H.H. Sheikh Khalifa decrees to adopt UAE’s 10 principles for the next 50 years

All ministries, federal and local government authorities, and institutions in the UAE must adhere to the principles and use them as guidelines in all their directives and decisions.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued the decree as part of his efforts to build a more sustainable economy and foster positive global and regional relations to achieve stability and peace across the world. 

The ten principles are as follows:

The First Principle
The main national focus is to strengthen the Union, its institutions, legislature, capabilities and finances. The development of the urban and rural economies throughout the nation is the fastest and most effective way to consolidate the Union of the Emirates.

The Second Principle
We will strive over the upcoming period to build the best and most dynamic economy in the world. The country's economic development is the supreme national interest. All state institutions, in all fields and across different federal and local levels shall be responsible for building the best global economic environment and maintaining the gains achieved over the past 50 years.

The Third Principle
The UAE's foreign policy is a tool that aims to serve our higher national goals, the most important of which is the country's economic interests. The goal of our political approach is to serve the economy, and the goal of the economy is to provide a better life for the people of the Union.

The Fourth Principle
The main future driver for growth is human capital. Developing the educational system, recruiting talent, retaining specialists and continuously building skills will be key to ensuring the UAE remains the most competitive national economy.

The Fifth Principle
'Good neighbourliness' is the basis of stability. The geographical, social and cultural position of the country in its region is the first line of defence for its security, safety and its future development. Developing stable and positive political, economic and social relations with its neighbours is one of the most important priorities of the country's foreign policy.

The Sixth Principle
Consolidating the reputation of the Emirates globally is a national mission for all institutions. The UAE is a destination for business, tourism, industry, investment and cultural excellence. Our national institutions must unify their efforts, benefiting mutually from their shared capabilities, and work to build global enterprises under the umbrella of the UAE.

The Seventh Principle
The digital, technical and scientific excellence of the UAE will define its development and economic frontiers. The consolidation of its position as a global hub for talent, companies and investments in these sectors will make it a future global leader.

The Eighth Principle
The core value system in the UAE shall remain based on openness and tolerance, the preservation of rights, the rule of justice and the law. We believe in the preservation of human dignity, the respect for cultural diversity, the strengthening of human fraternity, together with enduring respect for our national identity. The country will remain supportive, through its foreign policy, of all initiatives, pledges and international organisations that promote peace, openness and humanity.

The Ninth Principle
The UAE's foreign humanitarian aid is an essential part of its vision and moral duty towards less fortunate people. Our foreign humanitarian aid is not tied to religion, race, colour or culture. Political disagreement with any country should not justify failing to provide relief to that country in cases of disasters, emergencies and crises.

The Tenth Principle
Calling for peace, harmony, negotiations and dialogue to resolve all disputes is the basis of the UAE's foreign policy. Striving with regional partners and global friends to establish regional and global peace and stability is a fundamental driver of our foreign policy.