Media Center
DATA FOR A BETTER FUTURE
His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, announced that the UAE’s GDP grew by 5.1% during the first 9 months of 2025, as compared to the same period in 2024, reaching approximately AED 1.4 trillion. His Excellency emphasized that this growth reflects the success of the UAE’s economic policies, driven by the vision and direction of the wise leadership, further reaffirming the UAE’s position as a leading global economic power and an attractive destination for business and investment.
“These positive results, issued by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, indicate the achievement of new levels of growth and competitiveness,” H.E. added. “Non-oil GDP recorded a 6.1% growth during the first 9 months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, exceeding AED 1 trillion in value. This reflects the continued development of the UAE’s economic model, built on diversification, knowledge, innovation, and the development of a robust and competitive legislative and economic environment,” he noted.
H.E. the Minister stated that: “These results shed light on the strong performance of non-oil sectors and their pivotal role in achieving the economic objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which aims to double the country’s GDP to AED 3 trillion and position the UAE as a leading global hub for the new economy over the next decade.”
Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), stated that GDP indicators for the first 9 months of 2025 reflect the advancement the national economy has reached, driven by integrated government policies and the efficiency of the national data and statistics ecosystem.
“This strong performance reflects the competitiveness of the UAE’s economic model based on diversification, innovation, and investment in human capital, reinforced by policy integration and strategic planning supported by accurate and reliable statistics,” she said.
She further noted that the continuous development of the national statistical system, alongside the use of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in analyzing economic indicators, has enhanced policy efficiency and promoted the UAE’s ability to achieve its development objectives.
Fastest-Growing Sectors Drive Economic Transformation
Results from the FCSC showcased the UAE’s success in consolidating a balanced and sustainable economic model based on diversification, productivity enhancement, and increasing value-added across vital sectors. This performance reflects the resilience of the UAE’s economic foundations and its capacity to sustain growth amid global economic shifts and challenges, supported by resilient economic policies, advanced infrastructure, and a competitive legislative ecosystem.
The finance and insurance sector recorded the highest growth rate during the first 9 months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, achieving 9% growth. It was followed by the construction sector at 8.7%, real estate at 7.9%, and manufacturing industries at 6.9%.
In terms of sectoral contribution to non-oil GDP, the trade sector ranked first with a 16.1% share, followed by manufacturing industries at 13.9%, finance and insurance at 13.5%, construction at 11.9%, and real estate activities at 7.9%.
UAE Leadership Promotes GCC Economic Integration
GCC economies recorded positive economic performance across key sectors during the first 9 months of 2025. The UAE led this advanced performance, reaffirming the effectiveness of the targeted national policies in supporting a diversified and sustainable economic model.
This progress reinforces the UAE’s position as a key driver of regional growth and a trusted international economic partner, contributing to strengthening GCC economic integration and advancing balanced development pathways that promote stability and prosperity across the region.
During Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in collaboration with the National Committee on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in strategic partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), launched the “Sustainability Club which is a pioneering national initiative. The launch forms part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to translate its commitment to empowering younger generations and strengthening their role in achieving the SDGs by 2030.
The initiative aims to empower children and position them as active leaders in raising awareness and implementing community-based activities aligned with the 17 SDGs. Seventeen children have been selected, each representing one of the Goals, and will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to lead awareness campaigns and community initiatives within their schools and wider communities. Through this approach, the initiative seeks to embed the concept of sustainability through a child’s perspective into national action.
H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on the SDGs, stated that the launch of the Sustainability Club reflects the UAE’s approach to investing in people and building capabilities from an early age, positioning children as genuine partners in the nation’s development journey and future-shaping efforts.
H.E. Lootah said: “Empowering children to understand the Sustainable Development Goals and actively contribute to achieving them is a long-term strategic investment that ensures sustainable impact and enhances national readiness for the future. For us, children are not merely beneficiaries of the sustainability agenda; they are leaders who carry its values and translate them into on-the-ground community practices.”
He added: “At the National Committee on the Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to fostering an enabling environment that empowers children to express themselves, take initiative, and participate meaningfully. This enhances their early awareness of national and global issues. The Sustainability Club stands as a leading national model that reflects the UAE’s commitment to building a conscious, responsible generation capable of contributing effectively to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
H.E. Rym Abdulla Al Falasy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, emphasized that the UAE’s sustainability story has been written by its people, families, and the values passed down across generations. These values, she noted, have become integral to how children are raised, how they frame their questions, and how they envision their country’s future.
She cited the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: “Future generations will be living in a world that is very different from that to which we are accustomed. It is essential that we prepare ourselves and our children for that new world.”
She added: “Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation,’ Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), consistently directs that children’s wellbeing remain at the core of the development journey. These directives serve as a guiding beacon for the Council’s work, informing every policy review, national consultation, and future framework.”
Al Falasy explained that the Sustainability Club is distinguished by both its simplicity and its ambition. Seventeen children represent the 17 global goals, with each child leading a small initiative within their school or community, transforming ideas into habits, lessons into practices, and responsibility into pride.
“We are not asking children to carry global burdens; rather, we are giving them space to care, to experiment, to express themselves, and to have their voices heard. Sustainability becomes truly meaningful when it is tangible, whether through a child saving water at school, planting a tree with classmates, telling a story about justice, or questioning the importance of waste management. Such actions create real impact and shift the dialogue from conference halls to family dining tables, becoming part of everyday life.”
She concluded by affirming that the Sustainability Club is, at its core, an invitation to empower children to shape the future with their own voices.
In turn, Lana Al Wreikat, UNICEF Director for the GCC stated that the Sustainability Club reflects the UAE’s vision to build an aware generation capable of leading the future with confidence and responsibility. She noted that the Club seeks to empower children to become active contributors, not merely beneficiaries of development by engaging them in sustainability issues such as climate action, social responsibility, and artificial intelligence from an early age. She emphasized that investing in children’s capabilities and values forms the foundation for building more cohesive and innovative societies in the future.
