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

WAM, the Emirates News Agency, is the official state news agency of the United Arab Emirates. Established in 1977, WAM serves as the primary source of authoritative government communications, publishing news in Arabic, English, and several other languages. The agency covers federal and emirate-level policy announcements, diplomatic engagements, economic developments, and cultural affairs, functioning as the recognized wire service through which official UAE positions are disseminated to domestic and international media outlets.

UAE Context

WAM operates under the supervision of the UAE’s federal government and maintains bureaus across all seven emirates as well as international correspondents. The agency provides the definitive record of government decrees, leadership statements, and ministerial activities. In an era of digital media, WAM has expanded its output to include multimedia content, social media distribution, and real-time news alerts. It serves as a critical tool for diplomatic communication, with foreign governments and international organizations frequently citing WAM dispatches as authoritative sources on UAE policy positions.

Key Data

  • Founded: 1977
  • Languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and others
  • Coverage: All seven emirates plus international bureaus
  • Output: Text, photo, video, and multimedia content
  • Governance: Federal government supervision
  • Headquarters: Abu Dhabi

Significance for Vision 2031

WAM plays an essential role in communicating the UAE’s strategic vision to both domestic and global audiences. As the nation pursues ambitious economic diversification and social reform targets under Vision 2031, WAM provides the authoritative narrative framework that contextualizes policy changes, investment announcements, and international partnerships. The agency’s multilingual capacity ensures that the UAE’s development story reaches stakeholders worldwide.

  • UAE Cabinet - The executive body whose decisions WAM regularly reports
  • Smart Government - Digital transformation initiatives WAM covers and supports