The UAE Cabinet has given its approval for the establishment of the Emirates Entrepreneurship Council, along with a significant allocation of AED300 million ($81.7 million) to support youth initiatives, aimed at inspiring and empowering young individuals to explore entrepreneurship. Chaired by Alia Al Mazrouei, the council’s mission is to cultivate innovation and broaden opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.
This announcement was made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, via his official account on X. The Cabinet meeting, which Sheikh Mohammed presided over, took place at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohammed expressed that the nation is rich in resources and that its prosperity benefits everyone, both near and far. He noted that the vibrant economic landscape provides tremendous opportunities and emphasized the desire for youth to capitalize on this momentum, embrace excellence, and seize significant prospects. He also conveyed aspirations for the youth to lead this movement towards even broader horizons.
New award for federal employees
In addition, the Cabinet approved a new award for federal government employees, valued at AED7 million ($1.9 million), aimed at achieving ‘Zero Government Bureaucracy’. “
“During the Cabinet meeting today, we approved the launch of a new award for federal government employees, worth Dh7 million, focused on achieving zero bureaucracy. The award will recognise work teams, individuals, and federal entities that develop projects to streamline government procedures, save financial resources, and reduce regulatory burdens on companies and individuals,” Sheikh Mohammed explained.
This initiative seeks to honor and celebrate those who facilitate transactions, streamline procedures, and minimize steps, ultimately saving time and effort for citizens interacting with government services. “We will commend and celebrate innovators and hardworking individuals who dedicate themselves tirelessly to providing resources, serving the public, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness.”
Governance system for education council
The Cabinet also approved the governance framework for the Education and Human Resources and Community Development Council, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed serving as Deputy Chair. Moreover, the council includes seven ministerial members and comprises executive, specialized, and sectoral committees that concentrate on higher education, private education, and the social sector.
“We wish them success in managing this vital national dossier, which has seen significant transformations in recent years. We are optimistic about their efforts and hold high expectations for their achievements. The UAE’s society, its families, and its children always deserve the very best,” the Vice President further highlighted.
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A promising 2024
Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed expressed that 2024 would be a year filled with goodness and blessings, marked by excellence, prosperity, and stability—reflecting unprecedented economic growth. During this period, the UAE continued to enhance its global competitiveness, witnessing accelerated growth and attracting top international talent and investment.
“The UAE’s competitive 2024 achievements culminated in remarkable results, with the country ranking first globally in 223 world development indicators. It also placed among the top five in 444 indices across key global reports on the business environment, economy, infrastructure, digital infrastructure, talent mobility, foreign investment, financial systems, exports, trade, tourism, technology, and other critical areas,” he noted.
“A good year for the best people. A good year led by the best President. A good year with the best efforts and the largest, most dedicated national team. We are coming back stronger, more beautiful, and greater in 2025,” Sheikh Mohammed further declared.
Preserving national identity
The Cabinet has also endorsed a national policy aimed at preserving the UAE’s modern architectural heritage. This policy will focus on developing strategies to safeguard the cultural, national, and historical significance of urban structures and buildings that have become integral to the state’s architectural identity. Currently, 130 sites and structures have been approved, with plans to expand this number to 1,000 sites in the upcoming years. These distinctive urban buildings represent a national heritage that must be preserved for future generations.
