Approval of the National Programme for the Development of the Statistical System in the UAE

HE Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade

"His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's approval of the National Programme for the Development of the Statistical System reflects a forward-looking vision that places accurate, reliable data at the heart of economic decision-making. By updating our national statistical methodologies and aligning them with international best practices - including the United Nations System of National Accounts - we will ensure a more accurate and realistic measurement of the UAE economy, one that better captures its true size, diversity and growth momentum across sectors. This  strategic investment will provide the quality of the evidence base on which our economic and trade policies are built."

"This programme carries particular significance for foreign trade, logistics, supply chains, the digital economy and investment. Rapid structural transformation in these areas has long outpaced conventional measurement frameworks, meaning their true contribution to GDP growth and national competitiveness has not always been fully captured. More accurate and comprehensive data on trade flows, supply chain activity, payments movements and investment projects will give us a clearer picture of the added value these sectors generate, and a stronger foundation for the policies and initiatives we develop to grow them further."

"The programme also reinforces the national partnership between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, local statistical centres and federal data providers, thereby ensuring institutional integration and a shared commitment to data quality across government. Together, these reforms will enhance the UAE's ability to monitor emerging economic trends, measure the impact of new initiatives in real time, and make faster, better-informed decisions. They confirm the UAE's position as one of the world's most data-driven, competitive and open economies, strengthening our capacity to deliver on our long-term development ambitions in the decades ahead."