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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.
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.
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.
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.
In partnership with the Ministry of Community Development and National Statistical Centers
Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2019 is Announced
- The survey covers more than 20,000 households in the country in the largest socio-economic statistical project
- The fieldwork will take one year and cover all seven Emirates
- 350 field researchers will be supported by advanced statistical tools
20 December 2018 – Dubai, UAE
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority announced the official launch of the 2019 Household Income and Expenditure Survey at a press conference today. The announcement was made by HE Hessa bint Isa Buhamaid, Minister of Community Development and the UAE and was attended by HE Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Director General of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority. Also present at the event was HE Humaid Rashid Humaid Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Umm Al Quwain, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi , Director of Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development, HE Ahmad Abdulla Al Suwaidi, Director General, Statistics Center – Abu Dhabi, HE Arif Obaid Al Muhairi, Executive Director, Dubai Statistics Center, HE Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Director of Fujairah Statistics Center, Dr Ibrahim Akoum, Executive Director, Ras Al Khaimah Center for Statistics and Studies and Mrs Hessa Zayed, Fieldwork Manager, Ajman Statistics and Competitiveness Center.
During the press conference, HE Hessa bint Isa Buhamaid announced the launch of the survey’s fieldwork that will be targeting more than 20,000 Emirati and non-Emirati families distributed across the seven emirates. Her Excellency said that the UAE family has been and will remain the focus of the Ministry of Community Development and all government agencies for decades and until this very moment. This focus, she added, will grow further in the future in accordance with the directives of the UAE leadership. Her Excellence also noted “The happiness of the UAE community and ensuring prosperity and sustainable development is the focus of our attention, which is why we work with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and all national statistical centers on the Household Income and Expenditure Survey Project.”
“We recognize the importance of this survey because it provides data and statistics that are an accurate reflection of the income and expenditure levels at a household level in the country. Thus, decision makers will be able to utilize the data produced by the survey to design, launch and implement various impactful social and economic programs aimed at improving all aspects of life for individuals and families such as housing, education and health; reiterating the UAE’s status as a destination for happiness and prosperity,” Added HE Buhmaid.
Her Excellency also stressed the importance of the families’ response and cooperation, “Cooperating with with the field researchers is imperative for the success of this important national project.”
HE Abdulla Nasser Lootah, expressed his excitement in launching the Household survey. “We are proud to launch the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2019. This national project, which is being implemented over a period of one year, reflects the strong cooperation, collaboration and teamwork spirit between the Ministry of Community Development and the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and all national statistical centers in the UAE,” he added. “This survey is regarded as one of the most importance statistical projects because of the type of data it produces. Data that is crucial for any decision makers who is seeking to develop strategic plans and initiatives that can positivity impact the lives of families in the UAE”
Approximately 350 field operators, consisting of observers, supervisors, researchers and experts spread across all emirates, will be working on the project. This number does not include the office staff providing support at the FCSA and national statistics office.
All field teams attended intensive training and are equipped with latest advanced field tools and methodologies such as geo-spatial positioning systems, mobile applications on handheld devices, and other advanced techniques and modern statistical methods to ensure accuracy and quality of results.
| Emirate | Sample Familes per Emirates | Percentage |
| Abu Dhabi | 8784 | 42% |
| Dubai | 3816 | 18% |
| Sharjah | 2304 | 11% |
| Ajman | 1632 | 8% |
| Umm Al Quwain | 1248 | 6% |
| Ras Al Khaima | 1632 | 8% |
| Fujairah | 1296 | 6% |
| Total | 20712 | 100% |
Table (1) Sample breakdown per Emirate
The survey will help extract more than 65 indicators such as the basket of goods and services, consumer price indices, cost of living index, and price indices to help assess the level, direction and structure of the economic well-being of families.
The survey also provides accurate information on the demographic, social and economic characteristics on the components of society, including gender, age, nationality, educational level, marital status, labor force, occupation, economic activity, employment status and others.
The survey helps to update the base years of statistical indicators, such as inflation rates, as the periodicity of survey implementation extends to five years, providing seasonal coverage of household income and expenditure rates.
