build on their ideas and suggestions to address challenges and build a better future.”
“Through its National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority is committed to engaging young people in the sustainability agenda,” H.E. Al Hashemi added. “Their involvement is the fruit of the many initiatives that brought together the Authority, the Committee, and the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs, since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, announced, in February 2016, the world’s first ministry dedicated to the youth.”
H.E. Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Chairperson of the Emirates Youth Council, added: “We are delighted to be taking part in this event dedicated to the sustainable development goals, which offers opportunities to explore international best practices, exchange ideas, and build robust networks to empower the youth as they join the sustainable development efforts spanning all sectors in the UAE, the region and the world.”
“The UAE leadership prioritises investment in human resources – particularly, the youth,” H.E. Al Mazrui pointed out. “Federal and Local Government bodies have been instructed to set plans and strategies to empower the youth and prepare a generation of highly qualified professionals to carry on with the sustainable development efforts taking place across the country. This reflects our leaders’ faith in the youth, who they consider to be the engine and driving force behind sustainable development.”
“SDGs in Action 2018” is an international event that seeks to discuss pragmatic solution to achieve sustainable development, raise awareness around them among all segments of society, discuss national and international best practices in this field, open channels for effective communication between all parties involved, and extend bridges of cooperation to achieve these goals on a global scale.
DUBAI, 22nd January, 2018 (WAM)
The UAE occupied the first regional position and the 17th international position on the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, GTCI, according to the 2018 publication issued by INSEAD.
The report is a comprehensive annual index that measures how countries and cities grow, attract and retain talent, providing a unique resource for decision makers to understand the global talent competitiveness picture and develop strategies for boosting their competitiveness.
In this year’s report, the UAE advanced two positions in compared to last year’s ranking. The UAE retained its rank among the 20 best countries in the world on the index, topping GCC, Middle East and African countries
Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman of Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, FCSA, expressed her pride in this achievement and thanked all government authorities and private sector companies for their co-operation in supporting the UAE’s competitiveness.
She stressed that UAE’s progress in the talent competitiveness index proves to the world the efficiency of its comprehensive development strategy, based on the directives of its wise leadership, aimed at building a knowledge-based economy, as well as its success in providing an environment that attracts talent.
Malik Al Madani, Director of the Competitiveness Strategy Department in FCSA, stressed that the UAE is harvesting the fruits of years of hard work to provide a solid infrastructure and an attractive economic and investment environment as well as establish an advanced education sector. He pointed out that all these components promote the development of human resources in the country and support its progress and international competitiveness.
Al Madani also added that the UAE achieved an exceptional performance in a number of key pillars and sub-indexes in this year’s report, after occupying the first international position in five sub-indexes including easy employment, each employee’s productivity, and international students’ attraction
The report also indicated that the UAE achieved the second international position in the strength of work relations between the government and business index, economic blocs/free zones, attracting minds and talents, and the third international position in the foreign direct investment and technology transfer and maintaining minds and talents.
This year’s report also witnessed an improvement in a number of pillars and sub-indexes as the country jumped by 13 positions compared to last year’s ranking to the first international position in the professional and technical skills pillar, measuring the availability of the required professional and technical skills in the different labour market sectors.
The UAE secured the third place internationally in attraction, which evaluates its ability to attract the best skills from outside the country, in addition to the country’s advancement of 19 levels in this year’s report in the growth axis, which measures the average growth of talent available in the country.
Al Madani said that the country is working to achieve its vision of becoming one of the best countries in the world by the UAE Centennial 2071, by focusing on future foresight, building an economy based on knowledge, creating an attracting business atmosphere, following innovation, and providing an advanced knowledge infrastructure, which supports the creation and exchange of knowledge.
The 2018 edition of GTCI includes 68 variables (65 in 2017), covering 119 countries and 90 cities (respectively 118 and 46 in 2017). This year again, GTCI scores are led by developed, high-income countries.
Switzerland maintains its number 1 position, followed by Singapore and the United States.
European countries continue to dominate the GTCI rankings, with 15 of them in the top 25.
Among the non-European countries ranking high this year, are Australia (11th), New Zealand (12th), Canada (15th), the United Arab Emirates (17th), and Japan (20th) for example.
