By dubailife 
Dubai Achievements: Emiratisation and Economic Growth Define 2024 Milestones
For the first time, Emiratis employed in the UAE’s private sector reached an impressive 131,000 in 2024, reflecting a 350% increase, according to an announcement on Thursday.
At the helm of this success is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who chaired the first Cabinet meeting of 2025 and highlighted the UAE’s record-breaking achievements over the past year.
Emiratisation Milestone
The UAE’s efforts to boost Emiratisation, supported by initiatives such as the Nafis programme, have significantly paid off. Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged the program’s role in providing crucial benefits to Emirati professionals, ensuring compliance through strategic measures and crackdowns on violators.
2024 Highlights: Economic Growth and Firsts
Economic Indicators
- Foreign trade surpassed AED 2.8 trillion, marking a historic high.
- Foreign direct investments reached AED 130 billion.
- Industrial exports hit AED 190 billion.
- Over 200,000 new businesses were established in the UAE, showcasing its thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Youth-Led Entrepreneurship
More Emirati youth joined the business landscape, with 25,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) launched by young citizens contributing to the nation’s economic cycle.
Legislative Updates
A comprehensive three-year project updated 80% of the UAE’s economic, social, and regulatory legislations, improving the environment for growth. Over 2,500 government officials collaborated on this monumental task.
Tourism Boom
- 30 million tourists were welcomed in 2024.
- UAE airports handled a record-breaking 150 million passengers, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global hub for tourism and travel.
National Development
Looking beyond 2024, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized long-term strategies:
- 750 national projects and initiatives were launched to attract top talents, investments, and innovations.
- The Cabinet and Ministerial Development Council issued 1,300 decisions to support regulatory frameworks for sustainable growth over the next two decades.
As the UAE continues its remarkable trajectory, Dubai remains at the forefront of innovation, economic growth, and excellence, setting global benchmarks for development and success.
Source : Khaleejtimes