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The UAE has taken part in the 124th Ministerial Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee, held today in Kuwait, bringing together Their Excellencies, the Ministers of Finance of the GCC member states.
Led by H.E. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, the UAE delegation featured H.E. Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance; H.E. Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, Acting Director-General of Customs and Port Security at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security; and H.E. Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director-General of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), in addition to senior officials from the Ministry of Finance.
The meeting discussed a wide range of issues, including the outcomes of the 85th meeting of the Committee of Governors of the Central Banks in the GCC Countries, recent sessions of the GCC Customs Union Authority, the 15th meeting of the Committee of Heads and Directors of Tax Departments in the GCC Countries, and the 43rd meeting of the GCC Common Market Committee.
Strengthening joint action
Ministers also reviewed the status of free trade agreement negotiations between the GCC and international partners, as well as the latest developments regarding studies and projects overseen by the GCC Economic and Development Affairs Authority Office. The discussions further addressed advancements in the GCC Economic Unity Programme and reviewed the report on the upcoming Gulf Economic Forum, which will be held on the sidelines of the World Government Summit, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Finance and the GCC General Secretariat.
Institutional integration
H.E. Al Hussaini stressed that the 124th session of the committee comes at a time of regional and global shifts that necessitate deeper financial and economic cooperation among GCC states. He noted that the next phase requires enhancing coordination to achieve institutional integration that strengthens the GCC’s standing as an influential global economic bloc.
Al Hussaini added that reviewing progress on the GCC Customs Union and GCC Common Market follows the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the GCC Leaders, who tasked Their Excellencies the Ministers of Finance with overseeing these two strategic projects, which represent a vital step in enhancing the GCC’s collective economic strength in global markets.
Supporting initiatives
Concluding his statement, H.E. Al Hussaini reaffirmed that the UAE is committed to supporting all initiatives that advance joint financial and economic cooperation in the GCC. He underlined the importance of building on the outcomes of this meeting through clear follow-up mechanisms and measurable performance indicators to ensure effective implementation of decisions and deliver tangible economic impact in the medium and long term.
The 124th Ministerial Meeting was held as part of the shared commitment of GCC states to developing economic integration, reinforcing the bloc’s position as a cohesive entity capable of addressing global challenges, while unlocking broader prospects for sustainable development and prosperity for the region’s people.
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is accelerating its efforts to strengthen financial and economic integration with the GCC countries through a series of initiatives and projects aimed at advancing sustainable growth and reinforcing the resilience of the region’s common market.
From fast-tracking the digital transformation of the GCC market to fulfilling Customs Union requirements and developing new frameworks for cross-border cooperation in line with rapid economic and technological changes, the Ministry seeks to achieve targets that support economic expansion and reinforce the resilience of the GCC common market.
Over the past three years, these efforts have delivered measurable progress in strengthening integration and expanding opportunities across the Gulf.
Strategic initiatives
H.E. Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, said that the Ministry is committed to promoting the UAE’s financial and economic integration with GCC countries through strategic initiatives across the region.
These initiatives, he said, are designed to achieve the shared priorities of member states, including the completion of Customs Union requirements and the full implementation of the GCC common market.
“We are working to create an integrated economic environment that fosters competitiveness, sustainable growth, and economic diversification across the region,” AlKhoori said.
He noted that recent gains in trade exchange and customs procedures highlight tangible progress toward deeper regional integration, which, he added, “delivers broad benefits to all member states while strengthening their financial and economic stability.”
GCC Common Market
Reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to enhancing financial and economic integration within the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Ministry of Finance has stepped up its role in shaping the GCC common market, a framework designed to guarantee equal treatment for citizens and businesses across all member states and economic sectors.
The Ministry continues to participate actively in the GCC Common Market Committee, working alongside its regional counterparts to draft proposals and take decisions that move the bloc closer to a fully integrated market.
At the 123rd meeting of the GCC Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee, held on June 1, 2025, finance ministers directed the committee to review the list of professions and economic activities in order to reduce restrictions on those not yet open to GCC citizens. The goal is to create a unified list aligned with resolutions of the GCC Supreme Council and the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee.
