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 Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) is an independent research institution based in Abu Dhabi that produces policy-oriented analysis on strategic, political, economic, and social issues affecting the UAE and the broader Gulf region. Founded in 1994, ECSSR functions as the UAE’s foremost think tank, publishing books, research papers, and policy briefs while hosting conferences and lectures that convene international experts and regional decision-makers. The center operates under a mandate to support evidence-based policymaking through rigorous academic research.

UAE Context

ECSSR occupies a unique position in the UAE’s institutional landscape as a bridge between academic research and government policy formation. The center maintains research programs covering national security, energy policy, economic diversification, technology governance, and international relations. It publishes extensively in both Arabic and English, making UAE-focused research accessible to global audiences. ECSSR’s annual conferences attract senior government officials, military leaders, and scholars from around the world, positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for strategic dialogue. The center also manages one of the largest specialized libraries in the Gulf region.

Key Data

  • Founded: 1994
  • Research areas: National security, energy, economics, technology, geopolitics
  • Publications: Hundreds of books, research papers, and policy briefs
  • Languages: Arabic and English
  • Events: Annual conferences, lecture series, workshops
  • Headquarters: Abu Dhabi

Significance for Vision 2031

ECSSR’s research output provides the analytical foundation for many of the policy decisions that shape Vision 2031 implementation. The center’s work on economic diversification, energy transition, human capital development, and regional security directly informs government strategy. As the UAE navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical environment while pursuing ambitious domestic transformation, ECSSR’s capacity to generate rigorous, independent analysis becomes more valuable to policymakers.

  • UAE Cabinet - Executive body that benefits from ECSSR’s policy research
  • Net Zero 2050 - Energy transition strategy supported by ECSSR analysis