Gulf News: As it celebrates its 54th Eid Al Etihad, the United Arab Emirates is solidifying its standing as a front-runner in the political, economic, humanitarian, and developmental spheres.
Throughout the year, the UAE sustained a proactive foreign policy and a significant role in maintaining global stability. Its international participation includes efforts to stop the fighting in Gaza, condemnation of the civil war in Sudan and support for a civilian-led solution. The UAE also engaged in attempts to alleviate tensions between India and Pakistan, promoted de-escalation between Israel and Iran, and contributed to building worldwide opposition to the Israeli attack on Qatar.
The UAE continued its mediation between Russia and Ukraine, completing 17 rounds that allowed the exchange of 4,641 prisoners, and provided a forum for communication between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The UAE maintained a focal point for visits by world leaders and upheld a noteworthy presence in important international summits, particularly G20, BRICS 2025 and COP30.
The country’s economy continued to grow rapidly, becoming one of the fastest-growing in the world. According to the International Monetary Fund, growth is forecast to reach 4.8 percent, while non-oil international trade totalled Dhs1.7 trillion in the first half, up 24.5 percent. The UAE further adopted its largest government budget to date for 2026 at Dhs92.4 billion and unveiled the National Investment Strategy 2031.
By the end of September, credit had increased to Dhs2.478 trillion and banks assets had reached Dhs5.199 trillion. In an effort to draw in 1,000 foreign businesses, the UAE has started the “UAE Global Centre of Trade” initiative.
The tourist sector’s share of GDP climbed to Dhs257.3 billion, or 13 percent. In the first half of 2025, more than 16.1 million people stayed at hotels. The appointment of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization was a significant turning point.
Alongside well-known cultural endeavors like the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and the ARTE Museum Dubai, several significant projects were initiated, including Al Tay Hills in Sharjah, Disney Abu Dhabi, and Therme Dubai.
Legislative modernisation progressed with the introduction of new decrees and laws, including the formation of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, the Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence, and a new Personal Status Law, together with endorsing a smart legislative system supported by artificial intelligence.
Long-term initiatives were proposed in cyber security, talent attraction, zero bureaucracy, national volunteerism and the Family Growth Agenda 2031.
The UAE strengthened its global humanitarian leadership, keeping its position among the greatest aid providers with $1.46 billion in assistance. The government supplied more than Dhs9.4 billion in help to Gaza since the start of the crisis till November, including delivering over 100,000 tonnes of supplies and evacuating 3,000 injured individuals. It also granted Dhs3 billion to Sudan over two years, continued supporting stability in Yemen and extended assistance to dozens of crisis-affected nations.
The UAE advanced in global competitiveness, ranking among the world’s top five in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. It ranked ninth globally in the Global Soft Power Index 2025 and won the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor for the fourth year in a row.
Environmental leadership remained a focus, with efforts such as the first deep-sea exploration mission, plans to increase Abu Dhabi’s nature reserves to 20 percent, and the introduction of solar, hydrogen and wind energy projects inside and outside the UAE through national firms.
In 2025, the UAE achieved a big jump in artificial intelligence and the digital economy. 97% of people used AI tools, and there were more than 450,000 programmers.
The year saw the opening of the 5 gigawatt UAE-US AI Campus, the signing of a UAE-France cooperation framework, the establishment of Google’s Cyber Security Center of Excellence, and the introduction of a US$1 billion worldwide initiative to promote AI initiatives in Africa.
With initiatives like the Dhs170 billion national road plan, the high-speed train connection between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and significant advancements in transportation, water, and energy, as well as significant housing expansions across various locations, infrastructure and urban development advanced.
The UAE celebrates its 54th Eid Al Etihad with advancements
