UAE Celebrates 53rd Eid Al Etihad with Significant Achievements, Vision for Future.

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates marks its 53rd Eid Al Etihad, reflecting on the nation's remarkable progress under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Throughout 2024, the UAE made considerable progress across key sectors such as governance, legislation, space, housing, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainability. Several initiatives were launched to enhance the nation's global position as a model of progress and innovation.According to Emirates News Agency, in a significant step towards improving governance, the UAE reshuffled its Cabinet with new appointments, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed as Deputy Prime Minister alongside his role as Minister of Foreign Affairs. New positions were also created, such as a Minister of Sports and a Minister of State for Entrepreneurship.Legislative progress was a key focus in 2024, with the UAE u pdating its laws in several areas, including establishing the "International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council" and new traffic and road safety regulations. Amendments were also made to laws related to money laundering, terrorism financing, and labour relations, among others.In 2024, the UAE launched several forward-thinking initiatives, including the Young Government Leaders Programme and the National Investment Strategy 2031. The country also introduced the "Plant the Emirates" programme to boost agricultural development and a government efficiency programme aimed at reducing bureaucratic processes and service times.Major infrastructure projects included the full operation of all four reactors at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and new water management projects. The UAE also moved forward with a rainwater drainage project in Dubai and expanded the Dubai Exhibition Centre.In Sharjah, a new desalination plant was launched in collaboration with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power to develop Sharjah's first In dependent Water Project. At the same time, Umm Al Qaiwain unveiled one of the largest reverse osmosis desalination plants in the world and announced plans for a logistics city and an airport for cargo activities.In the housing sector, the homeownership rate among Emirati citizens reached 91%, with 90,000 beneficiaries of federal housing programmes since 1999, totalling AED60 billion. The Cabinet also approved the launch of the "Manzili" bundle for beneficiaries of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme.For the space sector, the UAE joined NASA's Lunar Gateway Station and sent the first Emirati astronaut into lunar orbit. It also established the "Supreme Space Council" and launched the Satgate project, while preparations for the MBZ-SAT continued.In 2024, the UAE made significant strides in women's empowerment, ranking seventh globally and first regionally in the UNDP Gender Inequality Index 2024. The country also strengthened its cultural sector as a major economic driver, passing a law to support the arts and organising cultural events.The UAE intensified its efforts to promote sustainability, marking the "Year of Sustainability." During its chairmanship of COP28, the UAE achieved several significant milestones, including the historic "UAE Consensus." The UAE also launched the "Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative" and introduced the world's first "Vertiport" powered by clean energy.In education, the UAE restructured its education system and declared 28th February as the "UAE Education Day." The creation of the Dubai National University with an AED4.5 billion investment and Al Dhaid University in Sharjah was also announced.In healthcare, the UAE allocated AED5.745 billion to health services and community care in 2025. The government approved a National Women's Health Policy and introduced a health insurance system for private sector workers and domestic helpers.In sports, Al Ain FC won the AFC Champions League 2023/24 title, and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu team dominated the World Championship in Greece, winning 61 medals. Sharjah Handball Club also clinched the Asian Handball Championship.