His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the UAE’s leadership set its sights on being among the world’s best two decades ago, even as doubts surrounded the ambition, as the country marked 20 years since his accession.
“We decided, 20 years ago, to aim for the first place… some doubted,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “However, today – thank God – the UAE has become a model of development that other countries are imitating.”
The remarks were delivered during a Cabinet meeting on Monday (January 5), where ministers reviewed two decades of reforms that have reshaped governance, public services, and economic growth across the country. The meeting focused on how policy decisions made since 2006 have transformed the UAE into a globally competitive hub for business, innovation, and quality of life.
According to Cabinet discussions, the past 20 years have seen sweeping changes in how government operates, including the digitisation of services, the introduction of performance-based governance, and a strong emphasis on efficiency and accountability. Ministers highlighted reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy, accelerating decision-making, and ensuring government services are accessible and citizen-focused.
Economic diversification was also a central theme, with officials noting the UAE’s shift away from oil dependence toward sectors such as tourism, logistics, technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. These efforts have helped position the country as a regional and global economic centre, even amid global uncertainty.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that progress was driven by long-term planning and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. He credited teamwork across government institutions and the private sector for turning ambitious goals into measurable outcomes.
As the UAE marks the milestone, celebrations across the country, including cultural events, public displays, and tributes, have reflected on both past achievements and future ambitions. Officials stressed that the anniversary is not only a moment of reflection but also a reminder that development remains an ongoing process.
For residents and observers, the message from the Cabinet meeting was clear: the past 20 years have laid the foundation, but the focus remains firmly on sustaining growth, innovation, and global leadership in the decades ahead.
