UAE Government Annual Meetings to kick off in Abu Dhabi

The 2024 UAE Government Annual Meetings are taking place in Abu Dhabi this week, bringing together over 500 dignitaries, including rulers, and federal and local government officials.

Preliminary meetings focused on the UAE Cabinet, and national and local committees will start on Monday, followed by two days of national strategy reviews and plans within the We the UAE 2031 vision.

Inaugurated in 2017, this year’s session will focus on ways to further elevate government performance and competitiveness, establishing the UAE as the world's most efficient government model.

Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, stated that ongoing enhancements to the UAE's government systems reflect the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. These improvements aim to further elevate government performance and competitiveness, establishing the UAE as the world's most efficient government model.

“The UAE maintains its proactive commitment to providing the most efficient government model. This model, emphasised since the inaugural UAE Government Annual Meetings in 2017, is further reflected in the comprehensive improvements evident in this year's sixth session. These enhancements align with national priorities, supporting the UAE government's strategic aims and advancing its overall effectiveness,” Al Gergawi said.

“Key additions introduced as of this year’s Annual Meetings include national retreats, dedicated sessions with local governments, focus on empowering young national government leaders, amplifying citizen voices in the meetings, celebrating the exceptional achievements of national projects and recognising those responsible for their implementation. These initiatives will be part of an interactive agenda with increased participation from federal and local government entities,” he added.

The agenda comprises three national retreats ahead of the first day, with focus on national identity, family and AI. It also includes eight panel discussions on national priorities, with the participation of heads of federal and local government entities.

Al Gergawi added that the agenda includes more than ten plenary sessions addressing future national direction in economy and investment, AI, education, sports, family, and community empowerment.

Three exclusive meetings will be held by the executive councils for the local governments of Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah. Interactive exhibits and dedicated events will showcase and celebrate key achievements at the local and national levels.

The Annual Meetings will also address the approval of policies aimed at continually improving government services, further strengthening the UAE's proven track record and competitiveness.

With the participation of key national sectors and decision-makers, the meetings will focus on shaping visions and development plans to enhance quality of life and secure a brighter future for the next generation, emphasising both future readiness and achieving current objectives as the nation progresses toward the UAE Centennial 2071 plan.

The goal is to unify government efforts at both federal and local levels, facilitating annual discussions on development issues and engaging all national sectors in shaping the UAE's development vision.