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Press Release – Officials and Chief Sustainability Officers Shape the Future of Global Development Goals for 2045 During the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

16 Jan 2025

Ministers overseeing environmental, energy, and sustainability portfolios from over 10 countries, along with 30 chief sustainability officers from leading global companies, convened to envision the future of international efforts to achieve the 2045 Global Development Goals. Discussions centered on shaping the future of the clean energy sector and enhancing it through advanced technology and artificial intelligence.

This took place during a session titled “XDGS 2045: A Quantum Leap toward Inclusive Global Energy” organised by the UAE’s National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025. The event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, runs from January 12 to 18.

Leadership Perspectives

His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasised: “Focusing on shaping and developing the clean and renewable energy sector using advanced technology and artificial intelligence is a critical step toward envisioning the future of sustainable development. Our wise leadership believes in the power of innovation and technology to drive transformative change toward achieving sustainable development goals.”

He added: “We are committed to providing practical, implementable solutions that support the sustainable development agenda beyond 2030, aiming for 2045. I invite everyone to work together and think innovatively to enhance people’s wellbeing, protect our planet, and ensure a sustainable future for upcoming generations.”

His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, who moderated the session, underscored the importance of expanding global dialogue to enhance international partnerships in designing future sustainable development pathways. He stated: “Accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals requires strengthening cooperation and fostering a proactive understanding across various fields. The renewable and clean energy sector is a cornerstone of sustainability and a driver of wellbeing improvements for future generations.”

He also noted that the session’s outcomes will form a central part of the third report on Sustainable Development Goals 2045, set to be launched at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2025. This report will issue an open invitation to the international community to design the new global development agenda and the SDGs for 2045.

Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), stated in her opening remarks: “The UAE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting the transition to a sustainable and inclusive energy future by leveraging innovation and advanced technology to ensure clean and renewable energy for all. Our wise leadership believes in the importance of international cooperation and strategic partnerships to accelerate the global energy transition, positioning the UAE as a global model for innovation and sustainability.”

Global Participation

The session saw the participation of 30 ministers and chief sustainability officers from leading global companies, including: Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda; Lorenzo Tacchella, Private Partnerships Manager – GCC countries at World Food Programme; Ibrahim Al-Zu’bi, Chief Sustainability & ESG Officer at ADNOC Group; Sarah Shaw, Director of the National Corporate Social Responsibility Fund – Majra.

The session also saw the participation of prominent global companies and international organisations such as ADNOC, IKEA, DP World, First Abu Dhabi Bank, the United Nations, and the World Food Programme.

The Future of Clean and Renewable Energy by 2045

The session focused on the future of energy within Goal 7 of the SGDs on “Affordable and Clean Energy”. Discussions revolved around envisioning the future of clean energy, the role of artificial intelligence, and the integration of clean energy into the future energy mix. Participants explored innovative technologies for renewable energy production and emphasised the need to enhance investments in renewable energy projects, contributing to transformative positive changes in the clean energy sector.

They also examined strategies for building and expanding global partnerships to support clean energy initiatives, including solar, wind, tidal energy, and green hydrogen.

Vision for 2045

The concept of Sustainable Development Goals 2045 reflects a global consensus on the importance of developing a new framework building on the outcomes of the 2030 Agenda. This initiative supports efforts to ensure global prosperity and inclusive development. The idea emerged during the SDGs in Action Forum at the World Governments Summit 2023, aiming to chart the post-2030 future.

The session built on the outcomes of the Sustainable Development Goals 2045 Report, launched by the National Committee on SDGs during the HLPF on Sustainable Development held in New York in July of 2024. The report provides a comprehensive roadmap and serves as a foundation for a new global agenda toward a sustainable future for all.

The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 represents a global initiative launched by the UAE over 15 years ago to accelerate the achievement of sustainable development goals. Hosted by Masdar, the leading energy company, the event carries the theme: “The Nexus of Next. Supercharging Sustainable Progress.” It aims to accelerate sustainable development efforts, drive economic, social, and environmental progress, and foster dialogue among decision-makers, business leaders, and the community to chart pathways toward a sustainable economy and inclusive growth.

