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

We the UAE 2031 is the comprehensive national development vision launched by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, establishing strategic priorities and measurable targets for the United Arab Emirates over the decade from 2021 to 2031. The vision encompasses political, economic, social, and developmental dimensions, providing a unified framework that aligns federal and emirate-level initiatives toward common national objectives. It represents the medium-term planning horizon between shorter-term government strategies and the longer-range UAE Centennial 2071 vision.

UAE Context

Announced in its consolidated form in 2023, We the UAE 2031 builds upon decades of national planning including UAE Vision 2021 and various emirate-level strategies. The vision is structured around four key pillars: a future-ready society, a competitive and sustainable economy, a world-class infrastructure ecosystem, and a global diplomatic and soft-power presence. Each pillar contains specific key performance indicators and quantitative targets against which national progress is measured. Implementation is coordinated across federal ministries, emirate governments, sovereign wealth funds, and the private sector.

Key Data

  • Launch: Consolidated vision announced 2023 under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed
  • Timeframe: 2021-2031
  • Core pillars: Society, economy, infrastructure, and global positioning
  • Economic target: Grow GDP to AED 3 trillion by 2031
  • Trade target: Raise non-oil foreign trade to AED 4 trillion
  • Tourism target: Attract 40 million hotel guests annually
  • Government performance: Rank among the top 10 globally in government efficiency

Significance

We the UAE 2031 serves as the organizing framework for virtually all major government initiatives, investment decisions, and regulatory reforms in the country. It provides the strategic rationale for programs such as Emiratisation, Operation 300bn, the Golden Visa system, and infrastructure projects like Etihad Rail. The vision’s emphasis on measurable targets and accountability mechanisms distinguishes it from aspirational statements, making it an actionable roadmap for national development.