The Remarkable Achievements of the UAE

In this section, we have prepared a summary of some achievements that have been made over the past 50 years which helped making the UAE an oasis of happiness, prosperity, security, and safety, presenting a unique global model for peace, tolerance, and love, where everyone lives in harmony. You will learn about the first founders efforts since 1971 and what our current wise leadership, whom we live under their protection and security continued to do to position the UAE at the forefront of the developed countries.

2020
  • Distance Learning as HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai was determined to continue the education in all schools all over the country with highest level of efficiency during the pandemic 
  • The golden visa (10 years residency) in appreciation to the huge role a certain category of the society play
  • Designing the Next 50   to realise the objectives of the project, the UAE launched a digital platform, UAENext50, to gather ideas from citizens and residents.
  • In collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the ‘Gender Balance Guide’ – the first guide of its kind in the world was issued. 
  • Launch of the probe Hope to Mars. The probe named Hope (Al Amal in Arabic), blasted off from Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre on 20 July 2020, 
  • Limiting the spread of COVID-19 through a range of preventive and curative measures, such as:
    • developing a laser-based DPI (Diffractive Phase Interferometry) technology to detect COVID-19 cases
    • Using the stem cell therapy for patients and inventing a vaccine
    • National Disinfection Programme
    • Primary governmental efforts to contain COVID-19
    • Safe practices to contain the spread of COVID-19 in public places
    • Smart solutions to fight COVID-19Testing for COVID-19
    • Online platforms for COVID-19Frontline heroes
    • Scientific research on prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
  • Successful start-up of unit 1 of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant on 1 August 
  • Launching the UAE Nation Brand, first of its kind in the Middle East across 19 indicators
  • The UAE is the world's first in the index of access to electricity
  • The UAE is the first in the region and ninth in the world in global competitiveness in 2020
  • The UAE is the first in the world in the mobile subscriptions index
  • The UAE launched Meznsat the UAE’s first environmental satellite.
  • The UAE announced The Emirates Lunar Mission.
  • The UAE was the first country in the world in which the number of Covid-19 tests have exceeded the population count
  • UAE ranked first in Arab region in IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking. UAE President orders award of “Heroes of Humanity” medals to fallen COVID-19 warriors in UAE.
  • The UAE successfully launched the Falcon Eye satellite
  • Moody's assigned Aa2 rating to UAE Government with stable outlook for the national economy.
  • The UAE ranked first in the GCC, Arab World and the region in the per capita share of total health expenditure.
  • The UAE ranked first in the Arab World in the Human Development Report 2020.
2019
  • The UAE announced a global capital for tolerance 
  • Conquering Space: In September 2019, Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati to launch into space 
  • The Federal National Council (FNC) elections and increasing Emirati women's representation in the FNC to 50% 
  • Emirati passport ranked the most powerful in the world according to Passport Index 
  • The UAE ranked the third best country in the world for safety and security, according to Gallup's Law and Order Index 
  • 2019 was the sixth consecutive year for the UAE as one of the world's largest donors of official development aid, relative to its national income
2018
  • The launch of KhalifaSatIt, the first satellite to be developed on Emirates’ soil by entirely Emirati engineers.
  • The UAE passport has become the strongest passport in a new historic achievement and is now ranked first globally.
  • In 2018, more accomplishments for the Emirati women were achieved. As per a directive by His Highness, President of the UAE, Emirati women’s representation in the Federal National Council is to increase to 50%.
  • The UAE has been named the world's largest donor of development assistance in proportion to its gross national income for the fifth year running.
  • The UAE came in first rank regionally and seventh rank globally in global competitiveness.
  • The UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, has been ranked the safest city in the world for the second year, according to Numbeo website, surpassing more than 300 cities, including, Tokyo, Basel, Munich and Vienna.
  • Dubai hosted the World Tolerance Summit. More than 1800 key personalities participated.
