On Friday, January 14, 2022, the UAE held its first Cabinet meeting of the year. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the meeting, which was held at the UAE Pavilion at EXPO 2020. On his Twitter account, the ruler of Dubai shared photos and key ideas that were approved during the meeting.

Changes that are to be announced soon include giving ministries more authority with greater financial flexibility and shorter strategic cycles, as well as national priorities based on 50 principles adopted by the UAE President for the next 50 years.

The UAE is expected to see a 20 percent increase in patent filings in 2022, thanks to newly approved regulations that aim to develop and create “the best, most flexible and diversified business environment in the world”.

The UAE was ranked 33rd in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index 2021, as the country received 2,428 patent applications in 2021, compared to 1,917 in 2020. The number of applications is expected to increase in 2022, as the patent examination period plans to be reduced from 3.5 years to 6 months. The main purpose of this decision is aimed at attracting more individual investors, development of startups, opening of new companies, universities and academic institutions.

Ministers also adopted regulations regarding labour relations to ensure the continued rights of workers and the development of the economy. The UAE will regulate the holders rights of Freelance visas, Golden Visas, etc. Currently, there are 12 types of work permits in the Emirates. The government has recently initiated the issuance of a Talent Pass for a period of three years in order to attract professionals in fields, including education, media, technology and marketing.

The UAE Cabinet has also adopted 13 agreements that help avoid double taxation in order to attract more international investors, which will have a positive impact on the economy. The UAE is currently ranked 16th among the easiest places to do business and the UAE Central Bank has predicted that the economy will grow by 4.2% in 2022. Moreover, foreign nationals and locals are showing interest in buying commercial real estate in Dubai and other emirates, which helps the UAE to hold the second position in the ranking of economically developed countries in the Arab world.

During the meeting, the UAE’s sports legislation was also updated, as it will now regulate the activities of federations, sports councils and other institutions, as well as promote a more active participation of the country in sports events of various levels. In addition, an operational digital shopping strategy for the government was adopted and a new committee for intelligent learning in schools was formed. The government has also made the decision to join the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature, as part of the UN Climate Change Agreement.