The Sustainability Club:
The Sustainability Club initiative adopts a phased programme that begins with an introductory announcement, followed by preparation and planning, member selection, and comprehensive capacity-building. It then moves into the implementation of social initiatives led by participating children, alongside ongoing follow-up and impact measurement to track progress and outcomes. This structured approach is designed to ensure the sustainability of results and alignment with SDG indicators.
The initiative builds on the UAE’s continued efforts to embed a culture of sustainability, strengthen national and international partnerships, and reinforce its position as a global model for engaging children in advancing the international sustainable development agenda.
Officials, experts, and business leaders from the UAE and around the world explored future pathways for sustainable development over the next two decades during the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Forum, organized by the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).
As part of the program, the Committee, in partnership with the Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO) Network, also convened a roundtable titled “Redefining Sustainability”, which discussed ways to reimagine development beyond 2030 through key themes shaping the coming decade.
The Forum, held under the theme “2030 to 2045: Delivering Now, Designing Tomorrow,” aimed to share insights and ideas that support accelerating progress on the SDGs, shaping the future of development priorities for the next phase, and strengthening partnerships across sectors and their role in achieving sustainable development outcomes.
His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of UAE’s the National Committee on SDGs, underscored the importance of foresight within the comprehensive development framework adopted by the UAE leadership. He noted that foresight plays a pivotal role in strengthening efforts to achieve the SDGs and in designing the future of sustainability to ensure optimal outcomes.
He added that hosting the Forum as part of ADSW highlights the integration of national efforts in shaping the future of sustainable development and reflects the importance of this national platform in bringing together partners concerned with sustainability, its challenges, and future opportunities. He emphasized that the Forum represents an open space for all global partners and parties engaged in designing a sustainable future for generations to come.
Development Driven by Partnerships
His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for Electricity, Water and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, delivered the opening keynote of the Forum, focusing on the UAE’s commitment to accelerating progress towards the SDGs, strengthening national and global partnerships, and mapping future development pathways.
Al Kaabi stated: “The UAE is committed to achieving the SDGs through building strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders that translate our ambitions into tangible and effective actions. These efforts support the creation of a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future from 2030 to 2045 and beyond.”
Environment and Cities
H.E. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), also delivered a keynote address at the Forum, highlighting the UAE’s leadership in advancing the SDGs through national action and global engagement. She addressed how integrated policies, innovation, and partnerships translate global commitments into measurable impact.
Dr. Al Dhaheri discussed environmental and urban themes, noting that environmental resilience in cities is achieved through the integration of technology and nature into a single, cohesive system. She stated that during ADSW 2026, Abu Dhabi is leading an integrated approach that connects marine ecosystems, real-time data, and environmental governance mechanisms, transforming sustainability from policy into tangible, measurable, and scalable impact.
Resilient Systems… Real Results
In a session titled “Resilient Systems… Real Results,” H.E. Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Hon. Datuk Dr. Haji Hazland, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability of Sarawak, Malaysia; and Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chief Climate Change & Sustainability Officer at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), shared insights on the impact of cross-sector integration in delivering meaningful sustainable development outcomes.
The session explored how integrated service delivery across vital systems—such as water, energy, infrastructure, and urban environments—can outperform siloed approaches. Speakers discussed areas for improvement in supporting integration to enhance resilience and results, as well as how digital tools and data platforms are transforming systems.
Connectivity for Sustainability
A session titled “Powering the Nexus” examined the integrated actions required to achieve carbon neutrality. Participants included Badr Al Awadhi, Chief Commercial Officer at UAEV, and Farrukh Shad, Senior Vice President and Head of Sustainability Business for the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific at Schneider Electric.
The discussion focused on the critical role of integrated energy and mobility infrastructure in achieving the UAE’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. It also addressed translating sustainability visions into scalable infrastructure, initiatives that strengthen public–private partnerships, and solutions to energy and sustainable mobility challenges. The session highlighted emerging technologies such as smart grids, vehicle-to-grid energy transfer, and battery storage, which enable the development of smarter and more resilient sustainability systems.
Sustainable Platforms for Thriving Cities: Towards the Airports of the Future
The Forum also featured a session titled “Sustainable Platforms for Thriving Cities: Towards the Airports of the Future,” with participation from Liviana Sala, Marketing Manager at JCDecaux Middle East; Giacomo Costantini, Senior Operations and Quality Manager at Avolta; Renée Malia, Vice President of Marketing at Lagardère Travel Retail; and Sara Al Abdulla, Senior Manager of Commercial Sustainability at Dubai Airports.
The session examined the role of airports as complex ecosystems connecting people, economies, and cultures in advancing sustainable development. It explored how integrated partnerships can generate innovative solutions that support airport value chains, from responsible consumption and sustainable supply chains to green infrastructure and data-driven operations.
Speakers highlighted the importance of public–private collaboration in accelerating progress, scaling impact, and creating shared value for travelers, businesses, and society. They also discussed the role of commercial partnerships in enhancing environmental and social impact, the importance of leveraging data and technology, and scalable models applicable to global airports.
Transforming Visions into Enablers
In the closing keynote, Berangère Boell-Yousfi, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the UAE, addressed how the visions discussed at the Forum can be transformed into enablers for tangible and scalable impact. She highlighted the role of the UN in leading collective action through global platforms such as the High-Level Political Forum and the UN General Assembly, while shaping resilient, future-ready development pathways.
She emphasized that meaningful and lasting progress is achieved when ambition is matched with execution, when data guides decision-making, and when governments, the private sector, and communities work together with strong commitment and shared purpose.
Redefining Sustainability
In a related context, the National Committee on SDGs, in partnership with the CSO Network, organized high-level dialogue titled “Redefining Sustainability.” Participants discussed ideas and perspectives aimed at reimagining development beyond 2030 through themes that will shape the coming decade.
The meeting sought to reposition sustainability as a driver of competitiveness, a catalyst for investor confidence, and a fundamental factor in long-term value creation. Discussions addressed the evolving roles of sustainability leaders, their contribution to strategic system design, technology integration, and the concept and practices of performance-based sustainability.
