UAE Launches National Investment Strategy 2031 at Annual Government Meetings

Courtesy of WAM. All rights reserved.

Abu Dhabi, November 5 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The UAE unveiled its National Investment Strategy 2031 during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2024 in Abu Dhabi. The high-profile event, held on November 5 and 6, gathered over 500 officials from government entities, the private sector, and community organizations to discuss the nation’s future investment goals.

The strategy was launched in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The announcement comes as the UAE seeks to double its cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to AED1.3 trillion by 2031, despite global economic challenges.

“Clear goals lead to great achievements,” said Sheikh Mohammed. “The UAE’s remarkable surge of 35 percent in foreign direct investment inflows to AED112.6 billion in 2023, despite a global decline, affirms the success of our strategies and the high level of international confidence in our nation.” He added that the strategy builds on the UAE’s strong foundations and will position the country as a global strategic investment hub.

Dignitaries in attendance included H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; and several other high-ranking officials.

Minister of Investment Mohamed bin Hassan Al Suwaidi provided a detailed presentation on the strategy’s objectives, highlighting the UAE’s impressive FDI growth since 2015. Despite a global decline of 5.3 percent, the UAE's FDI inflows have risen by 17.3 percent, with the nation ranking second globally after the United States in new FDI projects in 2023. The strategy aligns with the "We the UAE 2031" vision and focuses on key sectors like advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology.

The National Investment Strategy 2031 sets ambitious targets, including tripling the UAE’s cumulative FDI balance to AED2.2 trillion. Five strategic directions underpin this vision: attracting investments in priority sectors, expanding FDI in existing projects, strengthening global partnerships, enhancing investor relations, and boosting the nation’s overall competitiveness. The UAE’s economic competitiveness, world-class infrastructure, and technological leadership are critical to achieving these goals.

Al Suwaidi addressed global investment challenges, such as geopolitical tensions and shifting investment hubs, and emphasized the need for the UAE to remain competitive. He highlighted the country’s achievements, including a 150 percent increase in the cumulative FDI balance from 2013 to 2023, far exceeding the global average growth rate.

The event also featured the launch of InvestUAE, a unified investment promotion brand. InvestUAE will drive the country’s global investment outreach through strategic campaigns, international summits, and digital marketing. The initiative aims to strengthen the UAE’s presence in global markets and forge partnerships to boost economic growth and diversification.