Press Release – UAE Joins Global Efforts to Enhance Statistical Work by Becoming a Member of the UN Statistical Commission for the First Time

08 Jan 2025

The UAE has officially joined the United Nations Statistical Commission for the 2025-2028 term, marking its first-ever membership since the commission’s establishment in 1946. This membership underscores the UAE’s global leadership in advancing statistical systems, driving comprehensive digital transformation in the sector, and positioning itself as a competitive global hub for data and statistical innovation.

Elected in May 2024, the UAE’s participation in the commission reflects its commitment to elevating government statistical practices and investing in the statistical sector at the national, regional, and international levels.

The UN Statistical Commission is the highest international authority for coordinating and setting statistical standards. Comprising 24 member states elected by the UN, the commission focuses on fostering international collaboration, developing statistical initiatives and supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by improving data systems at both national and global levels.

The UAE’s membership marks a new chapter in its journey to bolster its international presence in the field of statistics. It recognizes the country’s sustained efforts to develop a robust national statistical infrastructure and establish a comprehensive data ecosystem to support decision-makers.

Hanan Ahli: Towards a Sustainable and Adaptive Statistical System

Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) stated: “We are proud to represent the UAE in the UN Statistical Commission, aligned with the vision of our wise leadership to advance statistical work locally and globally. Our focus is on contributing to data-driven policymaking and fostering global dialogue on statistics and data to address development challenges.”

She added: “During our membership, we aim to achieve greater integration between federal entities and local statistical centres to build a sustainable statistical system capable of adapting to global changes. We will prioritize leveraging modern technology, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence to produce unified Emirati statistics that support the nation’s strategic goals, including the “UAE Centennial 2071”, spanning economy, population, society, environment, and more.”

Mohammed Hassan: Enhancing the UN Big Data Platform for SDG’s

His Excellency Mohammed Hassan, Executive Director of the Statistics and Data Sciences Sector at FCSC highlighted that this membership offers opportunities to expand cooperation frameworks and build strategic partnerships with national and regional entities. He noted: “Our participation will contribute to enhancing the UN Big Data Platform linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, for which the UAE is one of only four global regional hubs. This achievement highlights international confidence in our technical and statistical expertise.”

The UN Statistical Commission, which was established in 1946 serves as the highest international body responsible for developing statistical systems. It brings together elite statisticians from member states and oversees decision-making related to statistical work, the development and implementation of international statistical standards, and support for statistical systems in member states. The commission coordinates statistical work among countries and organizations, provides advice and support to UN bodies in data collection, analysis, and dissemination, and comprises 24 members elected by the UN Economic and Social Council, representing different continents worldwide.

UAE Government Launches ‘Data Index’ to Enhance Data Governance

23 Dec 2024

The UAE Government has launched the “Data Index,” designed in alignment with the global best practices in statistics and data management, to enhance government performance efficiency and measure advancements in national data governance.

The Index, developed as part of an integrated plan in collaboration between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) and the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, serves as a key benchmark enabling federal entities to manage and provide high-quality data and statistics adhering to international standards under the Data and Digital Government pillar within the "Ada’a" performance framework.

The “Data Index” launched during an event organized by FCSC, the initiative witnessed the participation of 120 data specialists representing 35 federal entities tasked with providing high-quality data within the "Ada’a" digital government framework.

This launch coincides with the recently introduced “Unified UAE Numbers” project, aimed at advancing the national statistical system, supporting the UAE’s progress across various economic, demographic, social, and environmental fields, and fostering transparency and efficiency in government data management. It aligns with the UAE’s vision of global leadership in leveraging data and statistics to support decision-making across three key pillars: enabling a proactive economy, enhancing human and societal well-being, and promoting environmental sustainability and renewable energy.

The “Data Index” underscores the UAE Government’s commitment to advancing digital transformation, optimizing government operations, and adopting cutting-edge technologies and solutions for robust data governance and secure data exchange.

