United Arab Emirates: Beyond Vision 2021
United Arab Emirates: Beyond Vision 2021
The UAE has made significant strides under Vision 2021, achieving success in economic diversification, infrastructure development, and innovation. The nation aims to build on these achievements with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ initiative and the UAE Centennial 2071 plan. Looking back, how has the country performed against each of its goals?
United in Ambition & Responsibility
Confident and Socially Responsible Emiratis
This pillar involves Emirati citizens being more involved in their communities with a strong work ethic and dedication. The unemployment rate has steadily decreased despite pandemic challenges (Chart 1).
Chart 1 | UAE Unemployment Rate
Cohesive and Prosperous Families
Maintaining positive familial relations and stable households is key to preserving the rich culture and tradition of the nation and provides a secure environment to raise children. As such, Abu Dhabi was successful in reducing the divorce rate from 9% in 2021 to 3% in 2022 by building tolerance, dialogue, and dispute resolution.
In addition, the labor force participation rate for women has been steadily increasing. As of 2023, it stands at 55.4%, which is higher than the world average of 48.7%. This indicates that the nation is empowering women and providing them with choices.
Strong and Active Communities
It is important to have a strong charitable presence in the UAE to keep citizens active, responsible, and socially aware. Abu Dhabi alone recorded almost 900,000 hours of volunteer work in 2023, representing $17 million in value. This shows the dedication of citizens to be involved and give back.
Vibrant Culture
Arab language and moderate Islamic values form the backbone of the nation, fostering respect, tolerance, and acceptance. Emiratis have been venturing into the globalized world while holding on to their values and roots. The UAE adult literacy rate stands at 98%, indicating a highly educated population. In addition, the hosting of the Expo 2020 showcased the vibrant heritage of the country.
United in Destiny
Upholding the Legacy of the Founding Fathers
The government continues to be united, aligning on all aspects of running the nation. This ensures that cohesion is maintained and that progress continues uninterrupted.
Safe and Secure Nation
This pillar involves upholding justice, maintaining a safe environment for all, creating social safety nets, and having a robust welfare system to shield against difficulties. Prominently, Dubai has one of the lowest crime rates globally, standing at a total of 24.6 per hundred thousand people (Chart 2). This indicates that leadership has effective preventative measures and strict laws to ensure the security of their citizens.
Chart 2 | Dubai Major Crime Statistics
Enhanced International Standing
The UAE is a competitive business hub, possessing over 40 free zones with tax incentives where companies can thrive. They allow foreign ownership, have expedited business procedures, and provide modern infrastructure. Two of the most popular zones include the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
On the international development side, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has led the charge, financing strategic infrastructure projects in over 100 countries with $28 billion of funding to date. ADFD provides beneficiary countries with the funding needed to grow and achieve sustainable development.
Such examples these enhance the country’s international standing, highlighting its successes and making it a role model for the region.
United in Knowledge
Harness Full Potential of Human Capital
According to the Ministry of Education, the UAE has 76 accredited higher education institutions. They are aligned with market and employer needs, ensuring the tools are in place to build a strong generation of learners.
Sustainable and Diversified Economy
Like neighboring economies, the UAE is diversifying its economy and government revenue away from oil and natural resources. Non-oil sectors contributed over 70% to GDP in 2023, growing 2.5% from the previous year. This shows resilience and progress in generating sustainable growth.
Knowledge-Based and Productive Economy
There is an intense focus on innovation, research, science, and technology. Developing these will ensure productivity and competitiveness in entrepreneurship. Regulation will be flexible enough to allow businesses to thrive and scale ideas.
United in Prosperity
Long and Healthy Lives
Providing high living standards is one of the best ways to ensure a long-lasting and productive civilian population. The healthcare system in the UAE is a mix of public and private and ranked first among the GCC in 2022 and 17th in the world in 2024.
First-Rate Education
Young people are the future, and the government is making sure they maximize their full potential. National educational curriculums are being overhauled to teach real-world skills and improve exam scores.
Well-Rounded Lifestyles
Infrastructure, services, and leisure are all among the lifestyle benefits the government aims to provide its citizens with. Emiratis are encouraged to partake in sports, recreation, and activities.
Additionally, government service digitization and efficient utility provision are priorities. These allow mobility, effectiveness, and reliability when it comes to citizen needs.
Well-Preserved Natural Environment
The country is a global leader in sustainable practices and maintaining the environment. It is continually developing energy-efficient technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and reduce its vulnerability to climate threats.
Looking Forward
We the UAE 2031 Vision
This is a strategic plan launched by the United Arab Emirates to build on Vision 2021's achievements and further development goals over the next decade. It involves four pillars: forward society, forward economy, forward diplomacy, and forward ecosystem.
The plan aims to enhance economic growth by promoting innovation, reducing oil dependence, and boosting non-oil sectors like tourism and finance. It emphasizes upgrading education, improving healthcare, and fostering renewable energy to ensure sustainability.
UAE Net Zero 2050
The first of its kind among the Middle East and North African nations, this plan aims to increase renewable energy and ensure the country’s sectors are sustainable. This involves nuclear and solar energy, among more.
This is crucial in a world reliant on fossil fuels and releasing emissions. The UAE aims to become a leader in controlling pollution and safeguarding the future of the planet.
UAE Centennial 2071 Plan
The UAE Centennial 2071 Plan is an ambitious long-term strategy aimed at positioning the United Arab Emirates among the world's leading nations by its centenary in 2071. The plan focuses on four main pillars: future-focused government, excellent education, a diversified knowledge economy, and a happy and cohesive society.
The program involves enhancing the nation’s reputation, reducing oil reliance, investing in technology-based education, building citizen ethics and morals, raising economic productivity, and enhancing social cohesion.
Recommendations
Advance Sustainable Development Goals
The UAE should align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to support the interests of the world. On top of the progress they have made, the nation should continue promoting environmental education and conservation efforts to help build a culture of sustainability among Emiratis.
Conduct Regular Assessments
To ensure continued progress toward future visions, the UAE should implement mechanisms for regular assessments and evaluations. These assessments should be data-driven, focusing on key performance indicators aligned with national goals.
Regular evaluations will help identify areas of success and areas needing improvement, allowing for timely adjustments in strategies and policies. Involving a diverse range of stakeholders in these assessments will ensure that the policies reflect the needs and aspirations of all Emiratis, promoting transparency and accountability in the pursuit of long-term sustainable development.
Prioritize Inclusive Policymaking
To foster inclusive policymaking, the UAE should actively involve a diverse range of stakeholders in the policy development process, including citizens and businesses. This ensures that policies are reflective of the entire population's needs and aspirations.
