UAE Cabinet establishes National Investment Fund

November 19, 2025 / 9:42 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, chaired a Cabinet meeting at the Dubai Airshow, attended by senior UAE leaders. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the UAE’s role in supporting the global aviation sector and other strategic initiatives.

Establishment of the National Investment Fund

The Cabinet approved the creation of the National Investment Fund with an initial capital of AED36.7 billion, aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). The fund seeks to increase annual FDI from AED115 billion to AED240 billion by 2031 and raise total FDI from AED800 billion to AED2.2 trillion, supporting the UAE’s broader economic goals.

Economic and Industrial Development

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted progress in the National Strategy for Industry, noting that industrial spending has exceeded AED110 billion with exports reaching AED197 billion, contributing AED210 billion to GDP. The goal is to reach AED300 billion by 2031.

National identity and GCC cooperation

The Cabinet approved the UAE National Identity Strategy, aiming to strengthen national pride and societal cohesion through over seventy initiatives. It also reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to GCC economic integration, highlighting trade, property ownership, and student exchange figures demonstrating strong regional cooperation.

Civil aviation and infrastructure achievements

In 2024, the UAE’s civil aviation sector contributed AED340 billion to GDP, with airports handling 148 million passengers—up 10% from 2023. The UAE signed 190 air transport agreements and was ranked highly globally for its aviation infrastructure and safety standards.

Key strategic initiatives and policies

The Cabinet approved the National Family Growth Agenda 2031 to promote family stability and growth, alongside the UAE National Identity Strategy. It also advanced plans for classifying natural reserves and developing a law on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture to support sustainability and environmental protection.

Food security and consumer protection

The UAE Food Security Council reported significant progress in 2024, including establishing a food cluster, launching sustainability initiatives, and monitoring essential goods prices through a digital platform. These efforts aim to achieve zero food waste and enhance food security.

Progress in industry and trade

The industrial sector’s contribution to GDP reached AED210 billion in 2024, with exports increasing significantly. Re-export activity also grew, reaching AED717.8 billion, with total trade between the UAE and GCC countries hitting AED333 billion. The UAE leads in issuing economic licenses and property ownership for GCC nationals.

Transportation and international agreements

The Federal Traffic Council was reconstituted to improve traffic management. The UAE ratified several international agreements, including investment protection, visa exemptions, and electricity interconnection, and will host regional conferences and forums to bolster global cooperation.