Participants examined how sustainability should be redefined through strategies, systems, and partnerships to become a core engine of competitiveness, resilience, and long-term value creation beyond 2030. They also discussed post-2030 development priorities from the perspectives of the UAE, the MENA region, and the global context.
The meeting further highlighted the importance of enhancing cross-sector coordination by bringing together government entities, the private sector, youth representatives, and multilateral partners around shared development pathways. Discussions also addressed the need to develop an updated conceptual framework for sustainability that prioritizes value, aligns with global frameworks, and reflects the UAE’s national priorities, as well as the UAE’s contribution to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
In the presence of H.E. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) signed a strategic MoU with Presight, a company specialized in artificial intelligence and data analytics. The partnership aims to develop the UAE National Data Statistics Platform and enhance national technical and analytical capabilities.
H.E. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi stated that “this new partnership comes within the framework of the UAE’s comprehensive proactive approach and the leadership’s vision for designing the future, by continuing to harness advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to maximize opportunities, align effectively with rapid transformations, and address emerging challenges.”
He added: “This strategic partnership contributes to strengthening the unification of the UAE’s official statistics and supports the transition towards smart statistics and data-driven decision-making. It also advances the development and integration of the national data ecosystem, provides a unified environment for official statistics across the country, ensures the linkage and integration of economic and social data sources, and enables government entities and decision-makers to access accurate, up-to-date, and real-time data that supports strategic planning and public policy formulation, while enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness.”
H.E. Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Cabinet, and General Chief of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, said: “This partnership with Presight reflects the leadership’s vision of building a future-ready, data- and AI-driven government. It represents a qualitative leap in the transformation of the government sector towards smart statistics and comprehensive integration with data from all relevant entities. It also strengthens the ability of these entities to make swift decisions supported by accurate, reliable, and real-time data, accelerating the national development journey and reinforcing the country’s readiness for future changes.”
H.E. noted that the partnership will contribute to enhancing integration between federal and local entities, unifying national data sources, activating agile governance frameworks that respond to the challenges of the digital era, and opening new horizons for leveraging data in support of sustainable development.
For his part, H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori, Vice Chairman of Presight and Chair of the Advisory Board, said: “Our partnership with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre represents direct support for the UAE Government’s efforts to strengthen the national data ecosystem, stemming from Presight’s firm belief in the importance of data as a fundamental enabler of economic and social policymaking and the transition towards a knowledge-based economy grounded in evidence and intelligent analytics.”
He added that Presight’s advanced technical capabilities in analytics and AI tools will contribute to enhancing the integration of national data and transforming it into actionable insights that support government strategies and drive the national economy towards broader horizons of growth and innovation.
The MoU represents a significant step forward in deploying AI solutions and advanced analytics within a unified national framework. This framework ensures the standardization of statistical methodologies and concepts in line with the highest international standards, while strengthening national data governance and security through hosting on the Federal Network (FedNet).
The partnership reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its national statistical infrastructure, as the platform will support the production of official national statistics, including gross domestic products and balance of payments data. It will also enable government entities to analyze economic and social trends with greater accuracy, optimize resource allocation, improve the quality of government services, and enhance transparency. Furthermore, the platform translates the UAE’s shift from fragmented data systems to a unified national ecosystem based on intelligent analytics, supports the adoption of AI in policymaking and future planning, and reinforces the competitiveness of the national economy, consolidating the UAE’s position globally as a model for smart government.
The partnership underscores the importance of the National Data Statistics Platform as a strategic national asset and a unified foundation for joint statistical work across the country, supporting performance monitoring, impact measurement, and the direction of investments and future strategies, while contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” Vision.
The insurance sector in the UAE continued its positive performance in 2024, recording a 22% growth in total underwritten insurance premiums, reaching AED 65.1 billion, compared to AED 53.4 billion in 2023, according to data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) and the Central Bank of the UAE. Data on the country’s insurance sector indicators for 2024 also showed a notable increase in property and liability insurance premiums, which grew by 26.6% to AED 26.3 billion, compared to AED 20.8 billion in 2023. Health insurance premiums rose by 21% to AED 31.3 billion, compared to AED 25.9 billion in 2023, while personal insurance and wealth creation premiums increased by 12% to AED 7.5 billion, up from AED 6.7 billion in 2023.
Total Number of Insurance Policies
According to 2024 statistics, the total number of insurance policies rose to 17.2 million, compared to 15.6 million in 2023, marking a 10% growth. The highest growth rate was recorded in health insurance policies, which saw a record jump of 60%, increasing to 2.2 million policies from 1.4 million in 2023. Meanwhile, the total number of property and liability insurance policies reached 14.6 million, compared to 13.9 million in 2023, registering a 5% growth. The total number of personal insurance and wealth creation policies stood at 305,900, a slight increase from 302,500 in 2023, reflecting a 1% growth.
Technical Provisions
Total technical provisions that insurance companies are required to maintain to meet their financial obligations across all insurance branches rose by 20.9%, reaching AED 92.2 billion in 2024, compared to AED 76.3 billion in 2023. This increase was driven by a 44.9% rise in property and liability insurance provisions, reaching AED 37.6 billion, a 24.1% increase in health insurance provisions to AED 17.0 billion, and a 2.8% rise in personal insurance and wealth creation provisions to AED 37.7 billion in 2024.
Claims Paid
Regarding claims paid, which represent the total amounts disbursed by insurance companies in the UAE to policyholders and beneficiaries during the year for settling insurance claims, statistics indicated a 32% increase in total claims across all insurance branches for both domestic and foreign companies in 2024, reaching AED 41.6 billion. This total comprised AED 28.9 billion paid by national companies and AED 12.7 billion by foreign companies, compared to AED 31.6 billion in 2023, which included AED 21.8 billion paid by national companies and AED 9.8 billion by foreign companies.
This increase was attributed to an 83% rise in claims paid for property and liability insurance, particularly in fire and motor insurance, a 14% increase in health insurance claims paid, and a 26% rise in claims paid for personal insurance and wealth creation policies.