The GCC common market is not only an instrument of integration but also a strategic platform for reinforcing regional stability and growth, helping member states navigate an era of accelerating global economic transformations.
Customs Union
In line with the resolution of the GCC Supreme Council’s 42nd session, which mandated the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee to accelerate completion of the Customs Union and advance the implementation of common market tracks by the end of 2024, the UAE has continued to work with fellow member states to move the process forward.
As part of this effort, technical meetings have been held to address outstanding challenges and propose practical mechanisms for resolution.
At its 119th meeting in May 2023, the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee instructed the GCC Customs Union Authority to update the timeline for completing Customs Union requirements, ensuring alignment between the remaining steps, proposed solutions, and the executive action plan derived from the study on developing GCC customs ports.
Subsequently, at its 120th meeting in October 2024, the committee approved the executive plan to finalise the Customs Union and endorsed the agreed-upon solutions, covering 17 out of 20 proposed measures.
Results and statistics
The UAE has delivered tangible and positive outcomes in strengthening financial and economic integration with GCC countries.
The total trade volume between the UAE and GCC nations in 2024 reached AED 333 billion.
The country’s imports in 2024 totalled AED 84.5 billion, while non-oil exports from the UAE to the GCC reached approximately AED 85.6 billion. Re-exports amounted to AED 162.9 billion in the same year.
GCC Common Market: facts and figures
With regard to the GCC Common Market, data released by the GCC Statistical Center for 2023 highlighted the UAE’s leading position across multiple fields. The UAE recorded 11.8 million entries by GCC citizens, representing 32.3 percent of all cross-border entries within the bloc — the highest share among member states.
The UAE also ranked first in social protection, with 7,200 GCC citizens enrolled in the country’s pension and social insurance systems, accounting for 29.1 percent of all GCC citizens covered under such schemes across the region.
In the field of economic activity, the UAE led with 36,800 licences issued to GCC citizens in 2023, representing 31.2 percent of the total licences granted to GCC nationals within member states, reaffirming the UAE’s position as the region’s most dynamic business hub.
In real estate, the UAE was at the forefront, with 52,200 property ownership cases by GCC citizens in 2023, equivalent to 31.4 percent of the total cases of property ownership by GCC citizens across member states.
On the education front, the UAE ranked first in the number of GCC students enrolled in public higher education institutions during the 2022–2023 academic year, hosting 7,500 students, or 51.9 percent of all GCC nationals pursuing higher education within the region.
Similarly, the UAE topped the statistics for GCC citizens benefiting from government healthcare services in 2023, with 72,200 beneficiaries, accounting for 35 percent of the total number of GCC citizens accessing healthcare services across member states.
Collectively, these indicators and achievements underscore the UAE’s sustained efforts to enhance cooperation and deepen financial and economic integration across the GCC. They reflect the country’s long-term commitment to advancing a comprehensive and sustainable economic vision that fosters growth, resilience, and shared prosperity for the region.
The Ministry of Finance announced the issuance of two Ministerial Decisions clarifying the scope of obligations and the timelines for implementing the Electronic Invoicing System in the United Arab Emirates. These decisions represent fundamental steps in the UAE’s digital transformation journey and in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and compliance in business transactions across the country.
Scope of Obligations
The first decision on the scope of the Electronic Invoicing System clarifies that the system applies to all persons conducting business in the UAE in relation to all business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) transactions, except in cases where specific exclusions have been identified. Notwithstanding such exclusions, businesses may voluntarily issue, send, share, exchange, and report electronic invoices and electronic credit notes.
In accordance with the decision, and to ensure smooth implementation, issuers and recipients of invoices are required to appoint an Accredited Service Provider (ASP), and the Ministry will publish a list of accredited service providers in due course.
Under the new requirements, an electronic invoice must be issued and transmitted for every business transaction. An electronic credit note must also be issued in cases where a transaction is cancelled, the agreed consideration is reduced, a refund is made in full or in part, or where an administrative or numerical error has occurred. Recipients are required to process all electronic invoices and electronic credit notes through the Electronic Invoicing System.
