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

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, commonly referred to as MBZ, is the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Elected by the Federal Supreme Council on 14 May 2022 following the passing of Sheikh Khalifa, he had served as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces since 2004. He is widely regarded as the principal architect of the UAE’s modern strategic positioning across defence, energy transition, advanced technology, and international diplomacy.

UAE Context

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has shaped Abu Dhabi’s development trajectory for over two decades. He spearheaded the creation of Mubadala Investment Company, directed the development of the UAE’s defence industrial base through EDGE Group and Tawazun, and championed the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. His foreign policy vision positioned the UAE as a diplomatic mediator and strategic partner to major powers. He has prioritised post-oil economic planning, directing sovereign wealth into advanced technology, healthcare, education, and renewable energy sectors.

Key Data

As President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed chairs the Federal Supreme Council, the highest constitutional authority. He serves as Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Under his strategic guidance, Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in artificial intelligence through partnerships with global technology companies, established the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, and hosted COP28 in 2023.

Vision 2031 Significance

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is the primary patron and strategic driver of the UAE’s long-term national plans, including Vision 2031 and the Centennial 2071 framework. His emphasis on human capital development, technological sovereignty, and economic diversification defines the core priorities of the current national agenda.

  • Sheikh Zayed — His father and the founding President of the UAE.
  • Federal Supreme Council — The constitutional body he chairs as President.
  • Mubadala — The sovereign investment vehicle he helped create and direct.
  • Centennial 2071 — The long-range national vision championed under his leadership.