- Real GDP 2017 generates 0.8% growth and 2.5% growth for non-oil sectors in 2017
- Current GDP for 2017 achieves 7.2%
Dubai, UAE – 12 June 2018
Dubai, September 8, 2018
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) has signed strategic partnership agreements with statistics centres across emirates to coordinate efforts to support the UN World Data Forum 2018, set to be held in Dubai on October 22-24, 2018.
Now in its second edition, the Forum will welcome 1,500 prominent experts in the field of data and statistics from around the world, to showcase the UAE’s pioneering experience in collecting, analysing and benefiting from big data.
The agreements were signed at the FCSA headquarters in Dubai by representatives from the various statistics centres, including Statistics Centre − Abu Dhabi (SCAD); Dubai Statistic Center; the Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development; and the Ajman Statistics and Competitiveness Centre.
His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the UN World Data Forum 2018, said: “The Authority is committed to fostering cooperation and consolidating all efforts to ensure a successful second edition for the UN World Data Forum. Furthermore, we are working to develop efficient systems for statistics in the UAE and highlight the achievements registered in the sector. These partnerships we are forging with statistics centres across the country will help introduce all of us to international success stories and best practices in statistics and data, which, in turn, will help us position the UAE as a leading international hub for knowledge.”
For his part, H.E. Rashid Lahej Nasser Saeed Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Forum’s importance lies in providing an ideal platform for sharing experiences and identifying best practices in the statistics sector; it offers an opportunity to showcase the UAE’s experience in harnessing advanced technologies and channelling them towards building national capacities and honing statistical skillsets. All of this will ultimately serve the government’s plans to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promote the welfare of the community, and ensure a better future for our coming generations.”
H.E. Arif Al Muhairi, Executive Director of Dubai Statistics Center (DSC), added: “The UN World Data Forum is a global event that will be hosted this year by the UAE. We are proud of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and its commendable efforts to win the bid and host the Forum. With this strategic partnership now in place, we will be sparing no effort to support the Authority and ensure success of the event, which we are honoured to be part of, and especially that it will now carry the name of the UAE.”
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development, underlined the importance of the Forum, saying: “The UN World Data Forum is an ideal platform for sharing experiences, transferring knowledge and building partnerships to enhance data at the regional and global levels. The Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development is taking part in the event to assert its commitment to partnership and cooperation with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, as well as to ensuring that the Forum comes out with innovative results that positively influence the future of the data sector.”
Meanwhile, H.E. Dr Hajar Saeed Al Hubaishi, Executive Director of Ajman Statistics and Competitiveness Centre, revealed that the Centre will be launching a number of data-related initiatives, projects and workshops, noting: “Hosting the second edition of the Forum adds to the UAE’s commendable track record of achievements on a regional and international level. Several developed European nations came forward to host the major event – countries such as Finland and Switzerland. Nevertheless, the United Nations selected the UAE to be the host, which reflects the Emirates’ dedication to excellence; and the bid submitted by the FCSA undoubtedly played a major role in securing the nomination.”
On a similar note, Dr Ibrahim Saad, Director of the Fujairah Statistics Center, said: “The success of the UAE’s bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2018 asserts its advanced position and high competitiveness in terms of hosting international conferences. It also highlights the growing importance of data for governments around the world, which calls for further developing data collection and processing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Reiterating the significance of these agreements, Dr Ibrahim Akum, Director of Center for Statistics and Studies in Ras Al Khaimah, said: “The UN World Data Forum is growing all the more significant seeing as we live in the era of the digital revolution. Statistics – and data, in general – has become a focal point of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and a catalyst to the transformations taking place around the world. Those with an interest in statistics and data will be setting their sights on the UAE to discover the latest development in the data sector, set to be revealed at the prominent international event where local and international speakers will mingle with pioneers in statistics and data.”
H.E. Humaid Rashid Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Umm Al Quwain, said: “We are proud to be coordinating and joining hands with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and offering our support to ensure success and excellence in organising this global Forum. We are confident that the event will, without doubt, serve as a prominent platform to share insight into practical ways for optimising data, as well as the best ways to collect and analyse it.”
The agreements signed between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and statistics centres in all seven emirates seek to strengthen partnerships among all signatories to gather support for the UN World Data Forum 2018, and then benefit from its outcomes and takeaways in various sectors.
Dubai, September 3 2018
The UAE’s National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which includes 17 federal entities, recently held its third meeting for 2018, primarily discussing preparations for the upcoming second edition of the UN World Data Forum, set to be held in Dubai on October 22-24, 2018.