Both the issuer and the recipient must fulfil their obligations under this decision through the Accredited Service Provider that they have appointed. Electronic invoices and electronic credit notes must also contain all the required data fields and particulars as prescribed by the Ministry of Finance.
The new system is based on the international OpenPeppol standard, which is a globally recognised framework for the exchange of electronic documents. By adopting Peppol, the UAE ensures interoperability with international business communities, facilitates cross-border trade, reduces administrative costs, and enhances compliance efficiency. Peppol also enhances security, ensures data integrity, and enables faster and more accurate exchange of invoices between businesses and government entities.
Timelines
The second Ministerial Decision on the timelines for the implementation of the Electronic Invoicing System clarifies that the Pilot Programme will commence on 1 July 2026 with a selected group of taxpayers. After the completion of the Pilot, mandatory implementation will be introduced in phases. Businesses with annual revenue equal to or exceeding AED 50,000,000 must appoint an Accredited Service Provider by 31 July 2026 and implement the Electronic Invoicing System as of 1 January 2027.
Businesses with annual revenue below AED 50,000,000 must appoint an Accredited Service Provider by 31 March 2027 and implement the system as of 1 July 2027. Every in scope government entity must also appoint an Accredited Service Provider by 31 March 2027 and implement the Electronic Invoicing System as of 1 October 2027.
This phased approach aims to support businesses in transitioning gradually and smoothly to the new system, while ensuring compliance with the legal framework.
These two decisions reflect the UAE’s commitment to adopting international best practice, enhancing ease of doing business, and supporting the country’s transition to a fully digital economy.
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) today organised the ‘Digital Participation in Government Decision-Making Forum: Partnership, Interaction, Impact’ at Etihad Museum in Dubai, in partnership with several government and international entities.
The forum aimed to highlight digital participation as a strategic tool for policymaking and improving government services, while strengthening integration between decision-makers and the community through innovative digital platforms.
The event was held as part of the ministry’s commitment to reinforcing government-community partnership concepts and developing interactive channels that enable society to directly contribute to shaping public decisions and policies. It also aligns with the‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the objectives of UAE Centennial 2071.
The forum was attended by H.E. Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance; H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA); along with a number of government leaders.
Also present were a number of government and private sector entities, international organisations, and representatives of the local community, including youth, senior citizens and people of determination.
Promoting transparency and efficiency
In his opening remarks, H.E. Younis Haji AlKhoori said: “The forum is a strategic platform, demonstrating the UAE’s vision that engaging society in government decision-making is fundamental to both policy development and shaping the future of government services.
“Thanks to the vision of our wise leadership, the UAE has positioned digital transformation as a strategic priority that goes beyond a technical shift to a holistic transformation, redefining the relationship between government and society. Fueling this transformation is digital participation, a pivotal tool for decision-making, enabling individuals to express their views and aspirations, while allowing government to harness these inputs in developing more impactful and responsive public policies.”
He added: “Through its ambitious strategy, the Ministry of Finance views digital participation as one of the key enablers of financial decision-making, one built on transparency, efficiency, and continuous engagement with all segments of society.
This approach aligns perfectly with the goals of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which places people at the centre of development and emphasises the importance of active participation in shaping the future, as well as the UAE Centennial 2071, which envisions a more innovative and sustainable nation.”
Realising such visions, he said, requires an interactive environment that empowers society to contribute directly to policies and decisions through modern digital tools, powered by artificial intelligence and big data analytics, transforming public opinion into actionable insights.
AlKhoori concluded: “International experience has proven that the most successful governments are those that make community participation an integral part of decision-making and convert ideas and data into policies that enhance public satisfaction and mutual trust. In the UAE, we are not only adopting these concepts but also aspire to lead them globally, offering a pioneering Emirati model that places digital participation at the core of governance.”
