The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stood as a beacon of resilience and unity during the recent unprecedented weather events. As the nation grappled with the heaviest rains in its recorded history, the impact on residential properties was immense. Torrential downpours swept across the country, leaving homes damaged and families in distress.
The storm in recent days has hit the country hard, impacting citizens and infrastructure alike. In response, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired a UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. Also present were H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan among other key figures.
Unprecedented Weather Conditions
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praised the nation’s quick response to the extreme weather conditions that have been witnessed recently. “We dealt with more than 200 thousand reports received from over 17 thousand staff members representing various security bodies, emergency services and ministries of interior,” he said. The operations room was joined by local authorities as well as thousands of volunteers who demonstrated their solidarity with the country during this tough period.
H.H. thanked President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his immediate directives to support families affected by floods and assess damages on infrastructure across all Emirates which still continues until now where he affirmed saying: “The safety of citizens remains our top priority.”
Leadership & Swift Action
In response to this crisis, the UAE government swiftly convened a Cabinet meeting, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The focus was clear: assess the damage, address citizens’ needs, and restore normalcy. The leadership’s commitment to its people was unwavering.
AED 2 Billion for Damages
Amongst many decisions taken during this session was the allocation of AED 2 billion to fix homes damaged due to rain in different parts of country . The fund will be managed by a ministerial committee working closely with federal entities including representatives from relevant ministries at both levels national and local government authorities involved in assessment process followed by compensations distribution steps.
Another committee will evaluate flood damages on infrastructure; it will be headed by Ministry Energy & Infrastructure proposing national level solutions through multi-federal body representation across seven Emirates.
Learning from Nature’s Lessons
Sheikh Mohammed pointed out that while these exceptional climatic conditions caused a lot of damage and inconvenience but they also came with some positive effects. “Our dams filled up; our valleys became green with rainwater; our underground water storage was replenished,” he said adding that such events provide valuable insights into managing urban areas during heavy rainfall, identifying potential development sites as well as preparedness for future challenges.
Tourism Sector Booming
The country’s tourism industry has been flourishing too according to Sheikh Mohammed who gave statistics on its performance over the years: “In 2023 alone, we received 28 million hotel guests – an increase of 11% from previous year – while international tourism spending amounted to AED 118 billion representing domestic tourism spending worth AED47 billion” he said noting that sector contributed approximately AED180 billion towards GDP in same year.
To enhance this further, UAE will continue implementing a number of initiatives such as the creative marketing campaigns targeting different types tourists besides launching unified national identity for tourism purposes.
Economic Deals & Exports
Furthermore, there have been several major economic developments throughout last year among them being signing comprehensive partnership agreements which involve more than thirteen countries across globe whose cumulative effect expected lead export growth by AED366bn per annum until end year 2031.
According statistics released yesterday by Ministry Economy; service exports hit new high levels reaching AED606 bn during past twelve months with digital services accounting for over AED170bn while total value foreign trade goods services recorded peak level ever at AED4.45 trillion in year 2023.
The Bottom Line
The most recent meeting of the UAE Cabinet demonstrated that the government is fully committed to its people and will take any measures necessary for their welfare. From responding immediately emergency situations caused by extreme weather events through celebrating different sectors’ achievements, this country continues moving forward tirelessly towards prosperity.
The United Arab Emirates’ future appears bright given its resiliency, inventiveness, and strong governance. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum once said, “Our economic journey continues, accelerates; our developmental achievements are constant, will not stop.”