The meeting was attended by Her Excellency Hessa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, and H.E. Jameela Al Muhairi, Minister of State for Public Education, both of whom applauded the Committee for its efforts and preparations for the Forum, stressing the necessity of ensuring governance when implementing SDGs and of harmonising efforts among Committee members, as per the directives of the UAE’s leadership. Their Excellencies reiterated their support for the member entities’ efforts to provide the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) with accurate and current data.
“This Committee was formed in 2017, and in its one year and eight months of existence, it has registered outstanding achievements,” said H.E. Buhumaid, expressing her delight at the fact that the representatives of the 17 member entities are young Emiratis with great enthusiasm to serve their country.
For her part, H.E. Al Muhairi said: “We all work together to promote our country and continuously enhance its international standing in terms of sustainable development, and the UN World Data Forum presents an ideal platform to showcase our national achievements. The UAE has progressed from 77th place to 60th on the SDG Index; this is testament to the exceptional leadership of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Thanking Their Excellencies the Ministers for their attendance and contribution to the meeting, H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the UN World Data Forum 2018, said: “Our work with the member entities of the Committee centres around the National Agenda’s metrics, which, in turn, offer the necessary support to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Furthermore, we concentrate on data and statistics, which are essential for driving success at the Government level till 2021 and beyond.”
The 17 Committee members were thoroughly introduced to the upcoming UN World Data Forum (www.unwdf.ae) set to be held in the UAE under the theme “Better Data for Better Generations”. The event will be hosting more than 80 sessions that feature over 100 speakers from all around the world.
The team organising the Forum reiterated its potential as a platform for forging international partnerships and closer relations with the private sector – a key step for implementing SDGs. The meeting then moved on to a case study on DP World and its progress in achieving SDGs locally, regionally and internationally.
On the same note, the team outlined the progress made with regards to the Global Leadership Councils for SDGs initiative, announced at the World Government Summit, where work is underway to expand these Councils.
The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals holds periodic meetings at the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority’s headquarters in Dubai.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed: The UAE has Demonstrated its Commitment to Adopting Innovation and Technology to Achieve Sustainable Development.
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah: The UN Provides One of the Best Platforms in the World to Share Knowledge, Experiences, and Best Practices on Data and Statistics.
New York, Dubai, 16 March 2019:
As part of the UAE participation in the meetings of the fiftieth session of the International Statistical Committee at United Nations Headquarters in New York, H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, the Director-General of the Federal Authority for Competitiveness and Statistics (FCSA) and the Head of the UAE Delegation held a meeting with HE Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations to discuss the UN SDGs and the opportunities for enhancing cooperation efforts to achieve them.
During the meeting, the officials tackled many related topics, while focusing on the latest technology trends, strategic partnerships, the centrality of the role of youth and the importance of supporting the implementation of data-based sustainable development initiatives around the world.
H.E. Lootah showcased the UAE’s experience and experiments in this field and shed a spotlight on the State’s efforts at the local and international levels to achieve the SDGs, including hosting the second session of the United Nations Global Data Forum in October 2018. The international event was considered as an additional opportunity to meet with stakeholders and focus on how to harness the power of data to serve humanity.
On this occasion, HE Amina Mohammed said: “I am delighted to meet again with the UAE delegation and members of the FCSA. The UAE has always been a committed member of supporting global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, and the presence of a large team of officials at the meeting of the Fiftieth Session of the International Statistical Committee highlights the deep faith of UAE leadership in the vital role that data can do to achieve a prosperous future.”
On his side, Lootah pointed out: “The United Nations World Data Forum has established a strong and long-term relationship between statistics and data workers in the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations, specifically the International Statistical Committee. Communication and active participation among experts, private sector bodies, private sector companies, and social organizations around the world are the only way through which we can share experiences and innovations that support countries in their quest to achieve or exceed the goals of sustainable development.”
He added: “Today, we are here in New York to promote the commitment that everyone in this world, regardless where they live, can live a life free of poverty, hunger, and disease.”
It is worth mentioning that the International Committee of Statistics (ICS) comprises leading statistical experts from UN member states, and it is the highest decision-making body on international statistical activities.
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