As for incurred claims, which include the total value of claims paid as well as other costs borne by insurance companies during the year, statistics indicate a 45% increase across all insurance branches for both national and foreign companies in 2024, reaching AED 53.3 billion. This total comprised AED 39.1 billion for national companies and AED 14.2 billion for foreign companies, compared to AED 36.6 billion in 2023, which included AED 25.1 billion for national companies and AED 11.5 billion for foreign companies.Invested Assets
Statistics showed an increase in total invested assets in the UAE insurance sector for both national and foreign companies in 2024, representing the total assets held by insurance companies for investment purposes. The total rose by 10% to AED 84.9 billion, comprising AED 48.6 billion for national companies and AED 36.3 billion for foreign companies, compared to AED 77.1 billion in 2023, which included AED 42.1 billion for national companies and AED 35.0 billion for foreign companies. Investments in securities and debt bonds accounted for the largest share of total invested assets at AED 36.3 billion, followed by cash and deposits at AED 25.0 billion. The remaining value was distributed across other categories of invested assets, including real estate investments, loans, and other assets.
AED 929 billion: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the national economy
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) announced that the UAE’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.2 in the first half of 2025, reaching AED 929 billion, compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, the non-oil GDP recorded a growth of 5.7%, amounting to AED 720 billion during the same period. Non-oil activities accounted for 77.5% of the UAE’s real GDP, while oil activities contributed 22.5% in the first half of 2025.
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, affirmed that, under the guidance of the UAE’s wise leadership, the country has adopted a proactive approach that keeps pace with economic developments and trends locally, regionally, and globally. This approach is reflected in the development of competitive economic strategies and legislations, enhancing global economic openness, and creating a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector participation in the growth of non-oil sectors. It also includes the localisation of technology and digital transformation across vital and advanced economic sectors, contributing to positioning the UAE as a pioneering model in economic diversification and supporting its future vision to become a global hub for the new economy by the next decade.
He added: “The positive results achieved by the national economy during the first half of 2025, particularly the 5.7% growth in non-oil GDP, reflects the strength and competitiveness of the UAE’s economic performance and the efficiency of the economic policies implemented by the government. It also underscores the continued progress in reducing dependence on oil, promoting national non-oil industries, and advancing the economic objectives of the We the UAE 2031 vision.”For her part, H.E. Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, affirmed that the strong performance of the UAE’s GDP during the first half of 2025, reaching AED 929billion, reflects the resilience of the national economy and the continued growth momentum driven by non-oil activities such as trade, manufacturing, and construction. She stated: “The rise in the contribution of non-oil sectors to 77.5% confirms the success of the country’s economic diversification policies and its ability to create a flexible and sustainable productive environment based on knowledge and innovation, in line with the UAE’s vision of developing the economy of the future.”
Fastest-Growing Economic Activities
The financial and insurance activities recorded the highest growth among all economic sectorsduring the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, recording an 8.3% increase. This was followed by the construction sector, which grew by 7.9%, the manufacturing sector by 7.0%, and real estate activities by 6.5%.
In terms of contribution to non-oil GDP during the first half of 2025, the trade sector ranked first, accounting for 16.1%, followed by financial and insurance activities at 14.0%, and manufacturing at 13.8%. The construction sector contributed 11.8%, while real estate activities accounted for 7.8%.It is worth noting that the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries recorded growth during the first half of 2025, with the UAE achieving the highest growth rates, supported by the strong performance of its non-oil sectors. This reflects the impact of strategic initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing economic diversification in the UAE and contributes to supporting the collective GCC economic trajectory, promoting balanced progress that strengthens economic stability in the region.
The UAE has achieved tangible progress in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reaching a 62% achievement rate in accordance with global methodologies. This reflects the UAE’s firm commitment to developing sustainable policies and “its leadership as a global model in the speed of implementation and institutional integration.
This was announced during a meeting of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which discussed ways to strengthen the national data ecosystem supporting development indicators, and highlighted the importance of improving data quality and enhancing integration among government entities as a fundamental pillar in consolidating the UAE’s progress in global indicators.
The Committee reviewed the latest developments related to the preparation of the Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) in 2026, as well as the progress in implementing the National Sustainable Development Data Plan, which aims to enhance data collection mechanisms and improve efficiency in line with international best practices.
The National Committee on SDGs held its meeting chaired by H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee on SDGs, with the participation of H.E. Aisha Ahmed Yousef, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Empowerment; H.E. Dr. Hussein Abdulrahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention; H.E. Ahmed Al Nasser, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Market Policies and Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Market Services at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation; H.E. Mohammed Abdulqader, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Strategy and Policies Sector at the Ministry of Education; H.E. Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC); Lt-Col. Ali Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Director of the Department of Strategy and the Future at the Ministry of Interior; and Eng. Nawal Al Hanaee, Director of the Future Energy Department at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
The Committee stressed the priority of investing in building national capacities and developing statistical competencies, in addition to expanding cooperation and partnerships with specialized international organizations in statistical methodologies, to enhance data reliability and accuracy, and to support the national sustainable development ecosystem in the long term.
National Data a Pillar for Achieving the SDGs
H.E. Abdulla Lootah affirmed that the UAE Government focuses on strengthening the integration of government efforts and enhancing the readiness of national data as a fundamental pillar to support initiatives aimed at achieving the SDGs. He noted that this approach enables the National Committee to prepare the 2026 Voluntary National Review accurately and comprehensively, while continuing to expand cooperation and coordination among relevant entities to ensure the achievement of national targets beyond 2030, and to consolidate the UAE’s position as a leading global model in accelerating the implementation of the SDGs and strengthening its international presence.
Integration of Efforts for the Third Voluntary National Review (2026)
The General Secretariat of the National Committee on SDGs reviewed the latest updates on preparations for the Third Voluntary National Review, which the UAE will present to the United Nations in July 2026, following the 2018 and 2022 reviews. Members emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Review reflects national success stories and the UAE’s efforts in accelerating the achievement of global goals, while highlighting pioneering experiences and best practices that can be generalized internationally.
