The Emirates News Agency reported that directors-general from local economic departments joined the session in Abu Dhabi which concentrated on reinforcing ties between federal and local authorities to drive national economic diversification together with improvements in business competitiveness. Committee members examined the current investment environment amid global uncertainties where high levels of investor confidence have persisted and the private sector has played a key role in sustaining resilient supply chains. Discussions extended to the work of a recently established economic legislation team charged with updating regulatory structures to underpin long-term sustainable expansion across key sectors.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri outlined how the UAE maintains an advanced economic framework directed by national leadership that successfully navigates both regional and international challenges according to the meeting summary distributed by WAM. The minister commended local economic departments for their contributions to market supervision consumer safeguards and operational efficiencies that have progressively lowered reliance on oil revenues while optimizing use of national resources. Such efforts align with broader government objectives to position the UAE as a global hub for commerce and innovation.
Integration of the National Economic Registry with various government bodies formed a central agenda item as officials sought to guarantee precise data flows that support oversight of the more than 1.4 million active companies now operating throughout the federation. The committee assessed ongoing preparations for the 2026 Financial Action Task Force mutual evaluation with particular attention to anti-money laundering protocols and transparency standards around beneficial ownership. These measures build upon the UAE’s successful completion of prior evaluations that strengthened its international standing in financial compliance.
Ministry of Economy data indicates that business registrations have expanded steadily in recent years contributing to non-oil sector growth that reached 4.8 percent in 2025 as diversification initiatives gained momentum across the emirates. The National Economic Registry serves as a foundational tool for this expansion by enabling seamless information sharing that reduces administrative burdens and enhances decision-making at both federal and local levels. Coordination among entities has proven essential in addressing evolving demands from small and medium-sized enterprises which constitute the majority of the active company base.
A PwC Middle East assessment of GCC economic frameworks placed the UAE at the forefront of regulatory modernisation efforts noting that streamlined business processes have attracted foreign direct investment totaling more than $20 billion in the previous fiscal year. The economic legislation team’s advancements discussed during the March 26 gathering are expected to introduce further refinements that accommodate emerging sectors such as technology and renewable energy. Participants emphasised the importance of maintaining institutional agility to respond to shifting global trade dynamics.
Local economic departments have demonstrated effectiveness in consumer protection and market monitoring which has fostered an environment of trust that supports continued private sector involvement according to the WAM account of the committee proceedings. The meeting outcomes underscore ongoing collaboration aimed at maximising resource utilisation while minimising procedural obstacles for businesses operating within the country. Further sessions are anticipated to monitor implementation of the agreed initiatives and evaluate their impact on overall economic performance.