UAE is leading the Arab region for the fifth consecutive year in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report
- The UAE is among the top 10 countries in the world in five of the main topics of the report: Issuing building permits, Getting electricity, Registering Property and protection of minority investors
- The UAE is first globally in Getting Electricity and Paying Taxes topics
- The UAE achieved the highest jump in Resolving Insolvency with 35 ranks jump from last year’s rank
- UAE jumped 13 ranks becoming 1st regionally and 12th globally in Enforcing Contracts
Dubai, UAE 31st October 2017
The World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business 2018 report revealed today that the United Arab Emirates is ranked 21st globally and is ranked top of Arab countries for the fifth year in a row. Additionally, the report showed that the UAE is ranked in the top ten globally in five of the reports 10 topics. The UAE is first globally in ‘paying taxes’ and ‘getting electricity’ topics, UAE also ranked 2nd globally in ‘dealing with construction permits’ and 10th globally in ‘registering property’ and ‘registering property’. According to the methodology adopted by the World Bank for the current year, the UAE jumped from 26th place globally to 21st, ahead of all countries in the Arab region covered by the report and for the fifth year in a row.
Commenting on this achievement, Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman of Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, said that the performance of the United Arab Emirates in this year’s report is the result of months of collaboration, hard work and commitment by both federal and local government entities with the Competitive Strategy team at the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority. “Our wise leadership has emphasized the strategic importance of building a business environment that attracts investors from within and outside the country. The UAE was built on the forearms of our founding fathers, who worked in trade and welcome traders from all over the world. We will continue on this path to realize the vision of our leadership’s vision for the UAE to become one of the best countries in the world by the centennial of the founding of the State," added her excellency.
His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, stressed the important role played by small and medium enterprises as the infrastructure of any economy around the world. "Each year, the UAE demonstrates its ability to compete globally across various sectors. This is thanks to the guidance of the wise leadership of the UAE and a strategic vision that aims to elevate the UAE to become the best country in the world by 2071," added his Excellency Al Mansouri.
HE Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, praised the efforts exerted by Ministry of Finance teams and the cooperation of both federal and local government entities to improve UAE’s global competitiveness. "The Ministry of Finance has adopted an innovation-driven strategy in its continuous development efforts of all the services extended to individuals and institutions alike. The Ministry also implements best financial management practices to maintain the continuing improvement of the national financial ecosystem and building a stable and sustainable economy characterized by flexibility and diversity. The UAE’s performance as the 21st best globally in the World Bank report is a global testament to the success of the country’s strategy to build an advanced economic infrastructure and financial system that ensures prosperity and prosperity and achieves global leadership. "
His Excellency Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai and member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, said: "We are very excited with the UAE’s progress in this report and achieving 21st position in the world. I am also proud of the role played by Dubai government entities, which represents the UAE in many topics of this report. This accomplishment is attributed to the successful developmental policies adopted by the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and their vision which is built on innovation and the drive to collaborate to achieve national plans, to reach global leading ranks across all fields and sectors."
According to this year’s report, The World Bank’s report acknowledged the country’s efforts to improve procedures and laws related to the process of establishing companies and facilitating procedures for both domestic and foreign investors. The World Bank report this year officially documented four improvements in the following topics: Dealing with Construction permits, Getting Electricity, Access to Credit and Resolving Insolvency.
These improvements are the outcome of the hard work and dedication of over 50 government official and expert who work all year long to with the strategy competitiveness team at the FCSA working on workshops, simulations, paper work and field visits to the World Bank headquarter in Washington DC.
The Doing Business report issued by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Washington and assesses 190 countries that are subject to government measures that affect 10 areas of business life and they are (1) Staring a business, (2) Dealing with construction permits, (3) Getting Electricity, (4) Registering Property, (5) Getting Credit, (6) Protection of minority investors (7) Paying taxes (8) Trading across-borders (9) enforcing contracts and (10) resolving insolvency.
The UAE’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached AED 1.776 billion in 2024, recording a growth rate of 4% compared to 2023. The non-oil GDP grew by 5%, amounting to AED 1.342 billion, while oil-related sectors and activities contributed AED 434 billion.
His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, stated that the GDP figures issued by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) for 2024 represent a new notable achievement for the national economy. Affirming the UAE’s key breakthroughs under the vision and directives of its wise leadership, in driving economic diversification and enhancing global competitiveness. By the end of last year, non-oil sectors accounted for 75.5% of the country’s total GDP.
His Excellency added that these indicators reflect the success of the UAE’s economic strategies and policies aimed at transitioning to an innovative, knowledge-based, and sustainable economic model, in line with emerging trends and advanced technologies.
