From 7th to 5th: UAE's stunning rise in global competitiveness explained at Growth and Investment Forum

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates has cemented its position as one of the world's most dynamic economies, fueled by visionary leadership, resilience, and a collective drive to shape the future, Dr Maria Hanif Al Qassim, Assistant Undersecretary for Policies and Economic Studies at the UAE Ministry of Economy, said in a recent speech.

While speaking at Gulf News’ Growth and Investment Forum, taking place at the V Hotel, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, Dr Maria said, “The UAE has rapidly evolved into one of the world's most dynamic economies, driven primarily by our visionary leaders, by our resilience and that collective belief that the future belongs to those who dare to shape it.”

She said the ambition is reflected in the UAE's latest achievement in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, where it climbed to fifth place in 2025, a significant jump from seventh in 2024. Dr Maria said that this accomplishment reflects “visionary leadership, robust institutions, open market policies, and our unwavering commitment to progress.”

She explained that at the core of the UAE's economic evolution lies a ‘thriving culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.’ Dr Maria said the nation continues to be a global leader in supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems through a vast network of incubators, accelerators, and enabling government policies.

She cited the Future 100 initiative, launched by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, as a prime example. The programme, according to Dr Maria, identifies and supports the top 100 emerging companies in future-oriented sectors ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and FinTech to green energy and advanced manufacturing.

That said, Dr Maria also stated that long-term competitiveness is intrinsically linked to sustainability. The UAE has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050—a first in the region. And the energy transition is well underway, backed by long-term strategies and substantial investments in clean energy. “Furthermore, the UAE has launched a national circular economy policy aimed at minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency, embedding sustainability at the core of its economic strategy,” he said.

Over the past two decades, the UAE has successfully diversified its economy, with non-oil sectors now accounting for the majority of the national GDP. Key growth drivers include logistics, finance, tourism, advanced manufacturing, and digital services. The development of successful economic clusters, such as Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai International Financial Centre, has created thriving ecosystems that attract investment and talent. With over 40 specialised free zones hosting tens of thousands of international firms, the UAE continues to strengthen its role as a global business hub.

Looking ahead, Dr Maria said the UAE's ambitions are clearly defined under the "We the UAE 2031" strategy. The nation aims to double its economy's size, significantly increase non-oil exports, and welcome millions more international visitors. This vision entails building a knowledge-based economy driven by advanced industries, world-class infrastructure, and future-ready talent, as underscored by initiatives such as "Operation 300 Billion" and the long-term "Centennial 2071" blueprint.

Dr Maria emphasised that the UAE's transformation is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, decisive action, and strong partnerships. She said, “The UAE transformation is a testament to what can be achieved through visionary leadership action as well as partnership. We are proud of how far we've come, but we are even more energised by what lies ahead as we move into a new era.”

She explained, “We are not only committed to remaining globally competitive. We are committed to being a globally collaborative organisation, and we invite you to join us. Together, let's shape an economy and the future or the of the next generation.”