Mohammed Hassan: "Data Index" Measures Progress in National Data Governance

His Excellency Mohammed Hassan, Executive Director of the Statistics and Data Sciences Sector at FCSC, stated: “The launch of the ‘Data Index’ aligns with the government’s direction to enhance performance efficiency and measure progress in national data governance as a future-oriented language. Its effective utilization will catalyze transformative improvements in service efficiency, resource management, and addressing global future challenges to shape a more prosperous and sustainable future.”

He further added, “The ‘Data Index’ encompasses three main pillars: governance of the regulatory and operational framework for data, application of the best statistical practices to enhance quality of government data, and implementation of digital transformation projects to manage all data production processes within participating federal entities. It ensures the reliability, quality, and comprehensiveness of data to support decision-making processes at all levels.”

Khalifa Al Habsi: The Index Provides High-Quality Data to Enhance Government Performance Efficiency

Dr. Khalifa Al Habsi, Director of Sectoral Strategies Performance Department at the Prime Minister’s Office, remarked: “The ‘Data Index’ was developed by a team of national experts at the Prime Minister’s Office in a constructive partnership with FCSC to improve government performance efficiency through the UAE Government’s ‘Ada’a’ system, ensuring the provision of high-quality data.”

He added, “The ‘Index’ covers vital sectors under a regulatory framework consistent with global statistical methodologies. It supports the planning and development of national policies and legislation, strengthens the UAE’s global competitiveness, and serves as a pivotal tool enabling federal entities to manage their data repositories effectively.”

Specialized Session Showcasing Data Index

The launch included orientation sessions for participating entities to understand the requirements for measuring the government’s “Data Index,” its evaluation criteria, and the significance of data in supporting the achievement of the “We the UAE 2031” vision. These sessions highlighted the importance of enhancing the UAE’s position on the global competitiveness map.

The “Data Index” reinforces data governance as a critical component of the development of government performance and operational sustainability through standardised criteria. It ensures the availability of reliable official data as a foundation for effective strategic decision-making and public policy formulation. Moreover, it upholds compliance with national and international privacy legislation, while improving operational efficiency by streamlining data flow between entities to support sustainable development goals and national indicators.

UAE Government launches ‘Unified UAE Numbers’ Project

17 Dec 2024

The UAE government has launched the "Unified UAE Numbers" project, a landmark national initiative to advance and strengthen the country’s statistical system to support its ongoing development across various economic, demographic, social, environmental, and other fields.

The announcement was made during an event attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, alongside heads and officials of the country’s statistical centres.

The project, which involves all local governments through respective statistical centres, aims to position the UAE as a global leader in utilising data and statistics to support effective decision-making. It focuses on three key areas: driving a proactive economy, supporting people and society, and promoting sustainable environments and renewable energy.

On this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised that the project reflects the UAE government’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology and solutions for utilising data and statistics in decision-making, in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, local statistical centres, executive councils nationwide, and private sector partners.

His Highness Sheikh Mansour added, “The achievements in statistics and data in the UAE serve as a cornerstone for ongoing development efforts, uniting us as a cohesive national team.”

During his meeting with statistical centres officials, Sheikh Mansour praised the collaboration between federal and local authorities, including the National Statistics Committee, chaired by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, and the involvement of ministries and government agencies.

He highlighted the importance of data in helping the UAE government make well-informed decisions and policies backed by accurate and comprehensive statistics, enhancing the nation’s competitiveness in key development sectors.

The project aims to streamline the national statistical release calendar and ensure accurate production of indicators at the national level. It also seeks to improve global competitiveness and foster international cooperation by providing detailed and accurate data on the UAE’s performance in global rankings, including GDP, inflation, foreign investment, infrastructure, the environment, and tourism.

Moreover, the project envisions a complete shift towards integrated digital surveys, promoting digital and data integration efforts, and building accurate records based on intelligent data collection and analysis. By leveraging modern technologies and digital platforms, the initiative aspires to create a unified data environment that facilitates strategic decision-making for national development.

The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre Participates in the GCC Economic Competitiveness Forum to Establish a Unified Framework

08 Dec 2024

The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) participated in the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Economic Competitiveness Forum, organised by Qatar’s Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.