H.E. further stated, “We continue to enhance our national efforts under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. These efforts support the economic targets of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which aims to raise the GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for the new economy, ensuring sustainable development, leadership, and international competitiveness.”
Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, affirmed that the 4% growth in the UAE’s GDP last year reflects the strong performance of the national economy, which is supported by a forward-looking vision focused on sustainable, non-oil-driven growth.
H.E. noted that the UAE’s leadership continues to build a pioneering and globally advanced economic model, where economic diversification remains a key pillar and catalyst for sustainable development, community prosperity, and continued national achievements. This approach helps ensure the sustainability of GDP growth and progress across various economic and development indicators.
Top Performing Economic Activities
In terms of the most dynamic economic sectors in 2024 compared to 2023, transport and storage sector led the way with a 9.6% growth, driven by strong performance in passenger traffic and flight operations across UAE airports, which handled 147.8 million travelers, reflecting an annual growth of nearly 10%.
The construction sector expanded by 8.4%, supported by substantial investment in urban infrastructure projects. Financial and insurance activities grew by 7%, while the hospitality sector, including restaurants and hotels, increased by 5.7%, and real estate activities rose by 4.8%.
Among non-oil economic activities, trade was the largest contributor to GDP, accounting for 16.8%, followed by manufacturing at 13.5%, financial and insurance activities at 13.2%, construction at 11.7%, and real estate at 7.8%.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has chaired a Cabinet meeting held at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.
The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Interior.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “I chaired a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where we reviewed the UAE’s performance in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. The UAE ranked 5th globally, alongside the world’s leading countries in economic competitiveness, government efficiency, legislative strength, and business environment excellence. Sixteen years ago, we established a competitiveness center, uniting the efforts of key national entities. These efforts have elevated the UAE’s ranking from 28th globally in 2009 to being among the top five globally in competitiveness. In the same report, the UAE ranked 1st globally in the absence of bureaucracy index, 2nd globally in government policies adaptability index, and 4th globally in government efficiency index. This achievement is a testament to years of consistent effort. With the vision of my brother, Mohamed bin Zayed, our future will continue to be even brighter and stronger.”
The UAE Cabinet reviewed the 2025 Global Competitiveness Ranking results, published by the IMD World Competitiveness Center in Lausanne, Switzerland. This year, the UAE is ranked among the top five globally, scoring 96.09 out of 100 points. The country advanced two positions from last year, surpassing countries such as the United States, Sweden, Germany, and Canada, while maintaining its top ranking as the regional leader for the ninth consecutive year.
The report evaluates 69 countries based on four key areas: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. Its findings cover 341 competitiveness indicators across economic, administrative, and social fields.
The 2025 edition also introduced five new indicators: food waste, environmental performance, freely elected government, passport mobility, and media bias.
This year, the UAE made significant progress in the business efficiency pillar, rising seven spots to rank third globally. It also maintained a strong standing globally in economic performance and government efficiency, ranking second and fourth, respectively.
The UAE’s exceptional performance in key sectors contributed to its leadership in 113 global indicators across the report’s main and sub-pillars. The country ranked first globally in 22 indicators, including employment rate, absence of bureaucracy, availability of global expertise, digital transformation in companies, venture capital, inbound mobility of higher education students, public-private partnerships, energy infrastructure, and female parliamentary representation.
The UAE also ranked second globally in social cohesion, flexibility of residency laws, and government policy adaptability, while securing third globally in graduates in sciences, leverage of digital tools and technology, and healthcare infrastructure.
The UAE, represented by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), participated in the 17th Meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices of BRICS, held in Fortaleza, Brazil. The meeting saw the participation of high-level delegations as part of the Triple International Forum on Global South Governance.
The meeting focused on vital topics aimed at strengthening statistical cooperation among BRICS countries. Discussions included the production of digital age indicators, exchange of national experiences in economic development, poverty reduction, climate change mitigation, international statistical training, and joint publications such as the Joint Statistical Publication (JSP) of the BRICS group. These efforts aim to strengthen statistical cooperation frameworks, paving the way for further integration in data production and support for development policies within the group’s countries.
