United Arab Emirates: New Long-Term National Strategy Program Announced

November 30, 2022

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Country / Territory

At a Glance

  • The UAE government launched a national program, “We the UAE 2031”, which is expected to have an impact on the country’s approach towards immigration, investment, and employment, among other policies.
  • The program aligns with wider government objectives, with key goals including increased localization efforts, developing the healthcare sector, development of policies that contribute to economic growth, increasing non-oil exports and tourism, among other objectives.

The situation

The UAE government launched a national program, “We the UAE 2031”, which aims to shape the country’s future for the next 10 years with a focus on social economic, investment and development aspects.

The program is based on the four main pillars listed below, covering all sectors and fields, including the economy, society, ecosystem and diplomacy.

 

National Pillars Main Features of Pillar Potential Impact on Immigration and Employment Policies and Business Landscape
“Forward Society”
    • Creating a prosperous society by providing support to Emirati nationals to maximize their contribution to the economy
    • Continued Emiratization policies (such as the Nafis program), with potential focus on sector-specific initiatives (in sectors of economic importance, similar to the pre-pandemic Tawteen program)
    • Support and incentive programs are likely to be announced for Emirati nationals employed in the private sector, such as salary subsidies and emergency assistance in the case of layoffs
 
    • Developing the healthcare sector with the goal of the United Arab Emirates becoming the best destination for medical treatment in the region and a top 10 country in the world for healthcare quality
    • Increased use of visit visas for medical treatment (sponsored by an accredited health institution)
    • Creation of additional jobs in the healthcare sector
    • Further development of health insurance policies for various categories of individuals
“Forward Economy”
    • Development of policies that contribute to economic growth and increase the country’s GDP, including increasing non-oil exports, foreign trade and increasing the percent of the GDP stemming from tourism
    • Launch new programs to attract foreign investment
    • Potential focus on sector-specific Emiratization initiatives
    • Introduce programs to attract tourism, including potentially additional visa waiver or visa-on-arrival schemes
 
    • Human capital as a main driver of the country’s development to become one of the top 10 countries globally to attract talent
    • Further popularize self-sponsored visa schemes, including Green Visa and Golden Visa programs for skilled individuals
"Forward Diplomacy"
    • Focus on strengthening foreign relations with countries around the world

    • Potential additional visa waiver and visa-on-arrival agreements

    • Further development of tourism and airline sectors
 
    • Increased role in supporting global environmental agenda, contribute to climate neutrality and consolidate country’s position as innovation hub in science, sustainability and technology

    • Develop sectors related to renewable energy and environmental protection

    • Continue to focus on developing knowledge-based economy

    • Focus on talent attraction and retention through self-sponsored visa schemes and other incentives, including a relaxed tax regime
"Forward Ecosystem"

    • Enhance government performance through development of flexible business models

    • Development of digital infrastructure, including enhancements to cybersecurity

    • Develop programs for ensuring food and water security

    • Maintain the UAE’s position as one of the world’s most secure and safe countries

    • Continued digitization of government processes and reduction in overall processing times

    • Expand job opportunities for coding professions, possibly by introducing new government programs tailored to this sector

    • Create job opportunities in sectors related to food production, sustainable farming and water purification

    • Create innovative solutions and policies to improve security on the country’s borders with potential tightening of eligibility requirements for entry into the UAE for individuals from select countries

The program aligns with the wider objectives of the “UAE Centennial 2071” plan that was announced last year and will build on many existing policies, including Emiratization and the new unemployment insurance requirements.

The United Arab Emirates is likely to continue with relaxed immigration policies to remain competitive in terms of foreign investment and to decrease its traditional reliance on hydrocarbons while ensuring long-term economic growth. However, the country will need to balance this flexibility with its efforts to offer adequate employment to local talent (particularly in the private sector) and to limit the influx of an unskilled workforce.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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