The forum brought together representatives from GCC member states with the aim of establishing a unified framework to enhance economic competitiveness, expand areas of cooperation, and build future partnerships. The goal was to improve the GCC’s standings in global competitiveness reports and indices. During the event, the FCSC shared insights into the UAE’s institutionalised approach to managing global competitiveness, through an operational framework overseen by the National Competitiveness Committee.

The forum featured two key sessions: "The Future of GCC Competitiveness" and "Methodologies of Global Reports." These sessions highlighted the role of GCC competitiveness centres in shaping strategies and policies to bolster the region’s competitive capabilities.

Participants also discussed the Global Competitiveness Report issued by the World Economic Forum, which assesses the performance of 141 countries across 103 indicators, grouped into 12 main pillars. These include macroeconomic stability, infrastructure, innovation capacity, and business dynamism.

Hanan Ahli: Achieving GCC Aspirations for global Leadership in Competitiveness Indices

Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, stated that the UAE’s participation in the forum reflects the depth of partnerships among GCC member states and the UAE leadership’s commitment to advancing collaborative efforts. These endeavours aim to achieve shared ambitions and position the GCC as a leader in global competitiveness indices.

She noted that the FCSC, operating within an organisational framework led by the National Competitiveness Committee, has developed an innovative and modern model. This approach enables the professional management of the competitiveness portfolio, fostering transformative change and realising future aspirations.

It is worth noting that the FCSC monitors more than 22 competitiveness reports issued by international organisations and tracks over 1,350 global competitiveness indicators across critical sectors such as the economy, health, education, and gender balance. The Centre aligns its efforts with global trends that enhance the UAE’s competitiveness, ensuring its appeal regionally and internationally.

The National Committee on SDGs Emphasises the Importance of Investing in Young Talents and Enhancing International Partnerships

13 Nov 2024

His Excellency Abdulla Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, emphasised the UAE’s wise leadership’s commitment to investing in Emirati youth, highlighting the nation’s dedication to equipping young talents with the skills necessary to contribute to shaping the UAE’s future vision and advancing sustainable development efforts. H.E. noted that the National Committee on SDGs has actively empowered youth to engage in strategic planning and decision-making processes, pinpointing their pivotal role in implementing sustainability agendas both nationally and globally.

This came during the fourth committee meeting, attended by Her Excellency Maria Hanif Al Qassim, Assistant Undersecretary for Policies and Economic Studies at the Ministry of Economy; His Excellency Nasser Ismail, Assistant Undersecretary of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Community Development; Her Excellency Eng. Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoudi, Assistant Undersecretary for Sustainable Communities at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; His Excellency Dr. Hassan Obaid Al Mheiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Policies and Economic Studies at the Ministry of Education; and Her Excellency Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC).

In addition to, Her Excellency Bérangère Boell-Yousfi, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the UAE; Eng. Nawal Yousef AlHanaee, Director of Future Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; His Excellency Maywand Jabarkhyl, CEO of the Fatima bint Mohamed bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI), members of the Youth Advisory Council for Sustainable Development Goals, and representatives from the Ministry of Interior attended the meeting.

The meeting reviewed the achievements of the Youth Advisory Council for Sustainable Development Goals in its second term and its pivotal role in supporting decision-making, thus ensuring inclusive policies to align with the aspirations of future generations.

Youth Advisory Council Achievements

The Youth Advisory Council for Sustainable Development Goals highlighted its key accomplishments in promoting national efforts toward sustainable development. The council launched several initiatives, including "Knowledge Without Borders," which shared the best sustainability practices with over 27 countries, and "Art and Culture for SDGs" which established more than six partnerships to enhance the art and culture ecosystem for sustainability. During COP28, the council hosted a series of international dialogue sessions, with the most notable being the "Health and Climate Change Forum." which focused on exploring the future of healthcare and enhancing preparedness for emerging health-related challenges.

National and Global Updates

Bérangère Boell-Yousfi made a presentation to the committee members, summarising key outcomes from the "Summit of the Future" held by the United Nations in New York in September. The presentation focused on international efforts to accelerate sustainable development, emphasising the importance of international and regional cooperation in achieving sustainable development, and the role of data in tracking progress on both the national and global levels.

