Sheikh Mohammed Celebrates Two Decades as Prime Minister of the UAE

In a significant gathering led by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, convened with current and former ministers who have been instrumental over his 20-year tenure.

This meeting celebrates the 20th anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed taking the office of Prime Minister on January 5, 2006, a period that has markedly transformed the UAE’s governance and its global reputation.

President Acknowledges Exceptional Leadership

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on reaching this milestone, expressing wishes for his continued health and success in furthering UAE’s progress and uplifting its citizens.

He appreciated that under Sheikh Mohammed’s guidance, the UAE Government has become an exemplary model of people-focused development, guided by forward-thinking strategies aligned with national aspirations.

UAE Emerges as a Global Center

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid noted that, under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's leadership, the UAE has achieved outstanding results, affirming its status as a global center for innovation and business.

He highlighted the UAE's successful evolution from a regional leader to a global player through a distinctive development model that emphasizes human empowerment, sustainable growth, and superior government effectiveness.

“A Nation of Wonders in One Country”

Reflecting on his journey, Sheikh Mohammed remarked:
“In the grand scheme, 20 years might appear brief, yet the UAE has translated this time into extraordinary achievements. Today, we excel in diverse fields, and the UAE stands as a remarkable world unto itself.”

He expressed gratitude towards key leaders like Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, praising the collaborative strength that spans generations of leadership.

Hope for the Two Decades Ahead

In his address to ministers, Sheikh Mohammed renewed his optimism for the future, asserting that the next 20 years will usher in enhanced prosperity, pride, and international esteem.

“The world will recognize the UAE as the premier destination for living, working, investing, and visiting. Our best years are still ahead of us,” he affirmed.

Ministers Reflect on Government Successes

Ministers present revealed their pride in serving under Sheikh Mohammed’s guidance, describing him as an inspirational and visionary leader who cultivated a culture of innovation, optimism, and teamwork.

They attributed the transformation of ambitions into achievements and the establishment of the UAE Government as a global benchmark for efficiency to his strategic vision.

Significant Milestones Over 20 Years

Throughout Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership:

• 72 ministers were part of 9 different cabinet configurations

• 13 cabinet reshuffles took place

• 558 cabinet meetings were convened

• Nearly 16,000 resolutions were passed

• Over 90% of federal regulations were updated

• AI-driven legislative frameworks were introduced

• National strategies such as UAE Vision 2021, Centennial 2071, and We the UAE 2031 were rolled out

Additionally, the UAE Government solidified global partnerships via countless international agreements, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

A Model for Global Governance

Over these two decades, the UAE has cultivated an advanced governance system rooted in innovation, digital progress, anticipatory strategies, and community welfare, reinforcing its image as one of the world’s most progressive nations.