UAE Cabinet Approves Policy to Boost Economic Clusters
On September 17, 2025, the Cabinet held a meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi attended by senior government leaders.
The Cabinet approved the National Policy for Economic Clusters, aimed at developing industry-specific hubs across the UAE. These clusters will leverage each emirate’s strengths, boost innovation, and contribute over AED 30 billion annually to the GDP. The policy also seeks to expand global trade by AED 15 billion within seven years. In addition, the agenda for the UAE Government’s Annual Meetings, scheduled for November 4–6, 2025, was confirmed. More than 500 senior officials will participate, focusing on education, healthcare, family identity, economic development, and artificial intelligence.
Healthcare, Environment, and Digital Transformation
The Cabinet approved the establishment of the UAE Council for Integrative Medicine, chaired by Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. The Council will combine modern medicine with traditional practices to improve prevention and treatment. It will shape policies, build capacity, and raise awareness. The Cabinet also reviewed the UAE Genomics Council’s progress, which includes premarital medical screenings, more than 8,500 trainees, and over 750,000 participants in the National Genome Programme.
Environmental priorities were also addressed. The Cabinet endorsed the updated National Plan for Reducing Aviation Sector Emissions and reviewed the National Environmental Policy, the Air Quality Agenda 2031, and biodiversity programmes. Key achievements included the National Sustainable Agriculture Programme and the “Plant the Emirates” initiative, which reflect ongoing commitments to sustainability.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved a package of national cybersecurity programmes designed to strengthen digital infrastructure and enhance protection against emerging threats. This unified framework focuses on workforce readiness, system resilience, and effective risk management.
Economic Growth, Education, and International Cooperation
The Cabinet reviewed the Emirates Investment Authority’s performance results for early 2025, the federal financial statistics for 2024, and progress on Emiratisation across the banking, financial, and insurance sectors. Reports highlighted advancements in digital transformation, as well as initiatives such as the Comprehensive Smart Healthcare Initiative and the “Make it in the Emirates” projects.
Public school readiness for the 2025–2026 academic year was reviewed. Enrolment reached 283,920 students, and assessments confirmed readiness across academic, student, and infrastructure levels.
In legislative matters, new regulations for electric vehicle charging stations and consumer protection were approved, alongside amendments to laws governing climate, culture, and youth services. The Cabinet also restructured several councils and committees, including the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, the Digital Economy Council, the Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Industry Development Council.
The Cabinet ratified 85 international agreements covering investment, trade, aviation, finance, food safety, digital transformation, and AI applications. Approval was also given for the hosting of 12 major international and regional events, including World Maritime Day 2025 and the International Conference on AI in Sports.