The committee further discussed updates on the national plan on SDGs, where Her Excellency Maria Al Qassim presented the Ministry of Economy’s sustainability initiatives, including plans for sustainable tourism, circular economy, sustainable financing, and initiatives to encourage the private sector to adopt the sustainability agenda.

Humanitarian Efforts Focused on Sustainability

The Fatima bint Mohamed bin Zayed Initiative team presented the initiative’s achievements, focusing on sustainability and empowering low-income Afghan communities that have faced significant challenges over the past three decades due to wars and natural disasters. The initiative employed over 8,000 Afghans, 70% of whom are women, provided monthly healthcare to over 25,000 people, and enabled 20,000 children to attend school, providing aid to a total of 1.8 million people.

The National Committee on SDGs is responsible for coordinating efforts among entities to align national policies, strategies, and targets with sustainable development goals, fostering and building national skills to achieve these goals, addressing challenges through partnerships at the local and global levels, preparing national reports, and managing the collection and sharing of SDG data across the UAE.

FCSC Promotes Global Partnerships with International Statistical Offices at the BRICS Meeting

11 Nov 2024

The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) participated in the 16th Meeting of Heads of BRICS National Statistical Agencies, held in Kazan, Russia. The meeting comes within the activities of the BRICS Summit, in which the UAE participates for the first time as a member of the BRICS.

Meeting of Heads of BRICS National Statistical Agencies serves as an effective platform for decision-makers, statisticians, and global experts in big data, paving the way for sharing knowledge, exploring collaboration opportunities, and getting acquainted with cutting-edge, statistics-related scientific and innovative technologies. The meeting focused on implementing impactful projects and initiatives to support the ongoing evaluation of emerging global needs.

Hanan Ahli: An Opportunity to Highlight the UAE’s Leadership in Digital Transformation and Statistical Excellence

Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, stated that participating in this important event provided an opportunity to build bridges and foster effective partnerships with the National Statistics Offices of the BRICS. Furthermore, it paved the way for developing global and innovative statistical systems, using top-notch, reliable data to showcase the UAE’s pioneering model in digital transformation and the application of state-of-the-art solutions to achieve statistical excellence, support development programmes, and address future needs and challenges.

H.E. Hanan Ahli said that the UAE and its statistical landscape are committed to continuously enhancing the national statistical effectiveness, leveraging modern tools and methodologies to ensure the publication of reliable data on the UAE Unified Numbers, through efficient, adaptable, and agile statistical systems that uphold the highest standards of integrity, while adapting to evolving changes.

"We look forward to building effective partnerships with the National Statistics Offices of BRICS as we approach the activation of the UAE’s membership in the United Nations Statistical Commission, 2025-2028. Our goal is to develop statistical communities, build capacities, and exchange expertise in the fields of statistical governance, the use of big data, and leveraging data science in developing official statistics," she added.

The BRICS Joint Statistical Publication 2024

During the meeting, the "BRICS Joint Statistical Publication 2024", compiled by representatives from the National Statistics Offices of BRICS countries, was launched. It features key economic and social statistics and indices of member countries, such as GDP, inflation rates, price indices, population, employment, and unemployment indicators, etc. Members highlighted that promoting statistical partnerships and cooperation is pivotal to achieving fruitful outcomes in the BRICS statistical activities.

The UAE delegation held bilateral meetings with H.E. Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary General of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation of India, and H.E. Mao Shengyong, Deputy Commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics of China. The meetings focused on the development of statistical systems, enhancing the role of statistics and data in future readiness across vital sectors, utilising alternative technologies and AI tools for data collection and analysis to support decision-making and strategic planning.

Press Release – UAE Economy Records 4.5% Growth in Non-Oil Sectors, with Real GDP Expanding by 3.8%

05 Mar 2025

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri: Under the wise leadership’s vision, the UAE has built an innovative economic model based on global best practices. The continuous growth of the national economy reflects the success of the UAE’s economic diversification policies.
We remain committed to achieving the goals of “We the UAE 2031”, aiming to expand the UAE’s GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade and securing the UAE’s position as a global hub for new economy.