  • Tolerance Conference, which was held in Abu Dhabi under the theme of ‘explore tolerance, moderation, and dialogue when confronting extremism’ witnessed the establishment of UAE Tolerance and Peaceful Co-existence Association, Later the World Muslim Communities Council was established.
  • The inauguration of the Dubai Frame with a total cost more than AED 200 million.
  • The inauguration of the Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, the entertainment giant's first indoor theme park of $1 billion cost.
  • Preparing “The Report on the Status and Future of the Arabic Language”. It was launched in 2019. The establishment of Arabic Language Association initiative that includes scientists and researchers specialised in Arabic language from the Arab World.
  • The 37th Sharjah Book Fair 2018 attracted more than 2.23 million vistors and  more than 2.7 billion watch on social media
  • The 37th edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2018) welcomed 2.23 million visitors, and received a whopping 2.7 billion impressions on its social platforms.
  • The UAE hosted World Government Summit, bringing together more than 4,000 participants from 140 countries. 
  • The UAE hosted the Interfaith Alliance Forum. The UAE also hosted the Global Future Councils.
  • The UAE hosted Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2018 and the World Tolerance Summit.
2017
  • His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, earmarked 2017 as the UAE Year of Giving 
  • Launching the Mars 2117 Project
  • The UAE was ranked first in the Arab region and 21 globally on the Happiness Index
  • Launching the UAE Centennial 2071 to serve as a clear roadmap of long-term government action, delivering the UAE as the best, most advanced country in the world by the UAE’s centennial anniversary 2071.
  • Launching the UAE Food Bank initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.
  • The UAE ranked world's largest Development Aid donor 
  • Approving the National Space Strategy
  • Launching the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence
  • The UAE was ranked first in the Arab region and 17th globally in the WEF's Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018 
  • The UAE was renked first in the Arab region and 10th globally among the best countries for work and living, according to HSBC global survey
  • The UAE was ranked first in the Arab region and 21st globally on the Happiness Index, according to the UN World Happiness Report 2017 issued by the Earth Institute at Columbia University 
  • Inauguration of Louvre Abu Dhabi ... The UAE’s message of hope and tolerance to the world
  • Launching the UAE Centennial 2071 in 2017 to serve as an advanced development stage in the UAE’s journey towards becoming the best, most advanced country in the world by the its centennial in 2071. 
2016
  • Announcing the new formation of the government of the future
  • Changes included assigning a large number of State Ministers to administrate vital fields, such as Tolerance, Happiness, Youth, Climate Change, Public Education, and Higher Education
  • Creating the post of Minister of State for Happiness 
  • Establishing the Emirates Scientists Council
  • Launching Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, to be the largest in the Arab region
  • Adopting the UAE Future Foresight Strategy by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
  • Hosting the Global Future Councils, which encompassed 50 world-future foresight councils
  • Establishing the world’s first Fourth Industrial Revolution Council
2015
  • The UAE marked Commemoration Day on November 30, in appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of Emirati martyrs and citizens 
  • Establishing Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
  • The UAE’s Mars mission named Hope Probe
  • Waiver of the Schengen Visa for Emirati citizens 
  • Issuing a decree law that aims to prohibit discrimination and hatred on the basis of caste, race, religion or ethnic origin.
  • The UAE's Barakah nuclear power plant was announced the first site in the world building four identical reactors simultaneously.
  • Launching KhalifaSat as the first Emirati satellite that is 100% designed and built by Emirati nationals in the UAE 
2014
  • The UAE was announced an internationally leading country by regional and international organizations and in Global Competitiveness Reports 
  • Launching the UAE National Agenda.Successful completion of in-orbit testing of Yahsat’s satellite Y1A
  • The UAE government launched the world's first store for smart government applications through “Android” and “iOS” platforms.
  • Establishing the National Innovation Committee (NIC), encompassing several federal entities, to monitor the implementation of the National Innovation Strategy
  • In late 2014, the UAE Cabinet in a special meeting approved the designation of 2015 as the Year of Innovation
  • Announcing the Federal Law on the National Military Service and Reserve Force
  • The UAE ranked first in the Arab World and 19th globally in the Social Progress Index 
  • The UAE ranked first Arab country in the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region and 36th globally in the 2014 Global Innovation Index published by Cornell University - New York. 
