UAE approves remote work system for federal employees abroad

Abu Dhabi: The UAE has approved a new work system allowing federal government employees to work remotely from outside the country.

The initiative, announced Monday during a Cabinet meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to attract international talent to contribute to government projects, studies, and specialized tasks.

During the cabinet meeting held today at Qasar Al Watan, the UAE government approved a comprehensive six-year national investment strategy aimed at more than doubling the country’s annual foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows by 2031, in a move that will reinforce the nation’s position as a global hub for business and capital.

The strategy, endorsed during a Cabinet meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, targets increasing annual FDI inflows from Dh 112 billion in 2023 to Dh 240 billion by the end of the strategy’s term. It also aims to raise the total stock of foreign investments from Dh 800 billion to Dh 2.2 trillion during the same period.

“This strategy will focus on vital sectors including industry, logistics, financial services, renewable energy, and information technology,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement following the meeting, held at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. “The UAE continues to develop its economy, open new markets, attract investments, and create the best business environment globally.”

The Cabinet also reviewed the progress of the UAE’s strategic partnerships with African nations, reporting that 95 percent of the initiatives previously approved have been implemented, resulting in a significant rise in trade volume with Sub-Saharan Africa — from Dh 126.7 billion in 2019 to Dh 235 billion in 2024, an 87 percent growth over five years.

"The UAE will continue to build new economic bridges across all continents, solidifying its position as a global trade hub connecting regions around the world." Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

Additionally, the Cabinet assessed the results of the national digital economy strategy, which seeks to increase the digital economy’s contribution to GDP from 9.7 percent to 19.4 percent over the next six years. The initiative includes a series of national projects and reforms designed to strengthen the country’s position in the global digital economy.

In the health sector, the Cabinet adopted a new national policy to combat health risks, aimed at enhancing the country’s preparedness and response capabilities. The policy outlines key national scenarios for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, and includes comprehensive plans to manage public health situations during emergencies. “Continuously strengthening the UAE’s readiness for health emergencies will remain a priority to ensure health security and enhance overall quality of life,” the UAE Vice President said.

The Cabinet also approved the executive regulations on the donation and transplantation of human organs and tissues. The move aims to expand treatment options for individuals suffering from conditions that can only be addressed through organ transplants.

The UAE currently has more than 13 licensed centers performing such procedures and has witnessed a 30 per cent increase in transplant surgeries. “Today, the UAE offers transplants for kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Our health sector continues to advance, with a commitment to delivering the highest standards of healthcare services for all,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

The Cabinet also approved a restructuring of the Emirates Research and Development Council, now chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, with a renewed focus on setting national priorities and fostering collaboration between government, private sector, and academia.

In the social sector, the Cabinet okayed a series of decisions related to the social support and empowerment system, introducing updated regulations that define eligibility standards and general criteria for receiving both basic and supplementary allowances.

The annual budget allocated for social support programs has increased by 29 per cent, reaching approximately Dh 3.5 billion. The number of beneficiaries has also risen by 37 per cent, with 3,200 individuals successfully integrated into the labor market, reflecting a strategic shift from support-based assistance to active economic participation.

The Cabinet also ratified 28 international agreements, including economic partnership agreements with Malaysia, New Zealand, and Kenya, along with several security, logistics, and government cooperation agreements with countries around the world.

"Our teams’ efforts continue to drive progress, and the trajectory of growth is accelerating. Every day, we see our country's future becoming brighter, stronger, and more prosperous, thanks to the  dedication and commitment of thousands of teams across all sectors." Sheikh Mohammed stated.