February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

The Crown Prince Court (CPC) of Abu Dhabi is the executive office that supports the Crown Prince in managing strategic affairs, government coordination, and diplomatic relations. Historically one of the most influential institutions in UAE governance, the CPC served as the operational centre from which Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed — during his tenure as Crown Prince from 2004 to 2022 — directed Abu Dhabi’s and the broader UAE’s strategic development. The CPC manages high-level policy coordination, diplomatic engagements, and the execution of priority national initiatives.

UAE Context

The CPC operates as a strategic coordinating body that bridges the gap between the ruler’s executive vision and the formal government apparatus. It oversees diplomatic protocol, manages relationships with foreign governments and international organisations, and coordinates the Crown Prince’s engagements with federal and local government entities. During Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s time as Crown Prince, the CPC became a primary channel through which Abu Dhabi’s development strategies — including investments in defence, energy, technology, and education — were planned and monitored.

Key Data

The CPC employs specialised teams covering defence affairs, foreign relations, strategic communications, and government coordination. It has historically played a significant role in managing Abu Dhabi’s international partnerships, including defence cooperation agreements and sovereign investment relationships. The CPC also oversees charitable and humanitarian initiatives conducted under the Crown Prince’s patronage, coordinating aid disbursements and development assistance.

Vision 2031 Significance

The Crown Prince Court has been instrumental in shaping the UAE’s long-term strategic direction. Many of the foundational initiatives that underpin Vision 2031 — sovereign wealth diversification, defence industrialisation, advanced technology investment, and diplomatic realignment — were incubated within the CPC during Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s years as Crown Prince.

  • Ruler’s Court (Diwan) — The parallel institution serving the ruler of each emirate.
  • Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed — The former Crown Prince who used the CPC as his primary operational base.
  • Mubadala — The sovereign investment company whose strategic direction was closely coordinated through the CPC.
  • EDGE Group — The defence conglomerate developed under strategic oversight linked to the CPC.