Hanan Ahli: The UAE’s robust economic performance is backed by a clear future-oriented vision focused on sustainable economic growth.

Additional Subtitles:

• UAE’s real GDP reaches AED 1.322 trillion
• Non-oil GDP reaches AED 987 billion
• Contribution of non-oil sectors to real GDP is 74.6%
• Top-growing sectors: Transport, construction, finance, government, and hospitality
• Leading contributors to non-oil GDP: Trade, manufacturing, finance, construction, and real estate
• Nominal GDP reaches AED 1.486 trillion (6% growth)
• Nominal non-oil GDP reaches AED 1.136 trillion (6.6% growth)

The UAE has recorded significant growth in its real GDP by 3.8%, reaching AED 1.322 trillion in the first nine months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, non-oil GDP expanded by 4.5% to AED 987 billion, accounting for 74.6% of total real GDP, while oil-related activities accounted for 25.4%.

Commenting on this performance, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, emphasized that the UAE’s sustained economic growth is a testament to the success of its policies and strategies aimed at enhancing economic diversification, streamlining business operations, and driving the expansion of new economy sectors as key drivers of sustainable economic and social development. He highlighted that, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE has built an agile and globally competitive economic model capable of adapting to global challenges and rapid changes.

“The UAE continues to increase the contribution of non-oil sectors to the national economy by developing flexible economic legislation, enhancing global trade openness, and building strategic partnerships with key international markets. These efforts align with the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which aims to grow the UAE’s GDP to AED 3 trillion within the next decade and secure its position as a global economic hub,” H.E. bin Touq added.

Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, stated: “The UAE’s GDP growth over the past nine months reflects our strong economic performance and future-driven vision focused on sustainable economic expansion, led by non-oil sectors.”

“Economic diversification remains a key pillar of the UAE national strategy, ensuring long-term growth in the economy and in key economic and development indicators,” she emphasized.

Top-Growing Economic Sectors

During the first nine months of 2024, the UAE’s fastest-growing economic sectors showcased remarkable expansion compared to the same period in 2023. The transport and storage sector experienced a significant growth of 7.9%, largely driven by a surge in passenger traffic at UAE airports, which welcomed over 103 million travelers, marking a 20% increase. Similarly, the construction and building sector expanded by 7.4%, fueled by substantial investments in large-scale urban infrastructure projects. The financial and insurance sector also saw steady growth, rising by 6.8%, while government activities expanded by 5.0%. Additionally, the hospitality and restaurant sector recorded a 4.9% increase, reflecting the continued momentum in the tourism industry.

When examining the key contributors to non-oil GDP, trade emerged as the largest sector, accounting for 16.5% of total non-oil economic output. Following closely behind, manufacturing contributed 15.1%, underscoring the UAE’s industrial strength. The financial and insurance sector played a crucial role, making up 12.1% of non-oil GDP, while construction and building activities contributed 11.7%, and the real estate accounted for 7.6%.

Overall, the UAE’s nominal GDP reached AED 1.486 trillion during the first nine months of 2024, reflecting an impressive 6% year-on-year growth. The nominal non-oil GDP also grew significantly, reaching AED 1.136 trillion, with a 6.6% increase. Notably, non-oil sectors contributed 76.5% to the total GDP, further highlighting the UAE’s progress in economic diversification and sustainable growth.

UAE Strengthens Statistical Partnership with BRICS Countries to Support Development Policies

22 Jun 2025

The UAE, represented by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), participated in the 17th Meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices of BRICS, held in Fortaleza, Brazil. The meeting saw the participation of high-level delegations as part of the Triple International Forum on Global South Governance.

The meeting focused on vital topics aimed at strengthening statistical cooperation among BRICS countries. Discussions included the production of digital age indicators, exchange of national experiences in economic development, poverty reduction, climate change mitigation, international statistical training, and joint publications such as the Joint Statistical Publication (JSP) of the BRICS group. These efforts aim to strengthen statistical cooperation frameworks, paving the way for further integration in data production and support for development policies within the group’s countries.

