Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, recently chaired a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi where important decisions were made regarding the recent weather conditions that affected the country.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed discussed the unprecedented severity of the weather situation that the country experienced in the previous days. He highlighted the efforts of the central operations rooms in dealing with over 200,000 reports and the participation of more than 17,000 members of security, emergency, and interior services, along with thousands of volunteers in managing the aftermath of the extreme weather.
In response to the damage caused by the torrential rain, the Council of Ministers approved an amount of Dhs2 billion to address the damage to citizens’ homes and residences. Additionally, a committee was formed to inventory the damage on infrastructure and propose solutions and measures at the state level.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens and residents during the challenging weather conditions. He emphasized the importance of learning from every experience and developing the country to be better prepared for the future.
The Ruler of Dubai also provided updates on various sectors during the Cabinet meeting. He mentioned the achievements in the National Tourism Strategy, with a total of 28 million hotel guests in 2023 and significant contributions to the domestic product from the tourism sector.
Furthermore, Sheikh Mohammed discussed the UAE’s economic agenda, highlighting the country’s comprehensive economic partnership agreements with more than 13 countries. These agreements are expected to increase the country’s exports significantly by 2031, contributing to the overall economic growth.
The Cabinet also reviewed developments in the national agenda for developing the country’s service exports, with a notable increase in digital service exports. The total foreign trade of goods and services in 2023 reached a record number, showcasing the UAE’s strong position in the global market.
In conclusion, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the UAE’s continued economic growth and development achievements, citing the country’s ranking in outward foreign direct investment and the ongoing economic journey. He expressed confidence in the country’s prosperity, stability, security, and safety, highlighting the commitment to further progress and success.
The decisions and discussions made during the Cabinet meeting reflect the government’s dedication to addressing challenges, fostering economic growth, and ensuring the well-being of the citizens and residents of the UAE. The proactive approach taken by the leadership in response to the recent weather conditions demonstrates a commitment to learning, adapting, and building a stronger and more resilient nation.