Introduction
In 2022, the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) unveiled a bold, forward-looking roadmap: We the UAE 2031. This ten-year vision — nested within the broader long-term development strategy of the UAE — sets ambitious targets across economic, social, diplomatic, and infrastructure spheres.
Now, three years into the journey and roughly halfway to the 2031 deadline, 2025 offers a natural moment for a mid-point assessment. How far has the UAE come? Which objectives are on track — and where are the gaps? This review aims to summarise the major achievements, provide context on ongoing efforts, and reflect on what lies ahead.
Understanding the Vision: What is “We the UAE 2031”
At its core, We the UAE 2031 rests on four strategic pillars:
- Forward Society — focusing on human capital, health, education, social cohesion, quality of life.
- Forward Economy — driving diversified economic growth, reducing reliance on oil, boosting non-oil exports, foreign trade, tourism, and attracting global talent.
- Forward Diplomacy — enhancing the UAE’s global standing, partnerships, humanitarian and environmental leadership, and proactive engagement in global affairs.
- Forward Ecosystem — building advanced infrastructure, digital government, efficient public services, security, regulatory frameworks, and a modern ecosystem to support growth and innovation.
The plan includes concrete national target-indicators: doubling GDP from AED 1.49 trillion to AED 3 trillion; generating AED 800 billion in non-oil exports; raising foreign trade value to AED 4 trillion; increasing tourism’s contribution to GDP; and positioning the UAE among global top 10 in human development, healthcare quality, quality of life, global talent attraction, food security, cybersecurity, and citizen safety.
With this framework in mind, the milestones reached by 2025 merit close attention — especially given the volatile global environment, technological disruption, shifting geopolitics, and economic uncertainty.
Key Achievements by 2025: Progress across Pillars
According to reports during the 2025 UAE Government Annual Meetings, the country has already achieved around 67% of the We the UAE 2031 targets, with six years remaining. Below are critical areas of progress across the four pillars.
1. Economic Diversification & Non-Oil Growth
- Non-oil sector contribution: As of first half of 2025, non-oil sectors account for 77.5% of GDP, a substantial move toward the 2031 goal (target ~ 80%).
- Foreign trade and non-oil exports: Non-oil foreign trade reached nearly AED 3 trillion in 2024. In the first half of 2025 alone, non-oil foreign trade expanded by 24.5% compared to the same period last year.
- Growth in economic activities beyond oil: Several non-oil sectors — including financial and insurance services, transportation and storage, construction, hospitality and tourism, among others — have posted solid growth.
- Competitiveness and investment attractiveness: The UAE ranks among global top in multiple competitiveness indices. Officials highlight that the country ranked first worldwide in 264 indicators, top-five in 504, and top-ten in 710 indicators in 2025.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): FDI inflows exceeded AED 167 billion in the past year, placing the UAE among the top global destinations.
These economic markers signal that the UAE is not only reducing dependence on hydrocarbons but also building a resilient, diversified economy — a central aim of the Forward Economy pillar.
2. Government Efficiency, Digital Transformation & Smart Planning
One of the most consequential developments of 2025 has been the pivot toward a more agile, technology-driven governance model. The federal government adopted a new planning framework, shifting from a five-year cycle to a three-year strategic planning cycle — explicitly aligned with the 2031 Vision.
At the heart of this new cycle is a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), process optimization, and resource efficiency. This approach is intended to make governance more responsive to global shifts — from technological change to geopolitical turbulence — while achieving more with fewer resources.
Complementing this, regulatory bodies like the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) have launched transformation projects under the 2031 vision, including a “Digital Vault” for banking, insurance, and telecom sectors; enhanced digital customer-journey programs; and services aimed at improving digital government performance.
All of these developments reinforce the Forward Ecosystem pillar, creating a foundation for future-ready governance, innovation, and public service delivery.
3. Human Capital, Talent Attraction, and Social Development
While economic metrics are easier to quantify, “we-the-people” goals such as education, healthcare, social cohesion, and talent attraction are more qualitative — yet critical.
