UAE

UAE leaders honour Sheikh Mohammed’s 20 years of leadership

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has emphasised that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, continues to drive the UAE’s growth.

In a post on social media, the UAE President praised Sheikh Mohammed’s inspiring record of achievements and future-focused vision.

“In honour of 20 years of my brother Mohammed bin Rashid leading our government, we celebrate his remarkable record of achievements and his forward-looking vision that continues to advance the UAE’s growth,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote.

“May God protect him as we work together in pursuit of progress and development for our beloved nation and people,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on his 20 years of leadership.

“Thank you, Mohammed bin Rashid. You will always be the father, the leader, and the source of inspiration we look up to,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote.

“With unwavering determination, you have built a proud legacy for the nation, guiding its progress and inspiring hope at every step. You have always believed in the people of the UAE, recognising human potential as the nation’s greatest wealth,” he added.

“Your visionary leadership has turned ideas into global achievements and challenges into opportunities. Under your guidance, the pursuit of excellence and ambition has become part of the nation’s spirit, instilling confidence and hope for a brighter future,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

Additionally, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, said Sheikh Mohammed’s vision has transformed Dubai.

“Today, we celebrate twenty years of leadership and vision under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, two decades in which the impossible became possible,” he wrote on X.

“Through his foresight and dedication, he reshaped the future of Dubai, the UAE, and the wider region. Under his leadership, the economy doubled, the UAE rose to global prominence, and Dubai became an international hub for trade, business, and innovation.”

Sheikh Maktoum added that over these twenty years, quality of life has improved, security has been strengthened, and the nation’s vision has continued to shape tomorrow.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, commended the leadership journey of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his assumption of the federal premiership. In a message posted on X on Sunday, Sheikh Mansour said: “Twenty years of dedication, during which Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid built an advanced system of government that was ahead of its time and transformed the UAE into a success story to be emulated in public sector leadership. We congratulate His Highness and take pride in his journey, achievements and forward-looking vision, which has become a global model for leadership and development.”

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, stressed that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has set a unique and inspiring example in leadership, vision, and governance, helping to strengthen the UAE’s foundations.

In a statement on the 20th accession anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Humaid said: “Over the past 20 years, my brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has set a unique and inspiring example in leadership, vision, and governance, helping to strengthen the foundations of our Union.”

“Your journey has not only driven Dubai’s progress, but also played a vital role in the UAE’s rise and its standing among nations. May you always remain a source of pride for the nation, Bu Rashid. May Allah grant you continued health and wellbeing to carry forward the journey of excellence and leadership, and to shape a bright, prosperous and benevolent future for the people of the UAE,” Sheikh Humaid added.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that Sheikh Mohammed’s ambitious vision has transformed challenges into opportunities and aspirations into tangible national achievements.

In a social media post, Sheikh Abdullah said: “ Today, we mark twenty years since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid assumed the leadership of the federal government. Two decades of tireless dedication, ambitious vision, and purposeful action that transformed challenges into opportunities and aspirations into tangible national achievements. An inspiring leadership, a mindset that knows no limits, and a journey moving confidently toward the future.

Furthermore, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, affirmed that the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in steering the UAE’s federal government has established an exceptional model of forward-looking, results-driven governance.

Marking the 20th anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s tenure as Prime Minister, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan noted that this approach to governance has evolved into a globally recognised benchmark for government efficiency, innovation, and leadership across sectors.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed added that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s leadership is anchored in teamwork as a core principle and guided by a proactive, future-oriented vision. This philosophy has embedded a “nothing is impossible” mindset across government, transforming ambition into measurable achievement and collective effort into sustained national impact.

It has also laid the foundations for a model of sustainable and adaptive development leadership, ensuring that the UAE continues to remain at the forefront under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, also said the anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum assuming the reins of leadership in Dubai is a moment to reflect on the journey of an inspiring leader whose vision helped build a city that has become a global model of ambition and achievement.