Hanan Ahli: UAE Supports Global Dialogue on Shaping a Data-Driven Future Enhanced by Statistical Innovation
Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, affirmed that UAE’s participation reflects its commitment to supporting global dialogue on shaping a data-driven future, enhancing its governance through a flexible and comprehensive knowledge system that responds to national priorities and aligns with global trends. By leveraging statistical innovation tools and enhancing cognitive integration, the aim is to build more sustainable communities.
Hanan Ahli added, “We look forward to strengthening cooperation frameworks with BRICS countries through the UN Global Platform Regional Hub in the UAE, contributing to the development of indicators that reflect the digital age realities and support joint efforts and knowledge exchange in this vital field.”
The UAE delegation highlighted the importance of developing modern statistical tools that reflect digital transformations in national economies, reaffirming the country’s commitment to enhancing international partnerships in data and evidence-based policy support. The delegation also showcased UAE’s efforts in developing data infrastructure, enabling innovation in statistical work, and deploying modern technologies such as AI and big data to support sustainable development strategies.
The UAE delegation stated that enhancing coordination and aligning the Joint Statistical Publication (JSP) of the BRICS group with public policy requirements is necessary, focusing on the specific nature and development needs of the group’s countries to enhance the effectiveness of data in decision-making processes.
It is worth mentioning that BRICS Heads of National Statistical Offices Meetings serve as a high-level platform bringing together decision-makers and international experts in statistics and big data to exchange experiences, discuss opportunities for effective cooperation and partnerships, and explore the latest innovative practices in statistical work, contributing to the development of quality initiatives that support continuous assessment of evolving needs at regional and international levels.
“President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a Federal Decree No. (6) for the year 2015 establishing the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) under the UAE Cabinet.
The new Authority, to be based in the emirate of Dubai, effectively replaces the National Bureau of Statistics and the Emirates Competitiveness Council by integrating the functions of both the entities.
As per the decree, the Authority will work to strengthen the UAE’s position across all global competitiveness indicators as well as promote sustainable development, in addition to serving as the apex body that organises and manages the statistics and competitiveness sectors.
The Authority is also mandated to build an integrated national statistical system. The establishment of the FCSA supports the goals of the UAE Vision 2021, a strategic roadmap to make the UAE among the best countries in the world by 2021.
Functions of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority Aiming to support the UAE’s competitiveness indicators, the new Authority will undertake a wide array of functions to achieve its goals.
The functions of the Authority include proposing policies, strategies and plans for statistics and competitiveness in coordination with the government and the related entities, as well as evaluating international best practices in all areas of the statistics and competitiveness sectors.
The FCSA will also work to promote a culture of competitiveness, and provide training and support to all government entities for the advancement of statistics and competitive operations.
It will act as an incubator for promoting best and specialized national skills in the UAE, in addition to preparing and implementing a unified statistical system for various sectors in the country.
The Authority will also represent the nation at various international forums in the field of statistics and competitiveness. Enhancing coordination with local entities FCSA is entrusted with a bigger vision and wider tasks to make significant positive changes in strategies to strengthen the efforts of the UAE to increase its competitiveness, especially through information and data revolution.
As per the decree, the Authority is the first and only official reference for all matters related to competitiveness for global reports and surveys.
It will be also a source of official statistics regarding the nation. The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority also will serve as the main link between all the federal and local governments, as well as private sector and international organisations in all matters related to the competitiveness and statistics.
The new Federal decree also nullifies the Federal Law No. 9 of 2009 concerning the National Bureau of Statistics, and eliminates all regulations contrary to or inconsistent with its provisions.
The federal decree will be published in the official newspapers, and shall be effective from the day following the date of publishing. The UAE Cabinet also issued a decree appointing Reem Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Minister of State, as Chairperson of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority.
The board will include representatives from the Executive Councils of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Al Diwan Al Amiri in Fujairah.
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UAE ranked first in Arab world for 3rd year in row in Ease of Doing Business: World Bank report 2016
- First regionally in the general classification and the number of documented improvements.
- First regionally in six out of ten categories.
- First globally in the category of the impact of non- payment of taxes, which does not affect business.
- Second globally in the category of the process of construction permits.
- Fourth globally in the category of electricity delivery.
International day of sign language
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, received, at his office at the Amiri Diwan, the members of the Higher Committee for Coordination of Statistical Work at the State level
Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development
Highlights of H.E Noor AlKhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development
Intro to UNCEBD Task Team Training Competencies Capacity Level
UN Regional Hub for BIG DATA in UAE WEBINAR SERIES
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