Through 2025, the UAE has intensified efforts to position itself globally as a destination for top talent. According to recent global reports, the country has improved significantly in global talent competitiveness rankings.
Additionally, the expansion of digital infrastructure and smarter government services — from fintech to digital government — offers improved access to services, flexibility, and quality of life, which indirectly supports goals under the Forward Society pillar (education, health, social welfare, quality of life).
While some official health or education-quality metrics are not always publicly updated, the structural measures (infrastructure, governance, digital readiness) taken in 2025 create a strong base for long-term human development objectives.
4. Diplomacy, Global Positioning & Soft Power
Under the Forward Diplomacy pillar, the UAE has sought to expand its influence on the global stage — economically, politically, and diplomatically. As of 2025, officials assert that the UAE has strengthened its diplomatic and humanitarian presence worldwide, not just as a participant but as a shaper of global cooperation and agenda-setting.
On multiple global competitiveness and security indices — from cybersecurity to foreign investment attractiveness to quality-of-life measures — the UAE is increasingly positioned among the global leaders.
Moreover, the agile and tech-forward governance model, combined with economic diversification and human capital development, enhances the UAE’s soft power — presenting it as a modern, forward-looking, and globally-engaged nation.
What the Numbers Say: A Snapshot of Where Things Stand
Here is a summary table capturing key target metrics and approximate 2025 status based on available public data:
| Target (2031) | 2025 Status / Progress |
|---|---|
| GDP: AED 3 trillion | Non-oil sectors account for 77.5% of GDP — strong shift toward diversified economy |
| Non-oil exports: AED 800 billion | Non-oil foreign trade nearly AED 3 trillion (2024), strong growth trend |
| Foreign trade value: AED 4 trillion | |
| Global competitiveness ranking (top indicators) | First worldwide in 264 indicators; top-five in 504; top-10 in 710 (2025) |
| FDI inflows / attractiveness | FDI exceeded AED 167 billion; among top global destinations |
| Government efficiency & digital governance | New AI-driven planning cycle adopted; multiple digital government reforms underway |
| Human development, quality of life, global talent ranking | Significant improvements in global talent competitiveness rankings; infrastructure/social reforms ongoing |
Overall, with 67% of targets reportedly achieved, the numbers suggest the UAE is broadly on track — if not ahead of schedule in many respects.
What Makes 2025 a Crucial Milestone Year
Why does 2025 stand out as a critical year in the “We the UAE 2031” journey? Several factors converge to make this year both a checkpoint and a pivot.
Global Uncertainty & Rapid Change
As noted by officials during the 2025 Government Annual Meetings, the world is witnessing accelerating geopolitical risk, economic volatility, technological disruption (especially AI), and shifting global priorities.
In this context, the UAE’s decision to adopt a shorter — three-year — strategic planning cycle for federal government entities (instead of a rigid five-year plan) reflects heightened agility, responsiveness, and adaptability.
Momentum in Non-Oil Growth & Diversification
With non-oil sectors contributing 77.5% to GDP and foreign trade and non-oil exports surging, 2025 appears to be a turning point away from oil dependency. This diversification is perhaps the single most significant structural shift under the 2031 plan and forms the backbone of long-term resilience.
Technology, Governance & Future Readiness
The adoption of AI-driven planning and digital government reforms show the UAE’s commitment to building a governance model suited for the future — efficient, data-driven, agile. This not only helps deliver public services more effectively but also supports innovation, private sector growth, and global competitiveness.
Talent Attraction, Infrastructure & Global Integration
By strengthening global talent competitiveness, improving infrastructure and governance, and enhancing investment attractiveness, the UAE is positioning itself as a global hub — for business, innovation, tourism, and residency. These structural shifts are essential for meeting the 2031 ambitions in human development, quality of life, and international standing.