“Twenty years of leadership and wisdom, of pioneering spirit and shaping the future,” Sheikh Ahmed tweeted.

Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, stressed that Sheikh Mohammed has inspired the UAE and the world, firmly affirming that action is the pathway to great dreams and that the impossible has never been an option.

In a social media post, Sheikh Ammar said: “Twenty years have passed since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum assumed the leadership of Dubai, a journey defined by determination and clear vision, where ambition was transformed into a guiding principle and people were placed at the heart of development.”

“Today, we celebrate a leader who has inspired the UAE and the world, firmly affirming that action is the pathway to great dreams and that the impossible has never been an option. May God protect Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, grant him continued health and wellbeing, and may the UAE remain strong and prosperous under its visionary leadership,” Sheikh Ammar said.

Story by Gulf NEWS

Business

UAE President to Begin Working Visit to India

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will begin a working visit to the Republic of India tomorrow.

During the visit, His Highness will hold talks with His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, to explore opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation, reflecting the longstanding ties and Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnerships between the two countries.

WAM

Business

UAE records key gains in energy, infrastructure, housing in 2025

The United Arab Emirates reported significant growth across its energy, infrastructure, maritime transport, housing and digital transformation sectors in 2025, underscoring its ability to pair long-term planning with execution on the ground.

The achievements reflect a government approach built on innovation, operational efficiency and improving quality of life, demonstrating the ability to translate national strategies into tangible results that strengthen the country’s competitiveness.

In the housing sector, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure issued 3,567 housing support decisions with a total value of AED2.546 billion. These decisions included housing grants, loans, and housing financing solutions.

These efforts contributed to an unprecedented achievement, as the homeownership rate among UAE citizens rose to 91 percent, one of the highest rates globally. The UAE also won, for the first time, the presidency of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) General Assembly and secured membership on its Executive Council.

As for the energy sector, 2025 marked the launch of the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance, which attracted the participation of more than 40 countries and international organisations—an initiative that underscores the UAE’s advanced role in leading global dialogues on reducing consumption and enhancing efficiency.

The year also witnessed the publication of the State of Energy Report 2025, the election of the UAE as a member of the Water Council of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the launch of a guidance manual for supporting domestic workers in eight languages to raise community awareness of responsible consumption practices.

The implementation of the National Energy and Water Demand Management Programme 2050 further reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to reducing energy demand by 42 percent–45 percent by 2050, through a comprehensive portfolio of projects and initiatives spanning the industrial, agricultural, built environment, and transport sectors.

In the infrastructure and transport sectors, the Ministry worked on developing the National Agenda for Addressing Traffic Congestion, which includes a portfolio of national transport and road projects valued at over AED170 billion through 2030.

The Ministry’s plan targets a 73 percent improvement in the efficiency of federal roads over the next five years, through the implementation of the Emirates Road upgrading and capacity enhancement project, with an investment of AED750 million. The plan also includes increasing the capacity of Al Ittihad Road by 60 percent and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road by 45 percent.

Additionally, the plan includes a feasibility study for the construction of the Fourth Federal Road, extending 120 kilometres with a capacity of up to 360,000 trips per day.

Moreover, the Ministry completed five major transformational projects, which are the humanisation of buildings and their transformation into healthy, well-being–supportive environments, the development of the Green Recycling Yards Project, the advancement of green industrial transformation, the implementation of the Sustainable Farm Irrigation Project, and the recycling of electric and hybrid vehicle batteries.

The UAE also continued to strengthen its global maritime presence by hosting the World Maritime Day Parallel Event and launching the National Maritime Navigation Centre, in addition to being re-elected for the fifth consecutive term to Category “B” membership of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The Ministry also won 41 local, regional, and international awards and obtained 19 ISO certifications, underscoring the maturity of its administrative systems and the quality of its operational processes.

