A new phase of the national strategy to attract and retain talent is about to see the light, further solidifying the UAE’s position as a center of expertise and innovation in several key sectors. Announced on Monday as part of the UAE Strategy for Talent Attraction and Retention 2031, which was originally launched in 2021, the Cabinet decision aims to develop the UAE into a global hub for talent.
The strategy targets professionals in key sectors such as technology, renewable energy, healthcare, biotechnology, logistics, aviation, advanced industries, financial services, food and water technology, and the creative economy, having identified these fields as critically important for the UAE’s future development and global competitiveness.
Key Takeaways from the Cabinet Meeting:
- Attracting Global Talent to UAE: According to LinkedIn’s research, UAE stands among the top places for people looking for opportunities and a decent quality of life. As far as human development is concerned, it ranks number one in the MENA region and is among the top 20 globally in UNDP’s Human Development Index.
- High-Speed Rail Project: Key discussions at the Cabinet focused on the new high-speed train to connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The train running at 350 km/h will dock at six major stations, boosting mobility and economic connectivity across the Emirates at large. The Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stressed that the railway project will add Dh145 billion to GDP in the next 50 years.
- UAE Logistics Integration Council: The Cabinet approved the formation of the UAE Logistics Integration Council to enhance the status of the UAE as a global trade hub. The new body will provide a platform for federal and local entities to come together in ensuring efficiency in transport, customs, ports, and railways. The logistics industry, valued at Dh129 billion in 2023, is expected to exceed Dh200 billion by the year 2030.
- National Cybersecurity Strategy: In an attempt to further strengthen its highly developed digital infrastructure, the UAE announced a new National Cybersecurity Strategy. This strategy has five core pillars—governance, protection, innovation, build, and partnership; its goal is to ensure the safety of national assets in response to the rapid changes in the digital arena.
- Land Rehabilitation Achievements: As per the principles of sustainability, the UAE Cabinet reviewed the National Strategy to Combat Desertification. The UAE has rehabilitated 1,800 hectares of degraded land and has thereby significantly reduced the percentage of land affected by desertification to a mere 1.2%.
- Investment Attraction Initiatives: With a view to enhancing international cooperation and attracting investment, the UAE is a member of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA). Such membership is to further the establishment of strategic partnerships and sharing of best practice across the globe.
The new phase of the strategy to attract and retain talent is in place, next to these progressive initiatives, is hereby deemed to further stabilize the UAE as a world reference in innovation, business, and sustainability.