The UAE Cabinet has approved the establishment of the UAE Logistics Integration Council, aimed at aligning efforts and ensuring seamless coordination to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global trade hub. 

 

The council will bring together all key federal and local entities, including ports, roads, transport, customs, railways, and border crossings, ensuring efficiency and synergy in the sector, said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who chaired the cabinet’s meeting held at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, a Wam news agency report quoted.

 

"With the logistics industry valued at AED 129 billion in 2023, our goal is to expand it beyond AED200 billion over the next seven years, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a central hub for global trade and commerce," he said.

 

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the Cabinet also reviewed one of the country’s most significant infrastructure projects — the Etihad High-Speed Passenger Rail. "With a speed of 350 km per hour, this railway is set to transform mobility and economic connectivity across the emirates. Its contribution to GDP will exceed AED145 billion over the next five decades. More than just a railway, Etihad High-Speed Train represents a new national ambition, a strategic federal link, and a step toward building an infrastructure that remains among the best and most advanced globally," he said.

 

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

 

Government Innovation Month

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “We also launched UAE Government Innovation Month, reaffirming that innovation is an integral part of the government’s culture, operations, and execution. The Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, which we established earlier, exports best practices and expertise to over 30 governments worldwide, further solidifying the UAE’s leadership in government innovation. Innovation will remain at the heart of enhancing government efficiency, improving lives, and driving business growth across the UAE."

 

He added: “We approved the National Cybersecurity Strategy. The UAE is ranked among the top global performers in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index and we have one of the most secure and advanced digital infrastructures in the world. In the coming phase, we will continue strengthening cybersecurity measures, ensuring a resilient and secure digital environment that protects national assets and supports future progress.”

 

Talent attraction strategy 

The Cabinet approved the launch of a new phase of the UAE Strategy for Talent Attraction and Retention 2031. The strategy focuses on attracting and retaining global talent in key sectors, including technology, renewable energy, healthcare and biotechnology, logistics and aviation, advanced industries, financial services, food and water technology, and creative economy, to reinforce the UAE’s standing as a global hub for expertise and innovation.

 

According to a LinkedIn report, the UAE is the world’s preferred destination for individuals seeking new career horizons and a high standard of living. The UAE leads the MENA region in human development and ranks first among the top 20 countries in the world in the United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Index.

 

The Cabinet also approved the National Cybersecurity Strategy, based on five main pillars: governance, protection, innovation, establishing and building, and partnership. The strategy seeks to establish a cohesive and highly effective governance framework for cybersecurity, ensure a secure, resilient, and sound digital environment, enable the safe and swift adoption of innovations, enhance national capabilities in digitisation and cybersecurity, and bolster partnerships and collaborative relations at both national and international levels.

 

The Cabinet approved the API-First Policy, which includes the requirements and procedures that must be followed by ministries and federal entities in their technological and digital systems and applications to ensure their rapid interconnection and integration with other systems, governmental or private, in accordance with the approved policies and programs in this regard. The new policy also regulates the relationship between providers and users and enhances the partnership between the public and private sectors in providing government services.

 

The Cabinet also approved the UAE National Geospatial Data Policy, which aims to enhance cooperation and coordination among all entities involved in geospatial information. The Policy aims also to regulate, develop, and safeguard the management of geospatial information, data, systems, and services, to promote their utilization, and to establish mechanisms that contribute to effective decision-making.

 

Circular economy

The Cabinet also reviewed progress on the implementation of the UAE Circular Economy Agenda 2031. The strategy’s working teams launched many new policies achieving big success in managing agricultural and natural resources, supporting local supply chains, utilising recycled content in the consumer goods sector, and regulating bio-diesel production in the UAE.