Participants stressed the importance of engaging various national sectors and relevant entities in preparing the Review to ensure the submission of a comprehensive report that reflects achieved progress, challenges and future opportunities. They reviewed the latest initiatives and developments supporting the SDGs across various fields, underscoring the adoption of innovative practices and future solutions to enhance national progress, improve data quality and strengthen the country’s readiness for the Review.
Entities participating in the meeting presented their achievements related to SDG indicators, including the Ministry of Interior, which delivered a detailed briefing on its initiatives; particularly in the areas of community safety, digital transformation and the development of smart services, and the progress achieved in data readiness in relations to the Ministry’s indicators.
Notably, the National Committee on SDGs monitors the implementation of the 2030 Global Agenda, aligns the UAE’s priorities with international goals, and exchanges expertise with partners with partners at the local and global levels.to expand the network of active stakeholders contributing to the implementation of the United Nations Agenda.
- Release of the first edition of the report titled "From Goals to Reality: UAE and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development"
- Introducing UAE SDGs Portal
- Discussing National Plan to Achieve SDGs and Collaboration of all Stakeholders.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 27 April 2017
Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) chaired the first meeting of National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals formed upon a decision made by H.E. Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and FCSA Chairman.
The first meeting of the committee witnessed the release of a report titled "From Goals to Reality: UAE and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", which includes a record of a wide variety of UAE achievements in 2016, and their relevance to the 17 goals.
This edition of the book is the first, and has been produced by the FCSA and in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s team. Further editions of this book will be released annually to monitor achievement of SDGs indicators from all aspects, in addition to shedding light of the achievements of National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals.
The committee members also agreed no developing a national plan that monitors and follows up on committee activities, initiatives and governance. The plan should also links to key and important indicators such as global competitiveness reports and UAE ranking, to achieving the national agenda and SDGs and their prioritization, since the achievement of any of these themes reflects positively on achieving the goals of other aspects, which is needed by the decision makers.
During the course of the meeting, representatives of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority presented smart SDGs Web Portal; a project launched about earlier this month in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, during his follow-up on the projects of UAE National Agenda and Vision 2021.
HE Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairman of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, stressed that the work of the National Committee for Sustainable Development aims to complement the development process launched by the Founding Fathers of the UAE. "The wise leadership has a well-defined national economic and social development plan and goals, and the country’s strategy for Vision 2021 is a true reflection of our leaders’ vision of the future of the UAE and its people," she said. Her Excellency thanked all members of the Committee for their efforts and wished them success in achieving the objectives of the Committee and the success of its mission.
HE Abdullah Naser lootah, Director General of FCSA, said "We are very pleased with the success of the first meeting of members of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and the level of commitment and enthusiasm we have seen from the members of various governmental bodies. Formation of the Committee is a translation of the trust bestowed by the UAE wise leadership upon our government institutions thanks to the efforts of their members and their joint work, which serve the interests of the State and its advancement towards globally advanced levels in all fields."
Lootah added that a number of pivotal points were agreed upon at the meeting, which will be followed up in future meetings such as the preparation of an operational plan for the years 2017-2021, which will be updated periodically and in line with regional and global changes. It was also agreed to develop a simulation system for SDG indicators that helps the team to look into the future and all that may affect the performance of indicators from internal or external factors.
"We have had a successful experience in the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority for years in developing and harnessing the power of simulation systems to identify successful goals and strategies in improving global competitiveness, and we will harness this experience to support the SDG committee teams to achieve the goals of the National Commission for Sustainable Development," he said.
Engineer Khaled Harmoudi, Director at Government Performance Department of Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, said: "The objective of the UAE government is to maintain a happier community through sustainable development in the state. There is a need for the government to focus on the social and economic development goals. Hence, National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals’ meeting aims to focus on four pivotal aspects: society, economy, foreign relations and environment. Our goal at the Ministry of cabinet Affairs and the Future is to align the sustainable development indicators and the indicators of the National Agenda and the initiatives that support achieving UAE Vision 2021".
"Today’s meeting is a gathering of all government bodies under one roof to harmonize the National Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, with a view to cooperate and coordinate to achieve the strategic goals of the State. We, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, shall be a point of contact between the members of the Committee and all our external partners, where our role is to focus on linking the humanitarian assistance with the related sustainable development goals; i.e. eradicating hunger and poverty, supporting education and other goals with humanitarian and social dimension. ", added Mr. Yacoub Yousef Al-Hosani, Assistant Minister for Foreign Organizations Affairs at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
On her part, Amal Mohamed Alkous, Secretary General of the National Commission for Education, Culture, Science and Communication for UNESCO and the National Coordinator of Education Agenda 2030 said: "SDGs target all countries and individuals without discrimination globally, under a unified global framework, thus a unified regional framework, which helps to joint planning and utilization of local and international expertise, in order to achieve sustainability and development in the specific areas. This global framework provides an opportunity for UN Member States and relevant organizations; such as UNESCO and others, to launch joint and supportive initiatives and policies and to promote qualitative global and regional cooperation that contributes to effective capacity-building. On its national level, the UAE is always ahead of unlimited efforts linked to the national agenda and the national strategic plans. This requires the existence of a National Committee on Sustainable Development goals to reflect these efforts through a clear vision and strategic and operational plan to serve the country in the coming years to 2030".
Alia Zaid Harbi, Director of the Center for Statistics and Health Research at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, concluded saying: "The process of managing, organizing and achieving the goals of sustainable development will help to improve the performance of the country in all development indicators, so as to be in line with the world’s leading countries in this field. And here lies the importance of the strategic role of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, through which we will work to achieve our national goals and the UAE shall become one of the first leading countries in the world".
The meetings will be held periodically to follow up on the tasks and initiatives of the Committee, which are concerned with determining priority sustainable development goals, coordinating among the competent authorities in the state in all matters related to SDGs , exchanging information about them and proposing procedures and systems supporting their work, in addition to preparing reports on the status of the state and the efforts exerted to achieve the goals of sustainable development, identifying the data relevant to each body, supporting the work of the Committee and establishing a dedicated database for achieving SDGs nationwide.