Remaining Challenges & Areas to Watch
While the progress is impressive, the 2025 mid-point also reveals areas where the journey ahead may not be entirely smooth. Some of these are structural, others stem from unpredictability of global dynamics. Here are a few to keep an eye on:
1. Translating Momentum into Social & Human Development Outcomes
Much of the publicly cited progress revolves around economic indicators — GDP growth, non-oil trade, FDI, competitiveness. But the success of pillars such as Forward Society depends on improvements in quality of life, healthcare, education, social welfare, and human development indices — metrics that are slower to shift and harder to quantify publicly. While infrastructure and governance reforms are underway, the real test will be long-term, sustained improvements in social indicators.
2. Sustainability, Environment, and Long-Term Resilience
While the 2031 vision under its diplomatic & ecosystem goals speaks to environmental responsibility and global leadership in sustainability, publicly available data (as of 2025) emphasises economic and governance reforms more than environmental or climate-related metrics. As global climate risks intensify and sustainability becomes more central, the UAE will need to double down on environmental action, green energy, and climate resilience to align with its long-term vision.
3. Global Risks and External Dependencies
Global economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, fluctuations in global demand, and shifting trade dynamics pose risks. Additionally, as the UAE integrates more deeply into global supply chains, attracts foreign investment and talent, and pushes non-oil economic dependencies, it may become more exposed to external shocks. The three-year strategic planning cycle helps, but long-term stability will depend on adaptability and hedging against global uncertainties.
4. Implementation Pace and Structural Reforms
Ambitious targets — such as doubling GDP, raising non-oil exports, building digital infrastructure, improving global talent competitiveness — require not just plans, but consistent execution. The mid-point success arguably reflects early momentum, but maintaining pace across all sectors (education, health, environment, social welfare) over the remaining six years will demand sustained effort, cross-sector coordination, and civil-society engagement.
What’s Next: Looking Forward to 2026–2031
Given the achievements so far and challenges ahead, here are some themes and priorities likely to define the next phase of “We the UAE 2031.”
✅ Consolidating Gains & Closing Gaps
With 67% of targets already reportedly met, the next step should be consolidation — maintaining economic growth while deepening investments in social development, healthcare, education, environment, and long-term sustainability.
Enhancing Governance, Innovation & Resilience
Continue leveraging AI, data-driven planning, and governance reforms — but also invest in innovation ecosystems, research & development, digital infrastructure, and smart regulation to support entrepreneurs, SMEs, and future-oriented industries.
Sustainability & Global Leadership in Environment
Develop clearer metrics and public reporting for environmental, climate, and sustainability goals. Expand renewable energy, green infrastructure, environmental protections, and climate adaptation — aligning with global best practices and reinforcing the UAE’s role as a responsible global actor.
Human Development, Inclusivity & Talent
Further strengthen policies to improve healthcare, education, social welfare, inclusivity, and quality of life; attract global talent not just for business, but also for academia, research, healthcare, creativity, and social sectors; ensure that growth benefits all segments of society.
Adaptive Strategy & Long-Term Planning
Leverage the new three-year planning cycle to remain responsive to global developments. Build flexibility into policies to adapt to shocks, technological change, and evolving global economic landscapes.
Conclusion: 2025 — A Landmark Year in the 2031 Journey
At the mid-point of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, 2025 stands out as a landmark year — one of achievement, structural shift, and renewed ambition. With 67% of targets reportedly achieved and many economic and governance goals on track, the UAE appears to be making tangible progress toward becoming a diversified, globally competitive powerhouse.
Yet, as with any large-scale national vision, the real success will be measured over time — not just by GDP or trade numbers, but by quality of life, social welfare, sustainability, and equitable development. The coming years will test the UAE’s capacity to sustain momentum, translate structural reforms into human-centric outcomes, and navigate a global environment marked by uncertainty and change.
If 2025 is any indication, the UAE is not only aiming to meet its 2031 targets — it is preparing to redefine what a modern, ambitious, resilient nation can look like in the 21st century.