In support of enhanced community engagement, the Ministry held 30 customer council meetings across the Emirates and signed 26 agreements and memoranda of understanding to expand partnerships, knowledge exchange, and amplify the impact of national projects. The year also witnessed the launch of the first fully integrated digital government services centre in Fujairah.

“The year 2025 represents an important milestone in the development journey of the energy, infrastructure, transport, and housing sectors in the UAE,” said Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. “We witnessed tangible progress in the implementation of strategic projects that reflect the vision of our wise leadership in building an integrated, more efficient, and sustainable ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth and enhancing quality of life.”

“Our efforts have focused on strengthening the readiness of federal infrastructure, improving the efficiency of the energy system, and developing advanced housing solutions that align with the needs of citizens and their future aspirations,” he said.

Al Mazrouei added that the achievements realised in 2025 confirm the Ministry’s ability to translate national plans into concrete, data-driven results by adopting a work model based on effective governance, efficient resource management, and the expansion of local, regional, and international partnerships.”

“We commence 2026 confidently, building on clear results and solid foundations, while reaffirming our commitment to supporting the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ Vision, on the path toward the UAE Centennial 2071. The Ministry will continue its work to ensure advanced infrastructure, a sustainable energy sector, and flexible housing solutions that collectively enhance the country’s competitiveness and leadership at both the regional and global levels,” he noted.

WAM

UAE

The Giving Tree by Bâoli Dubai unveiled

This festive season, Bâoli Dubai presents ‘The Giving Tree by Bâoli Dubai’, a bespoke sculptural installation conceived, commissioned and crafted as both a design statement and a charitable initiative. Installed prominently within the venue and developed in partnership with Dubai Cares, a UAE-based global philanthropic organization, the tree has been produced as a vessel for giving, inviting guests to engage with the season through a refined silent auction. The initiative transforms Bâoli’s festive centrerpiece into an opportunity for meaningful contribution, with proceeds supporting Dubai Cares’ mission of empowering underprivileged children and youth globally with access to quality education.

A festive emblem crafted with intent

Designed exclusively for the venue by Signature Line, The Giving Tree by Bâoli Dubai becomes the first point of encounter for guests as they arrive,taking the form of both a sculptural artwork and a traditional festive emblem. Rising more than three metres in height, the installation has been crafted from cast resin and composed of approximately 1,500 individually formed leaves, each created separately before being assembled by hand onto a central structure. The result is a form that feels considered and organic, defined as much by its detail as by its scale.

The making of the tree is deliberately tactile. Each leaf carries its own subtle variation, introducing depth and a sense of movement across the surface. As the installation comes together, its character unfolds gradually, responding to changes in light and atmosphere, revealing new dimensions from day through to evening.

Assembled in multiple sections, the installation rests on a custom metallic base that anchors the piece within its surroundings. Discreet lighting has been integrated to preserve the purity of the design, allowing the tree to remain visually uninterrupted by cables or visible fixtures, and ensuring that the focus remains firmly on form, texture and presence.

Partnership with Dubai Cares

At the core of The Giving Tree by Bâoli Dubai is an official partnership with Dubai Cares, a philanthropic organization committed to transforming children’s lives and empowering communities by removing barriers to education through its impactful global programmes. Through this collaboration, the installation serves as a platform for meaningful engagement, allowing guests to participate in a charitable initiative that extends beyond the venue and into communities around the world. The Giving Tree by Bâoli Dubai will be offered through a silent auction, with participation facilitated via a digital platform accessed through QR code, allowing guests to engage privately and at their own pace. Developed with transparency and care, the process includes formal bidder registration, verification measures, and direct fund transfer to Dubai Cares, ensuring a clear and trusted framework throughout. The funds raised will support Dubai Cares’ global education programmes. Interested bidders can participate in the auction by filling in the information at the dedicated form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1i0cUcq-0FbtrU-qUVGZik27ir2Ve3wHTT02wnnTWusQ/edit