UAE Cabinet Gives Green Light to National Youth Agenda 2031; Launches ‘Blue Residency’ Program for Sustainability Experts

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, led the UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, where several key decisions were made to shape the future of the country. The meeting was attended by other prominent leaders including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

One of the major highlights of the meeting was the approval of the National Youth Agenda 2031, aimed at empowering young Emiratis to become role models regionally and globally. The agenda focuses on five key pillars: economic empowerment, scientific skills development, national identity consolidation, community contributions enhancement, and international representation.

In addition, the Cabinet approved a new framework for classifying higher education institutions in the UAE. This move is set to elevate the quality of education, align it with the demands of the labor market, and enhance transparency for families making decisions about their children’s futures.

Furthermore, in line with the UAE President’s directive to designate 2024 as the year of sustainability, the Cabinet introduced the “Blue Residency,” a ten-year residency granted to individuals making extraordinary contributions to environmental protection. This initiative aims to link the sustainability of the economy with the sustainability of the environment, reflecting the country’s firm commitment to environmental conservation.

To strengthen the UAE’s position in the field of artificial intelligence, the Cabinet approved the creation of the position of Chief Executive Officer of Artificial Intelligence in all main federal entities. This strategic move will facilitate the adoption of AI tools and advance the integration of advanced technologies in government operations.

The meeting also reviewed the latest developments in the UAE space sector, highlighting the significant representation of young Emiratis in international space projects and the increase in spending on space research. The UAE’s dedication to advancing youth in promising sectors, protecting the environment, integrating global technologies, and enhancing higher education systems was reiterated as essential for ensuring a brighter future.

Moreover, the Cabinet approved decisions to prioritize Emirati applicants with three years of private sector experience for federal government jobs, implement a scholarship system in federal government higher education institutions, and establish a national framework for the classification of higher education institutions.

Other decisions included the approval of a guide for the use of generative artificial intelligence technologies in government work, regulations on marketing calls and product quantity monitoring, and the establishment of committees to combat commercial fraud and promote sustainable fuel initiatives.

The meeting concluded with the formation of the National Statistics Committee to enhance the accuracy and reliability of national data. Additionally, agreements with the governments of India and the Republic of Korea were ratified, and plans to host major international conferences were approved, showcasing the UAE’s strategic position as a hub for legal and financial innovation.

Overall, the decisions made at the UAE Cabinet meeting reflect the country’s commitment to empowering youth, protecting the environment, embracing advanced technologies, and fostering innovation across various sectors to ensure a prosperous future for all citizens.