Dubai, August 5, 2018
The SDGs and the upcoming UN World Data Forum were discussed in a meeting between DSG Amina Mohammed and Abdulla Lootah, DG of FCSA at the UN HQ in New York. In particular, how advanced technologies and data can be utilised to serve nations as they strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Lootah discussed the UAE’s experience in this regard, highlighting its national and international efforts in support of the SDGs. Hosting the 2nd UN World Data Forum is another opportunity to bring together all stakeholders and focus the world on how to harness the power of data to serve humanity.
"The UN World Data Forum in Dubai ignites the possibilities of technology giving ambition to the critical role of data in monitoring, measuring and achieving progress towards an inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for everyone. The
data revolution creates the opportunity to harness new technologies making the invisible visible and giving the most vulnerable communities a voice in determining a dignified future," said Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
"With a host of international experts, government officials, the private sector and civil society actors set to attend, the upcoming UN World Data Forum is going to offer a truly global platform to share experiences and innovations that can support nations in their drive to meet or exceed the Sustainable Development Goals," said H.E. Lootah, Director General of the FCSA. "We are hosting the UN World Data Forum to highlight UAE’s leadership commitment and to advance this important global commitment; that every nation in the world, can enjoy a decent level of living, health care and education. The Forum will provide an opportunity for participants to learn about the latest data, which will contribute to finding solutions to these challenges in the future."
As the host country, the UAE is working closely with the United Nations and the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity Building to bring together major producers and users of data to collaborate and launch innovative initiatives that will deliver better data on health, education, economy, environment, gender equality, disables (people of determine), and other aspects of sustainable development. A special emphasis will be on advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and its role in driving data transformation in support of the Sustainable Development Goals, with the UAE showcasing a wide range of best practices and innovations in the field of data and statistics.
The second UN World Data Forum will welcome more than 1,500 data experts, policy-makers, and representatives from academia, private sector and CSOs from around the world. The event follows the inaugural forum, which took place in 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Competed against Switzerland, Finland, Mexico and other bidding nations
Cape Town, SA, Dubai, UAE – January 18, 2017
The organizing committee of the UN World Data Forum announced today that the UAE is the destination of choice for the event’s second edition in 2018. Currently in session in Cape Town, South Africa and attended by over 1500 global data expert, the four-day knowledge event hosts scientists, government officials, private sector leaders and academics to share knowledge, ideas and best practices on gathering valuable data, and how data can support countries’ drive toward achieving UN Sustainable development goals.
Switzerland, Finland, Mexico, UAE and a number of countries applied to host the event’s second cycle in 2018. National bid teams presented the hosting files to UN officials for assessment and evaluation. The World Data Forum organizing committee decided, after careful assessment, that the UAE will be the hosting country of the event in 2018.
A team from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) managed UAE’s bid dossier for the forum. The bid file presented UAE’s capability to host and organize large-scale events of all sort of theme and subjects. Some of the key points highlighted in the bid file is the availability of an advanced infrastructure, a wide area of hotels and high-tech conference facilities that can accommodate the largest events and activities, and served by the world’s top talented event management companies and individuals. In addition to the fact that UAE is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.
"I am delighted and proud of this achievement,” said Her Excellency Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority. “I would like to congratulation the UAE leadership and people for this important accomplishment. Selecting the UAE asserts our leadership’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, and hosting the World Data Forum reconfirms the UAE’s growing role within the international community. We aspire that the World Data Forum to become a platform for a global roadmap for excellence in data management and utilization, and to serve the UAE and the entire international community."
"The FCSA team put great efforts into building and presenting a compelling bid file. We were competing against countries that have a long history in hosting highly attended international events. Thankfully, the FCSA team was successful in presenting UAE’s capability to host the World Data Forum, thanks to the nation’s excellent record of accomplishments in hosting similar events and forums that discuss innovation, data and knowledge. We look forward to hosting the World Data Forum in 2018, as it will take us closer to achieving UAE vision 2021 and the sustainable development goals," added Abdulla Lootah, director general of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority.
International Recognition:
Welcoming the announcement of the selection, various international officials congratulated the UAE on winning the hosting bid, and expressed their excitement on choosing the UAE as a location for the second edition of the World Data Forum in 2018.
We at the United Nations Statistics Division are looking forward to working with the colleagues from the United Arab Emirates to organize together an open and inclusive 2nd World Data Forum. This will be a unique opportunity to strengthen data and statistical systems for development not only at the national, but also at the regional and global level."said Mr. Stefan Schweinfest, Director, United Nations Statistics Division.
Dr Pali Lehohla, Statistician-General of the Republic of South Africa and Head of Statistics South Africa and host of the current World Data Forum 2017 stated "On behalf of Statistics South Africa, the host of the 1st UN World Data Forum, I would like to congratulate Director-General Mr Abdullah Lootah, as well as the Boards, Advisory Committees, and staff at Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and all statistics centres as well as the people of United Arab Emirates for being selected as the hosts of the 2nd UN World Data Forum. We look forward to continue the pursuit of prosperity for the planet and its people through the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda (Vision 2030) in your beautiful country during the 2nd UN World Data Forum. We applaud all those involved in bidding for hosting the Forum and wish to let you know that Statistics South Africa is available to assist wherever possible."
"Statistics Denmark is looking forward to participating in the 2nd World Data Forum in Dubai as the event will have a major impact on the region’s production of statistics and strengthen the UAE role in the global statistical community," said Mr. Jørgen Elmeskov, Director General, Statistics Denmark.
Pride and Excitement within the UAE data and statistics community:
His Excellency Ali Mohammad Hammad Al Shamsi as Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council said, "the UAE is always the pioneer in hosting leading global forums and events, especially ones that discuss knowledge and innovation; and for the UAE to win the hosting of UN Data Forum 2018, this is an important accomplishment for the development of statistics, open and big data fields in the UAE. Fields considered today as one of the most important foundations required for government policy and decision making."
