UAE Cabinet approves the National Anti-Drugs Strategy (2024-2031) with the aim of becoming drug-free by 2031
Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE Cabinet convened at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE Cabinet emphasized the significance of the UAE Government Annual Meetings as a pivotal national gathering that embodies the spirit of a united national team. These meetings review and discuss the agendas of governmental federal-local integration. Moreover, they seek to set clear objectives and a national agenda for the upcoming year 2025.
“Today, I chaired the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, launching this pivotal national gathering with a special session of the Cabinet. The annual meetings bring together the UAE’s leading 500 officials, underscoring the critical importance of unified teamwork across federal and local entities. Working with a cohesive team spirit is no longer a choice; it is essential to advance the UAE’s development journey,” stated Sheikh Mohammed.
Sheikh Mohammed reviews federal housing plans
Sheikh Mohammed added that the Cabinet’s goal from the meetings is to establish focused agendas, setting forth national projects and programs for 2025. “We aim for stronger unity, aligned vision, and synchronized efforts across all levels of government to serve the Union and its people,” he added.
The Cabinet also reviewed the progress of federal housing plans. Over the past five years, homeownership among citizens has increased from 76 percent to 91 percent. Meanwhile, the number of pending housing requests dropped from 13,000 to just 650. Sheikh Mohammed added that the waiting period for housing declined from four years to one.
“Since its establishment, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program has supported over 90,000 citizens with an allocation of AED60 billion,” he added.
National Anti-Drugs Strategy approved
During the UAE Government Annual Meetings, the Cabinet also approved the National Anti-Drugs Strategy (2024-2031), a comprehensive plan encompassing various programs and initiatives that aim for a drug-free UAE by 2031. The strategy also aims to reduce mortality rates resulting from drug use.
“This strategy strengthens measures to deter drug dealers and traffickers at both the local and international levels, expands rehabilitation centers, increases public awareness across all social segments, and establishes correctional centers, among other initiatives. Drugs are the cancer of societies — a destructive force that leads to addiction and despair. It is essential that we unite to combat this danger,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
The National Anti-Drugs Strategy also seeks to bolster community resistance to drug use, advance research in drug detection, support at-risk individuals while harnessing their potential, and establish safe treatment and rehabilitation facilities.
Moreover, it aims to improve employment opportunities for recovering addicts to reduce relapse rates, strengthen border control against drug trafficking, arrest and apprehend drug dealers, actively participate in international counter-narcotics efforts, and promote the responsible use of potentially addictive prescription medications.
This strategy encompasses several key initiatives including awareness campaigns and the development of policies and research that focuses on awareness, prevention, and positive behavioral change.
UAE grows global engagement
The Cabinet also ratified several agreements and memoranda with various countries, covering areas such as legal cooperation, economic and civil affairs, healthcare, and investment. Notable among these are comprehensive economic partnership agreements with Jordan and South Korea. It also ratified an agreement on cooperation in the field of nursing accreditation with the United States. These agreements align with the UAE’s objectives to expand international relations and fortify partnerships across diverse sectors.
At the UAE Government Annual Meetings, the Cabinet ratified a total of 22 international agreements. “We also endorsed memoranda of understanding in the fields of energy, competitiveness, and research with 17 countries,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
“The UAE continues to build bridges with nations around the world, as our growing global engagement is a vital element in our sustainable development journey,” His Highness concluded.
Securing AED6.17 billion in financing solutions
The Cabinet then reviewed the annual results of the Industry Development Council (IDC) for 2023, highlights of which included securing AED6.17 billion in financing solutions through strategic partners of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. The results also included a decline in fees for the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation services for companies participating in the In-Country Value (ICV) program.
A comprehensive industrial census also concluded, providing robust data for decision-makers. Key regulatory advancements included the Industrial Regulation and Development Law, a policy for valuing industrial waste, and greater tariffs on importing steel, all supporting national products.
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Joint Annual Meeting of Arab Financial Institutions 2026 in Abu Dhabi
During the UAE Government Annual Meetings, the Cabinet also endorsed the UAE’s plans to host the Joint Annual Meeting of Arab Financial Institutions in Abu Dhabi in 2026, marking the 50th anniversary of the Arab Monetary Fund. The Cabinet also approved hosting the 2025 Meridian Conference on Critical Information Infrastructure Protection, positioning the UAE as a regional leader in finance and security.
The Cabinet also approved the UAE’s membership in OpenPeppol, a non-profit organization that promotes unified e-invoicing standards. The non-profit’s memberships include over 39 countries and more than 400,000 private businesses. By joining OpenPeppol, the UAE aims to ensure the use of international best practices and streamline e-invoicing within an integrated digital framework.
Moreover, the Cabinet approved the UAE’s subscription to a capital increase in the Arab Monetary Fund during the UAE Government Annual Meetings, contributing approximately AED1,082 million. Amendments to the AMF’s articles of agreement were also approved.
Finally, the Cabinet reviewed the consolidated semi-annual financial statements of the federation for the period ending June 30, 2024. Additionally, the Cabinet discussed reports from committees on education governance and financial free zones, along with the status of the UAE’s dual licensing initiative for businesses in free zones.
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