Hanan Ahli: UAE Supports Global Dialogue on Shaping a Data-Driven Future Enhanced by Statistical Innovation

Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, affirmed that UAE’s participation reflects its commitment to supporting global dialogue on shaping a data-driven future, enhancing its governance through a flexible and comprehensive knowledge system that responds to national priorities and aligns with global trends. By leveraging statistical innovation tools and enhancing cognitive integration, the aim is to build more sustainable communities.

Hanan Ahli added, “We look forward to strengthening cooperation frameworks with BRICS countries through the UN Global Platform Regional Hub in the UAE, contributing to the development of indicators that reflect the digital age realities and support joint efforts and knowledge exchange in this vital field.”

The UAE delegation highlighted the importance of developing modern statistical tools that reflect digital transformations in national economies, reaffirming the country’s commitment to enhancing international partnerships in data and evidence-based policy support. The delegation also showcased UAE’s efforts in developing data infrastructure, enabling innovation in statistical work, and deploying modern technologies such as AI and big data to support sustainable development strategies.

The UAE delegation stated that enhancing coordination and aligning the Joint Statistical Publication (JSP) of the BRICS group with public policy requirements is necessary, focusing on the specific nature and development needs of the group’s countries to enhance the effectiveness of data in decision-making processes.

It is worth mentioning that BRICS Heads of National Statistical Offices Meetings serve as a high-level platform bringing together decision-makers and international experts in statistics and big data to exchange experiences, discuss opportunities for effective cooperation and partnerships, and explore the latest innovative practices in statistical work, contributing to the development of quality initiatives that support continuous assessment of evolving needs at regional and international levels.

Press Release – Officials and Chief Sustainability Officers Shape the Future of Global Development Goals for 2045 During the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

16 Jan 2025

Leadership Perspectives

Global Participation

The Future of Clean and Renewable Energy by 2045

They also examined strategies for building and expanding global partnerships to support clean energy initiatives, including solar, wind, tidal energy, and green hydrogen.

Vision for 2045

Press Release – UAE Joins Global Efforts to Enhance Statistical Work by Becoming a Member of the UN Statistical Commission for the First Time

08 Jan 2025

Hanan Ahli: Towards a Sustainable and Adaptive Statistical System

Mohammed Hassan: Enhancing the UN Big Data Platform for SDG’s

Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre Launches Strategic Partnership with Saudi Statistics During UAE Delegation’s Participation in the Saudi Statistics Forum 2025

14 May 2025

The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) in the UAE government has launched a new strategic partnership with the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The partnership was formalized during the UAE delegation’s participation in the Saudi Statistics Forum 2025 which aims to strengthen institutional collaboration in the field of statistics and data. The key goals include sharing best practices, enhancing the quality of national data in accordance with international standards, and supporting decision-makers with reliable data that informs policy and benefits society.

The MoU was signed in the presence of His Excellency Nahyan Bin Saif Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Signing parties included Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, and His Excellency Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dosari, President of the General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Nahyan bin Saif: Cooperation Reflects Deep Relations and Emphasizes Support for Sustainable Development

His Excellency Nahyan Bin Saif Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, affirmed that the partnership reflects deep fraternal relations between the UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It underscores the commitment of both countries to strengthen cooperation in vital areas contributing to sustainable development and future vision based on innovation and data.

Hanan Ahli: Strengthening Regional Leadership in Data-Driven Development

Her Excellency Hanan Mansour Ahli stated, “The cooperation represents a significant step towards strengthening regional leadership in data-driven development, reflecting our joint commitment to promoting statistical excellence, enhancing innovation, and building a future where development relies on the power of data to serve our nations, region, and the world.”

Fahad Abdullah Al-Dosari: Supporting Experience Exchange in Statistical Work Areas

His Excellency Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Dosari, President of the General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation between statistical institutions in areas of knowledge exchange, experiences and success stories.

Dr. Fahad Al-Dosari also stated “We are pleased to sign this MoU, which will strengthen the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices between our two institutions, advancing the region’s statistical capabilities and cooperation.”