For her part, Her Excellency Aisha Ahmed Yousuf , Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Empowerment, said: “This forum represents a significant step towards establishing a culture of innovation and transforming digital knowledge into a pillar of development. It is a vital space that brings together expertise and opens the door to the exchange of ideas, thereby enhancing the country’s position in the field of global digital transformation.”
She added that the Ministry’s support for the forum demonstrates its commitment to empowering individuals and communities to participate actively and create impact. “Collaboration between national institutions goes beyond sharing experiences,” she said. “It translates into initiatives that enhance readiness and equip people with sustainable tools to keep pace with the future.”
Meanwhile, H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar said, “Digital participation is not just a technical tool that we use when needed, but a deeply rooted national culture and an integrated process.” He noted that this process “begins with the transparent dissemination of information, continues with digital public consultations, and ends with the translation of participation outcomes into implementable policies and services.”
This vision, Al Mesmar said, is being realized through key national initiatives. The ‘Share.UAE’ platform, launched in 2023, has to date provided more than 1,186 opportunities for digital participation, including approximately 993 consultations, 149 opinion polls, and 44 forums. Furthermore, Hackathon UAE, the largest national digital innovation event, has since 2018 attracted more than 10,000 participants and yielded 494 innovative projects, a number of which have directly contributed to policy formulation or the development of government services.
Turning Digital Interaction into Tangible Achievements
H.E. Khalid Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, affirmed that digital participation represents a fundamental driver in empowering youth as active partners in decision-making. Digital tools and platforms provide vital spaces to present ideas and visions, bringing government policies closer to their aspirations. This shift in the way government interacts with society opens the door for youth to become a driving force for development and to build a future that reflects the ambitions of all segments of society.
H.E. Al Nuaimi added: “Young people in the UAE are keen to turn digital interaction into tangible achievements and implementable projects, which demonstrates their genuine commitment to development. This approach reflects the vision of the wise leadership, which believes that investing in youth is an investment in a prosperous and sustainable future, and that their role should extend beyond participation to actual leadership in the development process.”
He further pointed out that the Federal Youth Authority is committed to providing opportunities that enable young people to benefit from digital transformation as a path to empowerment. This is embodied in the ‘Step Towards Work’ programme on the Jahiz platform, which stands as a pioneering example of activating digital tools that enhance youth readiness and build the future skills of national cadres, forming part of the official efforts to highlight the importance of adopting digital frameworks in government work plans.
Three panel sessions
The forum comprised three main sessions. The first, ‘Digital participation… from concept to empowerment’, addressed the comprehensive concept of digital participation and emerging global trends.
Speakers included Azza Ali Aljassmi, Director of the Government Communications Department at MoF; Manal Al Afad, Acting Manager, Digital Adoption & Enablement at Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority; and Dr. Mohammed Al Shamsi, Director of IT Operations at Emirates Health Services.
The session explored the role of digital participation in government transformation. Key topics included the government’s duty to provide enabling platforms and legal frameworks, as well as international best practices that link citizen engagement directly to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Impact making
The second session, ‘From positive interaction to policymaking impact’, discussed how digital ideas can be translated into real policies and decisions. Speakers included Fatima AlSheikh, Director of Tax Policies and Legislations Department at MoF; Laila Al Badi, Director of Strategy and Future Planning at the Ministry of Community Empowerment, and Hadi Kobeissi, Partner – Consulting, Digital & Technology at PwC Middle East.
The session addressed three key areas: the UAE Government’s proven success in basing decisions on public participation; the application of artificial intelligence for big data analysis; and the critical mechanisms for measuring impact and verifying input credibility to foster greater institutional trust.
Inclusive digital partnership
The third session, ‘Towards effective digital participation… seniors and youth’, brought together representatives from Thukher Club for Senior Citizens and the Federal Youth Authority.
The session highlighted both groups’ perspectives on building an inclusive digital partnership, showcasing personal experiences with digital tools, identifying key challenges, and suggesting ways to enhance participation. Speakers underscored the importance of ensuring that all segments of society are engaged in the decision-making process.
