UAE committee unveils strategy to attract world’s brightest minds and join top 10 talent destinations by 2031

UAE’s “We are the UAE 2031” aims to double the nation’s GDP to AED 3 trillion through AI, tech, and talent-driven growth/ Representative image

In a renewed push to position the United Arab Emirates as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for high-calibre professionals, the Global Talent Attraction and Retention Committee has convened to discuss the implementation of the second phase of its National Talent Attraction and Retention Strategy 2024–2027. The strategy, which aligns with the broader We the UAE 2031 vision, outlines a unified national framework to attract exceptional minds to the UAE’s priority sectors and foster an environment that retains them long-term.

Strengthening the UAE’s global talent strategy

The Global Talent Attraction and Retention Committee was established under a Cabinet decision as a key mechanism to oversee the implementation of the UAE’s national strategy for attracting and retaining global talent. It is mandated to coordinate national efforts across government and private sector entities to build a sustainable, future-ready talent ecosystem. The committee chaired by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade and the official in charge of the talent strategy, met recently to evaluate and advance the initiatives under the second phase of the National Talent Attraction and Retention Strategy 2024-2027. It serves as a central driver of the UAE’s efforts to cultivate a globally competitive talent ecosystem. This second phase of the strategy includes a series of initiatives to be executed collaboratively across federal and local government entities as well as the private sector. Among its key goals are:

The committee includes representatives from a wide range of national bodies:

During the session, members shared insights on emerging trends and best practices from around the world and exchanged ideas for new projects that align with the UAE’s long-term talent goals.

Key focus areas and strategic objectives

The UAE’s talent strategy is built around four foundational axes:

The government’s aim is to establish the UAE not just as a workplace, but as a permanent base for global professionals, offering them long-term growth, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized that this integrated ecosystem is essential to maintaining the UAE’s momentum in becoming one of the top 10 global talent destinations by 2031. He also noted the significant progress the UAE has already achieved. As per the 2024 Global Talent Competitiveness Report by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD):

These advancements, Dr. Al Zeyoudi said, are driven by the UAE’s forward-looking leadership and continuous strategic planning aimed at ensuring sustainable economic growth powered by human capital.

Target sectors and long-term vision

The Cabinet-approved second phase of the Global Talent Attraction Strategy 2031 will focus heavily on sectors that are central to the UAE’s economic future. These include:

At the core of this strategy is the intention to not only attract talent but to ensure that the UAE has the right talent in the right sectors, supporting innovation, diversification, and long-term sustainability. Three specific targets guide the broader Talent Attraction and Retention Strategy:

The UAE’s approach integrates policy development, talent ecosystem support, and international partnerships — building a comprehensive framework that supports both inbound investment and professional migration.

Alignment with the “We the UAE 2031” vision

The committee’s work aligns directly with the “We the UAE 2031” vision, the country’s long-term strategic plan unveiled on November 22, 2022, during the UAE Government Annual Meetings. This national blueprint aims to:

With its core pillars, Forward Society, Forward Economy, Forward Diplomacy, and Forward Ecosystem, the vision leverages artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and strategic investments to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. A key economic benchmark set by the plan is doubling the UAE’s GDP from AED 1.49 trillion to AED 3 trillion by 2031. Talent is central to this transformation, serving as both a catalyst and beneficiary of the UAE’s shift towards a knowledge- and innovation-based economy. The implementation of “We the UAE 2031” is supported through robust public-private partnerships and global cooperation, ensuring that the vision’s impact extends across sectors and communities. Go to Source