  • Abu Dhabi ranked 1st among Arab capitals in terms of inventions. 
  • The UAE won first place worldwide in trust according to 2014 Edelman Trust Barometer 
  • The UAE won first place in Public Trust in The Government Index 
  • UAE ranked 1st Arab country in Economic Resilience Index published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) 
  • Report by the World Economic Forum ranked the UAE as the 1st country in the MENA region for gender equality in education, healthcare, economic, and political contribution 
2013
  • The UAE ranked first in the Arab region and 14th globally in the World Happiness Report 2013 issued by the Earth Institute at Columbia University.
  • Launched the World Government Summit in Dubai for the first time, titled Pioneering Government Services; Smart Government Initiative
  • Launched Smart Government initiative to deliver a government working mechanism underlined by fast and smart transactions in all sectors, which save time, money, and efforts and improves transparency and responsibility in government work. 
  • Launched the Best M-Government Service Award
  • In March 2013, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, inaugurated Shams 1 in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s first renewable energy project.
  • In October 2013, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated Al Maktoum International Airport.
  • In 27 November 2013, the UAE won the bid to host Expo 2020 in Dubai
  • Appointed the UAE's first female Permanent Representative to the United Nations. 
  • Approved two new federal laws to combat commercial fraud and human trafficking
  • Merged the two major government aluminium production companies, Emirates Aluminium (Emal) and Dubai Aluminium (Dubal), to establish the Emirates Global Aluminium, the world’s fifth largest aluminium producer.
  • The highest GDP growth rate for the UAE was in 2013, reaching a remarkable 8.1%
2012
  • Launched the UAE's National Strategy for Motherhood and Childhood 
  • Launched the UAE Green Growth Strategy under the slogan Green Economy for Sustainable Development
  • Launched Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme to establish a unique environment for education in schools 
  • Launched Mohammed Bin Rashid Policies Council to enhance communication with all segments in society
  • Announced wide ranging initiatives, including the setting up of an Arabic Language Charter to promote the use of Arabic; establishing the Arabic language Advisory Council; forming an international committee of experts to promote Arabic as the language of science and technology; setting up of a dedicated educational facility at Zayed University to promote Arabic education for non-Arabic speakers; establishing a Faculty of Translation; and announcing an initiative to enhance Arabic content online.
  • Introduced UAE Vision 2021 labs aiming to explore creative ideas, deliver a proactive development of sectors, and set up plans for the future
  • Announced the launch of updated My Government portal on its own online website, encompassing about 40 federal entity and aimed at enhancing communication between clients and government entities
  • Launched the Global Star Rating System for Services 
2011
  • HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai won gold at Arab endurance race in Doha – Qatar 
  • His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE issued a number of decrees within the framework of his keenness to achieve the welfare of the citizens and help them get their ambitions in a stable and comfortable life including: increasing salaries of all federal government employees and to treat children of female citizens married to foreigners equally like citizens.
  • The UAE officially presented its bid to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris to host the World Expo in Dubai 2020
  • Palm Deira Dubai Metro station opened on the green line on Friday, September 9
  • His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been named the social media personality of the year by the first digital government media forum which concluded its sessions in Dubai
2010
  • Entry of Initial class of students of the New York University Campus in Abu Dhabi.
  • UAE’s GDP exceeds Dh 1 trillion.
  • Commencement on the operations of Khalifa Port.
  • Inauguration of Al Maktoum International Airport.
2009
  • Establishment of Federal Health Authority.
  • Completion of Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and Yas Marina Circuit.
  • Commencement on operations of Dubai’s first metro line.
  • UAE chosen as the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
  • Commencement on the operations of UAE Office for the Coordination of Foreign Aid.
2008
  • First World Future Energy Summit held in Abu Dhabi.