"The UAE proved its ability to host some of the world’s most important knowledge forums that gather the best expertise from around the globe. That is attributed to the ongoing policy adopted by the wise leadership in making science, knowledge and innovation as the basis of social, cultural and economic growth and development," said His Excellency Rashed Lahej Nasser Said Al Mansouri, Chairman of Statistics Centre-Abu Dhabi and Director General of Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Center (ADSIC)
"We are proud that we will be able to gather the world’s elite in data and statistics under one roof in the UAE in 2018. Hosting the World Data Forum will be a strong boost for the national agenda, as the event will assert the importance of producing accurate, up-to-date and detailed data on population, health, education, environment and other developmental pillars," said His Excellency Abdulla Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani – Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai.
"UAE’s hosting of the World Data Forum reflects the wise leadership’s direction and objective for the UAE to be the number one destination for the world’s best minds and expertise, especially in the fields of data and statistics," said his Excellency Sultan Bin Butti Al Muhairi, Secretary General, Sharjah Executive Council.
"We are proud that the UAE will host the UN World Data Forum in 2018. Being able to gather the world’s top experts in the field of data and statistics will add great value in addressing the challenges the world face in gathering accurate statistics, and we will be able to draw unified roadmaps and methodologies for global statistical standards," said His Excellency Engineer Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Ajman.
"This accomplishment is a step forward in development the statistical ecosystem and providing better data, which is what we constantly work on achieving here in the UAE. Being selected to host the World Data Forum is a great opportunity to support the sustainable development goals 2030, and can also help unify the language that statisticians and data scientists use to produce data," said His Excellency Humaid bin Rashid bin Humaid Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Um Al Quwain.
"The UN Data Forum is a global forum that specializes in data and statistics and the UAE hosting is in 2018 is a great undertaking that will call for the collaboration of all related entities in the UAE to produce a great event, with positive and beneficial outcomes," His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Fujairah Emiri Court.
"We are delighted that the UAE will host another global forum on data and invite the worlds’ best data practitioners to the country. This event is a global platform aimed for sharing ideas and proposing innovative initiatives in the field of data management, and confirms data’s vital role in dealing with developmental challenges, and how to utilize this data to fulfil future vision and produce an integrated framework of recommendation, for the purpose of excelling in the field of data," said his Excellency Dr Mohammed Abdullatif Khalifa, Secretary General, Executive Council, Ras Al Khaima.
"I am fully confident that the UN World Data Forum 2018 which the UAE will host for the first time, and FCSA will support in organizing, will wittiness exceptional collaboration between some of the world’s statistical offices and work on the continuous enhancement of global statistical frameworks, and devising practical solutions for all the challenges statisticians face. We hope, through this forum, that we will be able to launch new pioneering ideas that can help in the production, publishing and utilization of data in a way that can serve national plans and visions. We would also like to reassure that the Statistical Center- Abu Dhabi is committed via all its resources to the forum success in the UAE in 2018," said His Excellency Butti Ahmed Mohamed Bin Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi.
"The UN World Data Forum is a unique collaboration opportunity for data producers and practitioners, and can serve a great platform to launch new initiatives that can provide better data on health, education, income and other data sets that are critical for successful and sustainable development," said His Excellency Aref Obaid Al Muhairi, Executive Director, Dubai Statistics Center.
"We are delighted that the UAE will be hosting UN World Data Forum as it will be a new milestone in the UAE’s journey to a knowledge based economy. Data is one of the most important pillars needed for a successful developmental strategy, which is based on capacity building and intellectual capital," said His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani, Director General of the Sharjah Statistics Centre.
"We look forward to participate in this important global event which places the UAE on the global data and statistics map. We congratulate the UAE and its people for this accomplishment and we are fully committed to play our role to support this forum and all international forums held in the UAE," said Dr Ibrahim Saad, General Manager, Fujairah Statistics Center.
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority signs agreement with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority to support the UN World Data Forum 2018
DUBAI, 28th July, 2018 (WAM)
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) to build a strategic relationship to support the United Nations 2018 World Data Forum, to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates in October 2018. More than 1,500 leaders, decision makers, experts and specialists in the field of data and statistics from around the world will attend the event.
The MoU was signed by H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General, and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the UN World Data Forum 2018, and HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, in the presence of senior officials of both organisations.
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General, said: "Energy sustainability and efficiency improvement is one of the key sustainable development goals. Underlining its visionary leadership, the UAE has adopted a long-term strategy to promote this goal, and reduce that nation’s dependence on traditional energy sources. Our nation has taken concerted initiatives to diversify energy sources and increase the contribution of clean energy to the overall mix to ensure sustainability for our future generations. The availability of accurate statistical data and information will support the development of future scientific and knowledge plans that will drive the efforts of national institutions in this field."
"The MoU signed with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will integrate the efforts of national institutions to contribute international expertise and best practices in building national capacities in statistical fields. This will help provide data that serve the objectives of the national development agenda, and highlight the UAE’s leading position as one of the best countries in the world in the use of data and information to achieve sustainable development in all fields and sectors," he added.
"We are pleased to be the strategic partner of the UN World Data Forum, organised by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority. This underlines the position of the UAE as an ideal platform for hosting the biggest and most important conferences and forums, thanks to its robust infrastructure and capabilities to organise major events. The Forum will be an opportunity to discuss the growing importance of data for governments around the world and the need to develop ways for collecting and processing data to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. We are sponsoring this international forum because we believe in the important role data and statistics play in building smart cities and promoting the transformation towards a knowledge-based economy by encouraging creativity and innovation. This is achieved by utilising data to develop innovative solutions, smart applications, and value-added services. Through Digital DEWA, the digital arm of DEWA, we are redefining the concept of a utility to create a new digital future for Dubai. DEWA will disrupt the entire business of public utilities by becoming the world’s first digital utility using autonomous systems for renewable energy and its storage, expansion in Artificial Intelligence adoption, and digital services. Dubai will be the first city to provide AI-based electricity and water services. DEWA will launch a futuristic digital platform, a data hub named MORO, to improve the UAE’s digital capabilities to develop smart cities, provide state-of-the-art innovative solutions, and a successful model for Dubai and the world," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
Al Tayer appreciated the efforts of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority in preparing, managing and presenting the UAE’s bid dossier to host the UN World Data Forum 2018. He emphasised the importance of the forum’s topics, which focuses on sustainability. DEWA attaches great importance to supporting the UAE’s efforts in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030. DEWA is committed to adopting sustainability as a main priority for its strategic direction, plans and initiatives, to support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to provide 7% of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy by 2020, 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2050, and the Dubai Plan 2021, which aims to make Dubai a city that is sustainable with its resources and supported by environmental elements that are clean, healthy, sustainable.
