HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, has approved the National Strategy for Entrepreneurship and SMEs in the Emirates Villages, along with a new Investment Attraction Strategy.
Both strategies aim to drive sustainable economic growth in rural areas while fostering a business environment that encourages innovation and expansion. The announcement came as HH Sheikh Theyab chaired a council meeting reviewing strategic priorities across the economic, tourism, community and cultural sectors.
Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the National Strategy for Entrepreneurship and SMEs in the Emirates Villages aims to build a diversified, self-sustaining local economy.
HH Sheikh Theyab reviewed the council’s recent achievements, projects, and initiatives supporting youth, senior citizens, family cohesion, sports, health, and the Emirates Councils.
The strategy for Emirates Villages also seeks to empower village residents to become successful entrepreneurs capable of reaching national and global markets, while strengthening Emirati identity in locally produced goods and services.
Emirates Villages new strategy attracts investments
The Investment Attraction Strategy for Emirates Villages aim to attract more than $272.25 million (AED 1 billion) in investments to the Emirates Villages by transforming them into appealing destinations for tourism and investment.
The strategy focuses on three key sectors, supporting rural development and creating new employment opportunities for Emiratis.
Tourism and hospitality
Industrial development
Real estate
HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Deputy Chairman -Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs Chairman – Emirates Council for Balanced Development
“In line with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Emirates Council for Balanced Development remains committed to advancing comprehensive and sustainable development across all Emirates. This ensures social stability for citizens and enhances the overall quality of life in the UAE community.”
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and private-sector entities to support development pathways in villages and rural areas, and to empower Emiratis, particularly youth, to play a central role in the nation’s development journey.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, said that the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, chaired by HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, continues to drive inclusive economic growth through key initiatives that support entrepreneurs and advance the UAE’s vision to become a global startup hub.
Mohammed Khalifa Bakhit Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the council, said ongoing integrated development projects aim to enhance quality of life nationwide while empowering residents of Emirates Villages and rural areas with greater economic and development opportunities.