International Statistical Methodologies and Practices Session

As part of the UAE delegation’s participation in the accompanying events of the Saudi Statistics Forum, H.E. Hanan Ahli participated in a panel discussion titled “International Statistical Methodologies and Practices,” highlighting the importance of statistical governance mechanisms amid the rapid transformations in the world of data.

Hanan Ahli highlighted the need for innovative governance models that ensure coordination between government and private entities, protect data integrity, and guarantee its quality and accessibility. She emphasized the UAE’s proactive approach, reflected in initiatives such as the “Data Index,” which empowers government entities to lead in data quality and governance. This approach enhances the UAE’s leadership role in the international statistical community, particularly as a member of the UN Statistical Commission for the 2025–2028 term.

H.E. further showcased the model of statistical governance in the UAE under its federal system, represented by the ‘Data Index’ initiative, one of the most important national initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of government data. The initiative focuses on empowering government entities rather than merely fulfilling their role as a primary data source for statistical entities. This underscores the importance of governance as a fundamental element in the success of coordination frameworks between various federal and local entities, supporting the provision of timely and accurate data directly benefiting decision-makers.

Knowledge Visit

The UAE delegation concluded its visit with a tour of the General Authority of Statistics (GASTAT) headquarters, where they explored best practices in statistical governance, data analytics, and the integration of advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning in policymaking. The visit showed Saudi Arabia’s progress in digital transformation.

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Emirati Women’s Day… From Numbers to Achievements, Driven by Your Vision

30 Apr 2026

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DATA FOR A BETTER FUTURE

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

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“RASMI” Initiative

The “RASMI” accreditation mark aims to:

Highlight the strength of the Unified UAE Numbers to support the UAE’s global competitiveness journey.

Ensure the highest levels of transparency and accuracy in producing national data.

Reduce duplication and support mechanisms for integration and coordination between federal and local data-producing entities.

Enhance community trust in published national data and statistics.

Raise statistical awareness among individuals in society through interactive visual content.

إبـــــراز قـــــوة أرقـــــام الإمـــــارات المـــــوحدة، لدعـــــم مسيـــــرتنــــــا في التنــــــافسيــــــة العــــــالميــــــة.

ضمــــــان أعــلى درجــــــات الشـــــفـــــافيــــة والــــــدقــــة في إنتــــــاج لبيــــانــــــات الـــــــوطنيــــــة.

تعـــــزيـــــــز ثقـــــــة المجتمــــــع فـــــي البيـــــــانــــــات والإحصــــــاءات الــــــوطنيـــــــة المنشـــــــورة.

نشـــــــر الـــــــوعي الإحصـــــــائي بيـــــــن أفــــــراد المـــــــجتمع عبـــــــر محتــــــوى مـــــــرئي تفــــــــاعلي.

Media Center

DATA FOR A BETTER FUTURE

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

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“RASMI” Initiative

The “RASMI” accreditation mark aims to:

Highlight the strength of the Unified UAE Numbers to support the UAE’s global competitiveness journey.

Ensure the highest levels of transparency and accuracy in producing national data.

Reduce duplication and support mechanisms for integration and coordination between federal and local data-producing entities.

Enhance community trust in published national data and statistics.

Raise statistical awareness among individuals in society through interactive visual content.

مبــــــادرة "رســـــــمي"

تهـــدف علامــــة اعتمــــاد "رســــمي" لـ:

إبـــــراز قـــــوة أرقـــــام الإمـــــارات المـــــوحدة، لدعـــــم مسيـــــرتنــــــا في التنــــــافسيــــــة العــــــالميــــــة.

ضمــــــان أعــلى درجــــــات الشـــــفـــــافيــــة والــــــدقــــة في إنتــــــاج لبيــــانــــــات الـــــــوطنيــــــة.

تعـــــزيـــــــز ثقـــــــة المجتمــــــع فـــــي البيـــــــانــــــات والإحصــــــاءات الــــــوطنيـــــــة المنشـــــــورة.

نشـــــــر الـــــــوعي الإحصـــــــائي بيـــــــن أفــــــراد المـــــــجتمع عبـــــــر محتــــــوى مـــــــرئي تفــــــــاعلي.