H.E. Mariam Mohammed Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Government Financial Management Sector at the Ministry of Finance, said: “The national campaign ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World,’ launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reflects the UAE leadership’s steadfast commitment to promoting a culture of innovation and advancing the role of national projects in driving the economy. This pioneering initiative affirms that entrepreneurship is a strategic approach that supports economic diversification and ensures long-term sustainability, while cementing the UAE’s position as a global destination for talent, innovators, and entrepreneurs—empowering creative ideas to become impactful success stories both locally and globally.”
She added: “The Ministry of Finance has launched several innovative initiatives to support and empower entrepreneurs, including the federal procurement platform, which offers startups wider opportunities to compete for federal contracts and tenders by simplifying procedures and granting priority access. It also organises training and awareness programmes to strengthen their capacity to participate in the government supply chain, in addition to facilitating access to financing through specialised programmes and partnerships. The Ministry’s participation in this campaign comes through collaboration with government, private, and academic entities, which together contribute to creating an inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem, offering expanded opportunities for training, financing, and mentorship—ultimately boosting the contribution of startups to the country’s non-oil GDP. Moreover, the Ministry has built partnerships with local and international institutions to exchange expertise and provide practical tools that facilitate the growth and expansion of national projects.”
She continued: “Building on these efforts, the Ministry of Finance will continue to introduce new initiatives in the coming phase aimed at maximising the use of available resources and providing an even more attractive business environment for entrepreneurs, aligned with the requirements of the digital economy and sustainable innovation. These efforts complement the objectives and programmes of the national campaign and will reinforce the UAE’s position as a global capital for entrepreneurship and as a genuine testbed for creative ideas and innovative projects.”
H.E. Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, said: “The national campaign ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World,’ launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, represents a milestone in empowering entrepreneurship and national projects, enhancing their role in the economy. It reflects the wise vision of our leadership in making entrepreneurship a main driver of sustainable development and a magnet for talent and entrepreneurs from all over the world.”
He added: “Since its establishment, the Ministry of Finance has prioritised supporting entrepreneurial projects and entrepreneurs through an integrated package of qualitative policies and initiatives that have contributed to creating a stimulating business environment. We at the Ministry view this campaign as a strategic platform that strengthens the integration between government policies and national programmes, through broad partnerships with government, private, and academic entities. This will provide Emirati youth and innovators with greater opportunities for training, financing, and presenting innovative solutions that contribute to the development of various economic sectors. We also believe that investment in entrepreneurship is a direct investment in the country’s future and its competitiveness at regional and international levels.”
He concluded: “The success of this campaign will build on the UAE’s achievements in creating an innovation- and knowledge-based economy and will strengthen its position as a global capital for entrepreneurship in line with its ambitious vision ‘We the UAE 2031,’ through qualitative initiatives and programmes. From our side, the Ministry of Finance will remain a pivotal partner and a key supporter of various national initiatives, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global incubator for entrepreneurship and a leading destination for creative and ambitious national projects.”
The Ministry of Finance has signed the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Information under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), following its announcement last November of its intention to implement the framework.
CARF implementation in the UAE is scheduled to go-live in 2027, with the first exchanges of information expected in 2028.
The framework establishes a mechanism for the automatic exchange of tax-related information on crypto-asset activities, ensuring that the UAE provides certainty and clarity to the crypto-asset sector while upholding the principles of global tax transparency
The Ministry of Finance invites all stakeholders, including advisory service providers, intermediaries, traders, custodians, exchange platforms and others active in the crypto-asset sector, to participate in the public consultation on CARF implementation in the UAE and to share their views and recommendations on its potential impacts and areas requiring further clarification.
The public consultation opened on 15 September 2025 and will remain open for eight weeks until 8 November 2025 via the designated link. It aims to develop clear and effective regulatory rules informed by the insights of experts and stakeholders, and aligned with market needs.
The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) received a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi for the annual Article IV consultation, reviewing the nation’s economic outlook and policy framework.
The discussions touched on the UAE’s macroeconomic performance, developments in its financial and banking sectors, and the government’s broader economic policies. Both sides also explored primary challenges and opportunities for fostering the UAE’s sustainable economic growth.
