Page 59 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - AUGUST 2025

Al Zeyoudi stressed that the strategic projects and initiatives discussed during the meeting aim to
contribute to further improving the UAE's ranking in global talent competitiveness indicators, as
well as consolidating the country's position as a preferred destination for the world’s brightest,
most talented and most ambitious people, especially in strategic sectors of the future.

Al Zeyoudi also stressed the committee’s focus on enhancing the nation’s ecosystem in order to
retain these individuals for the long term by fostering a sense of belonging and providing
opportunities for their continuous growth and development.

He said that the progress achieved in the UAE’s ranking on global indicators for attracting and
retaining talent comes as a result of the forward-looking vision of the nation’s leadership and its
continuous directives on the importance of working to consolidate the country's position as an
attractive destination for talent from all over the world, in order to stimulate the sustainable
economic growth.

He added that the new initiatives and projects discussed during the meeting will contribute to
attracting more talent in targeted economic sectors and enable the UAE to join the list of top 10
global destinations for talent attraction by 2031.

Al Zeyoudi praised the team spirit and cooperation between members of the committee to
implement this vital national strategy.

The Committee for Attracting and Retaining Global Talent meeting is part of continuous efforts from
various ministries and government agencies to achieve the national goals of the "We are the UAE
2031" vision. This directive aims to enhance the country's global competitiveness as a hub for
knowledge and innovation, enabling high-growth companies to attract the brightest minds and
talent so that they may contribute to building an economy of the future, bringing the country
sustainable growth and prosperity.

During the meeting, the members of the Global Talent Attraction and Retention Committee
exchanged views and ideas on potential new projects and initiatives, as well as the latest global
developments in the field of talent attraction, alongside the best practices adopted by leading
countries.

According to the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) Global Talent
Competitiveness Report 2024, the UAE ranked 17th globally and 1st in the Arab world, surpassing a
number of major developed economies, after jumping 5 places compared to 2023. It also advanced
in the “Gravity" Index to 12th place, and the “Readiness” Index to 2nd place globally.

The UAE Cabinet approved the second phase of the Global Talent Attraction Strategy 2031 at the
beginning of 2025, which will focus on key national priorities including enhancing the
competitiveness of talent in the UAE, highlighting the UAE as a business destination, enhancing a
sense of belonging in the country, and consolidating the future stability of global talent. Target
sectors for talent attraction include technology, renewable energy, healthcare and biotechnology,
logistics and aviation, advanced industries, financial services, food and water technology, and the
creative economy.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/blb38hl-global-talent-attraction-and-retention-committee