  • Establishment of Noor Dubai.
2007
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) & Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
  • Establishment of Dubai Health Authority.
  • Launch of INSEAD - Abu Dhabi.
  • Inauguration of Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research.
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council.
  • Establishment of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
  • Establishment of Khalifa bin Zayed Charity Foundation.
  • Establishment of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation.
  • Launch of Dubai Cares.
  • Unveiling of Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Economic Vision.
2006
  • Establishment of Masdar city.
  • Establishment of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (PSUAD).
  • Establishment of Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi Investment Council.
  • Rebranding of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du).
  • Establishment of RAK Airways.
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).
2005
  • Issuance of Law that made health insurance mandatory in Abu Dhabi and the formation of Daman.
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi Education Council.
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA).
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC).
  • Establishment of Ministry of Environment and Water.
2004
  • Establishment of Dubai International Financial Center.
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi’s Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones.
2003
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi University.
  • Establishment of Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
  • Establishment of Etihad Airways.
  • Launch of Dubai Aid City.
2001
  • Establishment of Petroleum Institute.
  • Successful launch of the first satellite in the Boeing GEM series, Thuraya 1.
  • Establishment of Emirates Postal Corporation.
  • Establishment of Emirate Wildlife Society (EWS – WWF).
2000
  • Commissioning of the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City.
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
  • Establishment of Dubai Financial Market.
  • Introduction of Federal Law for Protection and Development of the Environment.
  • Inauguration of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Fund for Refugee Women.
1999
  • Establishment of Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA).
  • Inauguration of operations of Ajman Port.
1998
  • Establishment of Zayed University.
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA).
  • Establishment of Sharjah Department of Environment and Protected Areas (DEPA).
1997
  • Establishment of University of Sharjah.
  • Establishment of The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity and Humanitarian Foundation (MBRCF).
1996
  • Establishment of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah Free Zones.
  • Establishment of General Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Establishment of Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi.
1994
  • Inauguration of Al Ain International Airport.
1992
  • Establishment of UAE Offsets Group.
  • Establishment of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
  •  Establishment of Zayed Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Aid.
1991
  • Establishment of Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah.
  • Inauguration of Emirates Aviation College.
  • Establishment of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG).
1990
  • Establishment of National blood transfusion program.
1989
  • Inauguration of the Dubai Airshow.Establishment of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah Free Zones.
  • Establishment of Sharjah Charity Association Humanitarian Foundation.
1988
  • Establishment of Higher Colleges of Technology.
  • Establishment of Ajman and Um Al Quwain Free Zones.
1987
  • Establishment of Fujairah Free Zone.
  • Inauguration of Fujairah International Airport.
1986
  • Establishment of International Petroleum Investment Company.
1985
  • Establishment of Noor Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
  • Establishment of Jebel Ali Free Zone.
  • Launch of Emirates Airlines.
1984
  • Establishment of International Petroleum Investment Company.
1983
  • Inauguration of Dubai Hospital.
  • Establishment of Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies.
  • Introduction of the UAE Hunting Law.
  • Establishment of the Red Crescent Authority.
1982
  • Opening of Abu Dhabi International Airport.
1979
  • Establishment of Dubai Aluminum Company.
1978
  • Establishment of ADNOC Technical Institute.
1976
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).
  • Establishment of Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat).
  • Establishment of Sharjah Ports Authority.
  • Inauguration of Ras Al Khaimah .International Airport.
  • Establishment of UAE University.
1975
  • Establishment of UAE’s first cement factory in Ras Al Khaimah.
  • Inauguration of Sharjah International Airport.
  • Establishment of Higher Environmental Council.
1973
  • Establishment of Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS).
  • Establishment of UAE Currency Board (Currently Central Bank of the UAE).
  • Introduction of the UAE Dirham.
1972
  • Inauguration of Rashid Hospital. in Dubai
1971
  • Establishment of seven Federal hospitals.
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
  • Inauguration of the New Dubai International Airport.
  • Establishment of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).

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