The MoF delegation was led by HE Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, and included Ali Abdullah Sharafi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for International Financial Relations at the Ministry, alongside other ministry officials.
The IMF team was headed by Saeed Bakash, Head of the IMF Mission to the UAE and Advisor in the Middle East and Central Asia Department, and Koralai Kirabaeva, Senior Economist at the Fund, and a number of Fund experts.
Strategic partnership
In a statement, H.E. AlKhoori emphasised that the meeting with the IMF’s Article IV consultation mission showcases the depth of the UAE’s strategic partnership with the Fund. “We, at the Ministry of Finance, attach utmost importance to strengthening this cooperation, as the IMF remains a key partner in supporting our efforts to advance fiscal and economic policy and to adopt international best practices that enhance the resilience and sustainability of the national economy.”
“Through these regular consultations, we are committed to fostering open dialogue and exchanging expertise, enabling us to design financial policies that keep pace with regional and global developments.”
Promoting balanced growth
His Excellency further stated that the Article IV consultations provide a vital platform to showcase the UAE’s successful experience in fostering balanced and inclusive economic growth.
AlKhoori noted that these discussions help consolidate the nation’s position as a leading global economic hub attractive to quality investment and new international partnerships.
“We are committed to continually developing our financial system to ensure sustainable development and safeguard macroeconomic stability,” he said. “This enhances our preparedness for future challenges and drives a competitive, innovation-led economy that promotes the well-being of our society.”
The mission’s visit to the UAE, which began on September 17 and concludes on October 1, is a standard part of the IMF’s annual review process for its member countries.
11 September 2025
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) participated in the 14th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025), held in Sharjah, through a panel discussion titled “Raising Financial Awareness for a Sustainable Tomorrow: How Can Government Communication Have an Impact on Society?”. The session brought together a distinguished group of experts in government communication and the financial sector.
The session, moderated by content creator Mohammed Alajmani, featured Azza Aljassmi, Director of the Government Communication Department at the Ministry of Finance; Mohammed Shalouh, Director of Communication & Strategic Partnerships Department and Chairman of the UAE’s Public-Private Partnership Sub-Committee (PPPSC) for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT); and Husain Alteneiji, Director of Government Communication at Dubai’s Department of Finance.
The discussion explored the roles of government communication in enhancing financial awareness and highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration to achieve sustainable impact across society and the economy.
Fostering a Sustainable Financial Culture
In her remarks, Azza Aljassmi underscored the role of government communication as a strategic tool to foster a sustainable financial culture. She shared national success stories led by the Ministry, such as the awareness campaign on Government Treasury Bonds and Islamic Treasury Sukuk, which promoted a culture of saving and responsible investment. She also highlighted the National Corporate Tax Awareness Campaign, which increased awareness of the new system to 94% and contributed to the registration of more than half a million companies. Al Jasmi stressed that coordination between federal and local entities amplifies overall impact, making financial communication a joint national endeavour. She further emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to engaging different segments of society—including youth, women, and entrepreneurs—to ensure financial messages are delivered inclusively and equitably, in line with the UAE’s vision for economic and social sustainability.
Simplifying Financial Concepts
For his part, Mohammed Shalouh focused on the importance of local and international strategic partnerships in reinforcing financial compliance and combating illicit practices. He affirmed that such partnerships enable governments to broaden their impact, improve efficiency, and enhance public trust while addressing complex challenges that require collective solutions.
Shalouh also noted the role of the UAE’s Public-Private Partnership Sub-Committee on AML/CFT in facilitating information exchange through a structured framework that enhances the effectiveness of both public and private entities. He further pointed out that the Executive Office has signed memoranda of understanding with leading academic institutions to conduct joint research and offer specialised training programmes, contributing to advanced knowledge development and national capacity building.
