Abu Dhabi : The United Arab Emirates has secured its place among the world’s top five countries in competitiveness, government efficiency, legislative strength, and business environment, according to the 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). The UAE has surged from 28th place in 2009, marking a significant leap driven by long-term strategic reforms.
The announcement was made during a Cabinet meeting held at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
“These achievements are the result of over 16 years of continuous effort and a clear strategic vision,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a series of posts on X. “We now rank among the top five globally in competitiveness and efficiency, proving the strength of our governance model.”
Global Leadership in Zero Bureaucracy
The UAE ranked first globally for minimal bureaucracy, second for adaptability, and fourth in overall government efficiency. These rankings underscore the nation’s success in simplifying government processes and enhancing public service delivery.
Sheikh Mohammed attributed these accomplishments to the establishment of a federal competitiveness center and the cohesive efforts of key government entities working towards common national goals.
Major Cabinet Approvals and Initiatives
During the meeting, several important resolutions and initiatives were approved:
Housing Support for Emiratis
The Cabinet approved housing support for 1,838 Emirati citizens, amounting to AED 1.2 billion in the first half of 2025. Sheikh Mohammed reiterated the government’s commitment to family stability through dignified housing.
Balanced Development Projects
Progress updates from the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, chaired by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, were reviewed. The council has launched initiatives to boost tourism, support youth employment, and empower small businesses nationwide.
“No region of the UAE will be left behind in the country’s development journey,” Sheikh Mohammed affirmed.
Anti-Money Laundering Strategy
The Cabinet restructured the Supreme Committee to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The committee continues to lead efforts in making the UAE a global model in financial security and regulatory integrity.
UAE Pass Milestone
The UAE Pass, the country’s unified digital identity system, has surpassed 11 million registered users and logged over 600 million transactions. The system connects 130+ government and private entities, enabling over 2.6 billion digital transactions with speed and accuracy.
Sheikh Mohammed praised the team behind UAE Pass, calling it a cornerstone of the nation’s digital transformation agenda.
National Maritime Navigation Centre Launched
A new National Maritime Navigation Centre will be established under the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to monitor maritime traffic, operate a unified maritime window, enhance safety, and support environmental protection. The center will also promote scientific research and maritime development.
Momentum in Free Trade Agreements
The Cabinet reviewed the progress of 27 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), ten of which have already entered into force. Additional deals are being finalized, reflecting the UAE’s dynamic role in global trade.
“Our trade negotiation team has delivered exceptional results, helping accelerate the UAE’s presence in strategic global markets,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
