In the presence of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with current and former ministers who served alongside him over the past two decades. The meeting marked the 20th anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed’s assumption of office as Prime Minister on January 5, 2006.
The President congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on the milestone and extended his wishes for continued good health and well-being. Moreover, he highlighted the sustained national progress achieved during this period and the ambition to secure a brighter future for the UAE and its people. He further noted that the government’s development model places people at the centre of policy priorities while aligning with future-focused national aspirations.
In response, Sheikh Mohammed affirmed that under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE has achieved notable outcomes and strengthened its position as a global hub. He emphasised that, as a result of a people-centric development approach, the UAE rapidly evolved from a regional leader into a global force built on economic resilience, empowerment, and institutional efficiency.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “Today, we mark 20 years since I assumed the office of Prime Minister — two decades spent working alongside a dedicated team that has given its utmost to this nation. In the life of a nation, 20 years may not be a long time, but the UAE has given this period a significance as vast as its achievements. We were determined to be at the forefront of development to ensure a high quality of life, stability, progress, and prosperity for the UAE and its people. Today, we rank at the top of several fields, and the UAE has become a whole world within one country.”
He added, “I would like to extend my thanks to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has been by my side since day one over the past two decades, overseeing every detail. I would also like to thank Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who have guided our nation’s foreign affairs. Today, we are joined by Hamdan bin Mohammed in defence and Maktoum bin Mohammed in finance as part of one remarkable team.”
Ministers reflect on governance transformation
Addressing ministers in attendance, Sheikh Mohammed expressed appreciation for their contributions to the government’s journey. He said: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this two-decade journey. Your efforts have helped transform our ideas into a reality lived by the people of the UAE.”
He added, “The people of the UAE love being number one, and our President aims for us to be number one by desiring the best for us. We in the UAE Government are determined to realise this vision, as our people deserve the best. Twenty years have passed so swiftly, and the next 20 will also pass in this manner. However, we must all strive to leave a mark, one that drives our nation forward and endures the passing of time.”
He further stated, “I am optimistic that the next two decades will bring prosperity, pride, and glory. The whole world will come to see the UAE as the world’s top destination to live, work, invest and visit. Our best years are yet to come.”
Ministers expressed pride in serving under Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership. Moreover, they credited the government’s achievements to its forward-looking policies and emphasis on teamwork. As a result, they noted that the UAE Government has emerged as a global benchmark for efficiency and delivery.
Two decades of institutional and policy advancement
The meeting highlighted achievements recorded between 2006 and 2025, a period marked by accelerated growth across economic, social, and scientific sectors. Over this time, Sheikh Mohammed led 72 ministers across nine cabinet formations and 13 reshuffles.
During his tenure, the Cabinet convened for 558 meetings and issued nearly 16,000 resolutions. Additionally, seven ministerial retreats and 16 extraordinary meetings were held to address national priorities and develop forward-looking policy responses.
Over the past two decades, the government has undergone a comprehensive transformation. Consequently, it established an advanced governance model centred on innovation, foresight, and community wellbeing. National roadmaps, such as the UAE Vision 2021, UAE Centennial 2071, and We the UAE 2031, reinforced long-term planning and performance monitoring.
Furthermore, more than 90% of the legal framework has been modernized to keep pace with global and technological changes. Government services were also redesigned to reduce bureaucracy and integrate artificial intelligence, while international engagement expanded through numerous agreements, including the CEPA programme, strengthening the UAE’s position as a trusted global partner.