Comprehensive Impact
Meanwhile, Husain Alteneiji highlighted that the main challenges facing financial awareness campaigns lie in reaching all segments of society and accurately measuring behavioural change. He noted that these challenges can be transformed into opportunities through stronger government–private collaboration and unified messaging, ensuring broad and lasting impact. He also underscored the role of media and academic institutions as key partners in spreading financial literacy, particularly among youth and students.
Alteneiji showcased examples of successful public communication campaigns led by Dubai’s Department of Finance, which significantly accelerated the shift to digital government payments and helped make digital fee settlement a widely adopted practice across the emirate. He confirmed that these awareness efforts have steadily boosted digital adoption, with 97% of government transactions completed through digital channels last year.
The session concluded with consensus that effective government communication is a cornerstone for promoting sustainable financial awareness and a foundation for strengthening institutional collaboration. Participants affirmed that such communication builds trust between government and society while supporting the UAE’s path towards sustainable economic and social development.
At the end of the session, the Forum’s Management honoured the Ministry of Finance as a key partner in recognition of its active participation and pivotal role in the Forum’s activities.
09 September 2025
As part of the second phase of the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, the Ministry of Finance today hosted its second Customer Council to strengthen partnerships with customers and move from the stage of identifying challenges to the stage of co-designing solutions, ensuring that government procedures and services are tailored to the needs and aspirations of individuals and businesses.
The Council builds on a series of sessions designed to bring about a paradigm shift in government procedures, in line with the programme’s objectives of eliminating unnecessary steps, reducing processing times, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the competitiveness of the business environment and quality of life across society.
The event, held in Dubai, was attended by H.E. Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, Fatima Yousif Al Naqbi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Support Services Sector, along with a number of ministry leaders.
Ten key themes
The Council featured in-depth discussions around ten key themes identified from the outcomes of the first Customer Council held on 29 July 2025. These included: budget preparation, the imposition, amendment and cancellation of government fees, the federal financial system, management of government assets, government procurement, the final account, provision of financial and accounting consultancy, collection and exchange of tax-related information, classification of entities for tax treatment purposes, and the preparation of government finance statistics reports.
The Council also addressed the unified roadmap for federal government financial policies and procedures and ways to enhance the efficiency of the digital procurement platform.
A connecting link
In his opening remarks, H.E. Younis Haji AlKhoori affirmed that the second Customer Council within the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme is a vital connecting link in the government’s journey towards excellence. He noted that the session demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and creating a more efficient and flexible work environment, in line with its vision of global leadership in public finance and sustainable development.
AlKhoori added: “The Zero Government Bureaucracy programme was launched under the wise leadership’s directives to reduce unnecessary burdens on individuals and businesses. This programme is not merely an administrative initiative, but an institutional transformation to simplify procedures, streamline transactions, and improve quality of life. It supports economic growth, enhances competitiveness, and reinforces our nation’s standing as a global hub for business and talent. In the first Council, we listened to our partners’ views on the challenges and procedures requiring improvement. In this session, we have advanced together to a deeper stage: co-designing solutions.”
He underlined that every proposal, idea, and observation contributes to shaping the Ministry’s direction. He affirmed that the Council is an essential space for customers to make a real impact and a valuable opportunity for direct collaboration between government and its partners.
Open discussions
The interactive session featured open discussions on the Ministry’s key areas of work, with participants divided into working groups to address challenges and present proposals for optimal solutions, which were reviewed at the end of the Council.
The Council also emphasised that employees and partners are the driving force behind the development of government services. Their active participation serves as a compass guiding the Ministry’s efforts to simplify procedures and embrace innovation and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance institutional efficiency.
It is noteworthy that the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, launched by the UAE Government in 2023, is a key driver of the “We the UAE 2031” vision. The initiative aims to reduce unnecessary burdens and procedures on businesses and individuals in terms of time, effort, and resources, and to eliminate 100 percent of digital bureaucracy such as administrative electronic complexities and excessive approvals.
The programme also promotes the effective adoption of artificial intelligence to accelerate economic growth, enhance competitiveness, improve the business environment, raise quality of life, and foster highly efficient, human-centric operating models, positioning the UAE Government as the best in the world in service delivery.
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