The United Arab Emirates reported substantial progress across energy, infrastructure, maritime transport, housing, and digital transformation in 2025, reflecting its ability to pair long-term planning with effective execution. These achievements demonstrate a government approach prioritising innovation, operational efficiency, and quality-of-life improvements, translating national strategies into measurable outcomes that enhance competitiveness.
Housing and energy milestones
In the housing sector, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure issued 3,567 housing support decisions valued at AED2.546 billion, covering grants, loans, and financing solutions. As a result, the homeownership rate among UAE citizens rose to 91 percent, among the highest globally. The UAE also secured the presidency of the UN-Habitat General Assembly for the first time and joined its Executive Council.
Energy initiatives in 2025 included the launch of the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance, attracting participation from over 40 countries and international organisations. The UAE published the State of Energy Report 2025, joined the Water Council of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and issued a guidance manual for domestic workers in eight languages to promote responsible consumption. Furthermore, the National Energy and Water Demand Management Programme 2050 reinforced the goal of reducing energy demand by 42–45 percent through projects spanning industrial, agricultural, built environment, and transport sectors.
Infrastructure, transport, and maritime development
The Ministry advanced a National Agenda for Addressing Traffic Congestion, including transport and road projects valued at over AED170 billion through 2030. Investments include AED750 million for Emirates Road upgrades, a 60 percent capacity increase for Al Ittihad Road, and a 45 percent expansion of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. Planning also began for the Fourth Federal Road, extending 120 km with a projected capacity of 360,000 trips per day.
Five transformational projects were completed, covering the humanisation of buildings, green recycling yards, green industrial transformation, sustainable farm irrigation, and recycling of electric and hybrid vehicle batteries. In maritime transport, the UAE hosted the World Maritime Day Parallel Event, launched the National Maritime Navigation Centre, and secured its fifth consecutive term in Category “B” membership of the International Maritime Organisation.
Governance, awards, and digital innovation
The Ministry earned 41 local, regional, and international awards and achieved 19 ISO certifications, highlighting the maturity of administrative systems and operational quality. Community engagement included 30 customer council meetings and 26 agreements and memoranda of understanding to expand partnerships and knowledge exchange. Additionally, the first fully integrated digital government services centre was launched in Fujairah.
Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, stated, “The year 2025 represents an important milestone in the development journey of the energy, infrastructure, transport, and housing sectors in the UAE. We have translated strategic plans into concrete, data-driven results, strengthening federal infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and developing housing solutions aligned with citizens’ needs.”
He added, “As we commence 2026, we build on clear results and solid foundations, reaffirming our commitment to the ‘We the UAE 2031’ Vision and the UAE Centennial 2071, ensuring advanced infrastructure, sustainable energy, and flexible housing solutions that enhance the nation’s competitiveness and regional and global leadership.”
