UAE President Honors Sheik Mohammed’s Vision for National Growth

The UAE President celebrates Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s remarkable leadership that helped the nation reach new heights in 2024. The UAE’s foreign trade exceeded AED 2.8 trillion under his guidance. His clear direction led to the UAE establishing over 140 mutually beneficial alliances in key sectors worldwide. Sheik Mohammed also made history as the first recipient of the Emirates International Holy Quran Award – Personality of the Year for 2025. This honor recognizes his valuable work in promoting Quranic education and recitation programs.

UAE President Commends Mohammed bin Rashid’s Transformative Leadership

“Leadership is about service and responsibility, not power and prestige.” — Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

At Sheik Zayed‘s farm in Al Khawaneej, Dubai, His Highness Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid. He presented him with a special edition of the Mushaf and a framed photo of both leaders with the late Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The UAE President also gave Sheik Mohammed a signed letter that praised his dedicated service to the Holy Quran.

Sheik Mohammed’s leadership saw the UAE Cabinet go through 14 reshuffles to line up with national priorities and future trends. His vision launched game-changing initiatives like the UAE Government Strategy in 2007. This strategy aimed to achieve environmentally responsible development and ensure accountability in federal entities.

The government’s drive for excellence showed remarkable results in 2024. The Cabinet and Ministerial Development Council made 1,300 decisions to create the best regulatory environment for faster growth. The federal government also set aside AED 70 billion to implement nearly 750 national projects and initiatives.

Sheik Mohammed’s initiatives changed many sectors profoundly. The UAE’s GDP will likely cross AED 1.7 trillion, while industrial exports went beyond AED 190 billion. The hospitality sector also soared, welcoming over 30 million guests.

To honor his work in Islamic education, Sheik Mohammed created several notable initiatives through the Dubai International Quran Award:

• The Islamic Personality of the Year Award
• Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mushaf
• Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Quranic Manuscripts
• International Quran Competition

His Highness made infrastructure and regional security top priorities. The government updated 80 percent of the country’s economic, social, and regulatory laws, which created perfect conditions for growth. Foreign direct investments should reach AED 130 billion – a milestone never seen before in the nation’s economic history.

Dubai Ruler Drives Record-Breaking Economic Growth

Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid’s leadership has propelled Dubai’s economy to new heights in 2024. The emirate’s GDP grew by 3.3% year-on-year and reached AED 116 billion in the second quarter. This success comes from well-planned initiatives in logistics, technology, and tourism sectors.

Transportation and storage sectors showed remarkable results with a 7.8% growth rate compared to Q2 2023. These sectors contributed 13.6% to Dubai’s GDP. The information and communication sector grew by 5.6%, while accommodation and food service activities increased by 4.7%.

Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ has helped Dubai become one of the top three cities worldwide for investment and business. The agenda’s projects and planning focus on:

• Building a competitive business environment worldwide
• Lowering operational costs for businesses
• Making the city a growing business hub
• Keeping world-class living standards

UAE’s economy showed strong momentum as foreign trade volumes crossed AED 2.8 trillion. The industrial sector made big strides with exports over AED 190 billion. More than 15,000 companies drove this growth. These companies created jobs for over 11,000 Emirati citizens.

The business ecosystem grew rapidly with 200,000 new economic licenses issued to businesses of all types. The total number of registered companies reached 1.1 million, which shows strong interest from international investors. New and announced capital inflows from foundational FDI reached AED 58.75 billion in 2023.

Dubai’s tourism sector performed exceptionally well. The city welcomed 9.3 million international visitors in H1 2024, which was 9% more than the previous year. Public and private sectors worked together with local and international partners to make Dubai a top global tourist destination.

Mohammed bin Rashid Empowers Next Generation

“Human beings, their ideas, innovations, dreams, and connections, are the capital of the future. Because where great minds go today, great things will follow tomorrow.” — Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid’s steadfast dedication to enabling youth has shown amazing results. Emirati participation in the private sector has reached new heights. The private sector now employs 131,000 Emiratis in 2024, a substantial 350% increase. Young Emiratis have launched 25,000 small and medium-sized enterprises that naturally blend into the national economy.

The Youth Circles initiative by the Federal Youth Authority has become the life-blood of youth participation, reaching over 25,000 participants. Young people now contribute to policy discussions and share their dreams while providing feedback on upcoming projects. This initiative has led to 273 Youth Circles that promote meaningful dialog between youth and leadership.

The UAE made history by appointing Shamma Al Mazrui as Minister of State for Youth Affairs in 2016 at age 22. This bold move shows the nation’s commitment to including young voices in governance. The Emirates Youth Council, which started the same year, brings youth points of view into important national discussions.

The UAE has got worldwide recognition for its youth-focused approach. Young people rank the UAE as their favorite place to live because of its safety, security, and many job opportunities. The country’s youth unemployment rate is 9.89%, nowhere near the MENA region’s average of over 25%.

Dubai’s Youth Hub, which opened in 2017 with help from Microsoft and General Electric, gives young Emiratis space to develop skills and start businesses. The Nafis program has helped boost first-time Emirati participation in the private sector.

The UAE helps young people grow through several programs:

• The National Youth Strategy helps youth navigate key life stages
• Thirteen youth centers across the UAE provide spaces for skill development
• The Federal Youth Authority links young people with every government branch
• Federal entity boards must include Emiratis under 30

These detailed efforts show Sheik Mohammed’s vision to put youth at the vanguard of national development. Young people now actively shape UAE’s future.

Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s visionary leadership is evidence of UAE’s remarkable achievements in multiple sectors. His clear direction has helped the nation reach new heights, with AED 2.8 trillion in foreign trade and substantial GDP growth.

Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ has become a soaring win that shows how well-planned strategies and quick decisions work together. Dubai now ranks among the world’s top three cities for business and investment. The UAE’s global influence continues to grow through 140 mutually beneficial alliances.

Sheik Mohammed’s vision places young people at its heart. This commitment shows in the 350% rise in Emirati private sector employment. Youth Circles and specialized centers throughout the UAE will give a platform to young citizens who want to contribute to their nation’s development.

The Emirates International Holy Quran Award committee named Sheik Mohammed their first Personality of the Year for 2025. This recognition highlights his ability to protect cultural heritage while welcoming economic breakthroughs. His approach continues to guide UAE’s experience toward lasting growth and world leadership.