The MoU provides for DEWA to share resources and expertise to contribute to the organising this important global gathering, which examines the impact of data and its role in achieving the goals of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, in a way that is commensurate with the distinctive position of the UAE and its role in stimulating international cooperation to achieve development goals at global levels. The two entities will review the UAE’s leading global experience in drawing on data to shape future policies and plans in many areas, including the energy sector. They will also highlight the most prominent national projects and achievements achieved by the nation to support the global commitment to promote energy sustainability.
The two organisations will also leverage the discussions and recommendations of the forum and benefit from international expertise to build the competencies of national talent, improve their skills and develop their expertise in statistical fields to deploy them in the development of plans, visions and common policies that serve the achievement of development goals at the local level, including the objectives of the National Agenda for Vision 2021 and the UAE Plan 2071.
The MoU will leverage the activities of the global forum, which is hosted by the UAE to consolidate its position and leading role in building bridges of cooperation and establishing effective partnerships for data exchange and promoting its optimal use to achieve the goals of sustainable development 2030.
The UN World Data Forum 2018 will provide an opportunity to network with organisations, companies, institutions, universities, as well as experts, specialists, and data workers from around the world.
The forum will be attended by leaders of data, and a large number of officials from government and business sectors, who will take part in specialized discussion sessions in establishing a scientific environment to enhance the contribution of data and statistics to achieving the goals of sustainable development 2030.
Reem Al Hashimi: The Council will initiate the role and visions of young people and their ideas for building societies and sustainable development in and out of the UAE.
Shamma Al Mazroui: The Council is a unique opportunity to be involved in an experience of knowledge and acquire practical skills that qualify young people to be future leaders.
Dubai-UAE, 30 December 2018
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) has revealed that the evaluation phase of the candidates’ membership applications for the Youth Advisory Council for SDGs has been commenced.
The Youth Advisory Council for SDGs was announced that the council will be established in the presence of H.E. Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, during the United Nations Global Data Forum 2018 held last October in Dubai.
The total number of candidates’ membership applications for the Youth Council reached 610 applications from inside and outside the country. UAE nationals represented 76% of the total applicants, while other nationalities submitted 24% of the applications. Additionally, 71% of applicants are of those who have completed their studies and applied for jobs. Meanwhile, the remaining 29% of the applicants are school students. As for the applicants’ gender, the percentage of female applicants was 52% as compared to 48% of males.
H.E. Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and the Chairperson of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, expressed her pride of the youth of the UAE and their interest in the file of SDGs.
She added: “The participation of young people in the development of policies and plans is an embodiment of our leadership vision for the future of the UAE, its sons, and daughters, and its keenness that young people have a greater role and close association with everything related to sustainable economic and social development in the United Arab Emirates.”
She also stated that the Youth Advisory Council for Sustainable Development goals will play a significant role in raising awareness about the efforts of various government agencies and private sector institutions in the country to achieve the SDGs 2030, as well as help in creating opportunities for advancing youth visions and ideas which support human and sustainable development in and outside the country.
H.E. Shamma Bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrouei, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said: “The Youth Advisory Council for SDGs is a unique opportunity to be involved in an experience of knowledge and acquire many practical skills that enable young people to become leaders of the future, and responsible for supporting the march of social and economic development in the State through achieving the SDGs 2030.”
She added: “Our wise government has invested in the energies of young people and has made taking advantage of their capacities in the process of development, progress and sustainability among its top priorities.”
She further explained: Through young people, we can harness the inherent energies and high potentials that will qualify them to participate in building the UAE and realize its vision, which is to be the best country in the world by 2071.”
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, the Vice President of the National Committee for Sustainable Development goals and the Director-General of FCSA, stated: “This Council which is concerned with the SDGs, is an interactive knowledge platform for young people. It is through this Council young people can listen to each other’s opinions and other various and versatile viewpoints from their counterparts from other nationalities and ages. The Youth will will have the opportunity to be involved in the most important contemporary issues that capture the interest of our leadership in the UAE to enhance their role in building the future of the UAE and contribute to the achievement of the agenda of Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
The applications submitted by young people will be evaluated according to the criteria set by several experts and specialists in the youth files and SDGs of the FCSA.
Based on the evaluation results, the best candidates will be selected for several meetings and personal interviews, to choose 10 of them to be members of the Council.
The members of the Council will have many opportunities to participate actively in a number of events, sessions, seminars and activities in the UAE, most importantly, is the participation in preparing the agenda of conferences and events related to SDGs to be held during 2019 and 2020.
Mahra Hussein Al Ali, the Chairman of the Youth Council of the FCSA, stressed that: “We, the young people all over the world, need opportunities and constructive environments that drive innovation, creativity, and valuable work. This is certainly, what the UAE government is keen to provide us with. TheYouth Advisory Council will provide such environments and opportunities for the Youth towards achieving the SDGs.”
“Indeed, the establishment of this council is an confirmation of the leadership’s confidence in youth, their energies and potentials in promoting construction and productivity, and playing leadership roles in the country’s prosperity and development,” she stated.
It is worth mentioning that the Youth Advisory Council for Sustainable Development Goals marks the cooperation between the FCSA and the Federal Youth Foundation.
The members of the Council will be young people between the age of 15 to 35 years. An equal number of males and females will be selected in support of Goal 5 of SDGs on Gender Equality.
50 Years of Unified UAE Numbers
The UAE … A Leading Competitive Model in Excellence, Innovation, and Future-Making
H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Visits UAE Statistics Mural
The UAE National Data and Statistics Platform
Non-Oil GDP Grows by 6.1% in the First Nine Months of 2025
Emirati Women’s Day… From Numbers to Achievements, Driven by Your Vision
Close X
Date will get updated
test
