UAE Marks 54th Eid Al Etihad With Significant Diplomatic And Economic Achievements

The United Arab Emirates is celebrating its 54th Eid Al Etihad while enhancing its status in political, economic, humanitarian, and developmental arenas. Throughout the year, the UAE has maintained an active foreign policy, playing a crucial role in promoting global stability. The nation has been involved in various diplomatic efforts to address international conflicts and tensions.

The UAE's economy has shown strong growth, with the International Monetary Fund predicting a 4.8 percent increase. Non-oil foreign trade reached AED1.7 trillion in the first half of the year, a 24.5 percent rise. The country also approved its largest federal budget for 2026 at AED92.4 billion and launched the National Investment Strategy 2031.

Infrastructure projects have progressed significantly, including a high-speed rail link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and a national road plan worth AED170 billion. These developments are part of broader efforts to enhance transport, water, and energy sectors across the nation.

The tourism sector contributed AED257.3 billion to GDP, accounting for 13 percent of the total. Over 16.1 million guests visited hotel establishments in the first half of 2025. Notable cultural projects include Disney Abu Dhabi, Therme Dubai, and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais was elected Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, marking a significant achievement for the UAE in global tourism leadership.

Humanitarian Efforts and Global Leadership

The UAE continues to lead in humanitarian aid, ranking among the top donors worldwide with US$1.46 billion in assistance provided this year. The country allocated over AED9.4 billion to support Gaza since the crisis began until November and committed AED3 billion to Sudan over two years.

Efforts to support stability in Yemen continue alongside assistance to numerous crisis-affected countries globally.

Diplomatic Engagements and Mediation Efforts

The UAE has played a pivotal role in mediating international disputes, facilitating dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as Russia and Ukraine through 17 rounds that resulted in exchanging 4,641 prisoners.

The nation also worked towards easing tensions between India and Pakistan while supporting de-escalation efforts between Israel and Iran.

Technological Advancements and Environmental Initiatives

The UAE made significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI) with AI tool usage reaching 97 percent and over 450,000 programmers now active. The UAE-US AI Campus was inaugurated with a capacity of 5 gigawatts.

Environmental initiatives included expanding Abu Dhabi’s nature reserves to cover 20 percent of its area and launching solar, hydrogen, and wind energy projects both domestically and internationally through national companies.

Legislative Modernisation

The UAE introduced new decrees such as forming the National Anti-Narcotics Authority and Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence. A new Personal Status Law was enacted alongside endorsing a smart legislative system supported by artificial intelligence.

Long-term strategies were implemented focusing on cyber security, talent attraction, zero bureaucracy policies, national volunteering initiatives, and Family Growth Agenda 2031.

International Presence

The UAE maintained its distinguished presence at major international summits like G20, BRICS 2025, and COP30 while remaining a focal point for visits by world leaders throughout this year.

This engagement underscores its commitment to fostering global cooperation on pressing issues facing nations today.

With inputs from WAM