In a move that reflects the UAE’s growing focus on strategic foresight, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, introduced a comprehensive planning cycle that will guide national development up to the year 2031.
This initiative, operating under the broader theme of ‘We the UAE 2031’, sets out to reshape how federal entities collaborate, plan, and implement ideas. Central to this transformation is the integration of artificial intelligence and data-led systems, which will form the backbone of policy development and execution.
Mohammed bin Rashid launches new strategic planning cycle aimed at achieving ‘We the UAE 2031 Vision’ pic.twitter.com/tJp5ubSdQm
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 6, 2025
Aligning Ministries for Cohesive Progress
The plan is not limited to one department or sector. Involving 38 federal government entities, this planning cycle brings together senior figures from strategy, finance, and future development units.
Each body now aligns its mandate with a unified national direction, following a structured, coordinated, and results-driven approach that prioritizes long-term impact over short-term targets.
This strategy cycle reflects the country’s intent to consolidate its global position while ensuring that local governance remains modern, efficient, and adaptable.
A Clear Focus on Innovation and Future Preparedness
At the heart of this planning phase are three key ideas:
- Practical innovation in public services
- Preparation for fast-evolving global shifts
- Seamless collaboration across institutions
Rather than reactive policy, the plan promotes anticipatory thinking. Ministries are expected to apply advanced technologies such as AI and big data analytics to interpret trends and design agile systems.
This way, federal entities will be better placed to respond to global developments while also serving the needs of residents more effectively.
Strategy Built Around Collective Input
During a high-level session, leaders from various ministries examined how this planning model can function across sectors. The discussions revolved around how strategic intelligence and digital tools can enhance coordination and delivery.
Participants also reviewed initial structures for the planning model, ensuring each ministry understands its role within the larger framework. The focus remains on reducing duplication, increasing transparency, and maintaining flexibility.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that government operations must deliver practical outcomes and respond proactively to global advancements.
Shaping a Smarter Public Sector
The implementation of this strategy will gradually shift how the public sector functions. Ministries are now encouraged to build systems that prioritise real-time insights, flexible decision-making, and long-term planning.
By weaving AI into these mechanisms, departments can operate more efficiently, while reducing reliance on outdated structures. These changes are expected to support national goals in areas like digital economy, environmental sustainability, public health, education, and infrastructure development.
The plan also encourages teams to move away from routine operational thinking and adopt a more visionary, impact-oriented approach to their roles.
Big Picture Thinking Backed by Data
Another core aspect of the strategy is the increasing use of data analytics. Guided by this vision, leaders will base decisions on evidence, forecasting models, and scenario planning—not on isolation or assumption.
This will ensure consistency across ministries and eliminate guesswork in policy creation. Over time, this data-centric model will enable the UAE to respond faster to both opportunities and risks, from economic shifts to global disruptions.
The government also intends to build internal capabilities that allow ministries to act independently but with a shared vision, improving how federal efforts translate into citizen services.
Supporting the UAE’s Global Standing
While this strategy focuses on internal development, it clearly complements the UAE’s broader ambition to remain competitive internationally.
By designing a governance model that places efficiency, adaptability, and AI-readiness at the forefront, the UAE is laying the groundwork to further boost its reputation as a global hub for innovation, governance, and economic resilience.
This reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s forward-thinking vision—planning today to shape the UAE’s future.
The planning cycle under ‘We the UAE 2031’ has already begun, with ministries working to translate strategic guidelines into measurable frameworks.
The upcoming phases will involve:
- Rolling out individual ministry-level strategies
- Integrating AI tools across departments
- Building capacity for data analysis and digital governance
- Tracking progress through clear KPIs and review mechanisms
This roadmap ensures that every federal body contributes meaningfully towards achieving the shared goals outlined in the 2031 vision.
‘We the UAE 2031’ is more than a vision—it is a structured national commitment. The UAE places AI and smart planning at the heart of its efforts to build a resilient, future-ready government.
Residents will see smarter services, quicker responses, and adaptive solutions built to lead and evolve.
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