UAE will move forward 20 years for every year it is set back, says Al Gergawi

Show caption: Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the U…

Minister of Cabinet Affairs sends defiant message on day one of UAE Government Annual Meetings

The National

November 09, 2026

The UAE will respond to any attempt to set back its progress by a year by working harder to move forward by 20, Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said on Monday.

Speaking at the opening of the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026 in Dubai, Mr Gergawi said the country would continue to accelerate its development, with projects worth more than Dh4 trillion ($1.09 trillion) under way across the Emirates.

“In the UAE, we do not settle on achievements,” he said. “We redouble the efforts and deliver faster results. If anyone tries to set us back a year, we work harder to move forward by 20.”

Mr Al Gergawi said the country's economic resilience and ability to make swift decisions were central to its ambitions, while calling on government departments to redouble efforts to deliver results.

“Our teams across all authorities and entities consistently demonstrate exceptional spirit and enthusiasm,” he said. “Their efforts have delivered positive results, contributing to boosting our solid and resilient economy across all sectors. Our message to the world is clear: our nation keeps moving forward.”

Public trust and social cohesion

The annual meetings, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, bring together 500 senior government officials to review progress, assess national priorities and plan for the future.

Mr Al Gergawi said the government had been given a clear mission by President Sheikh Mohamed: to build a stronger society and a more resilient economy, accelerate decision-making and improve public services.

He also emphasised the importance of public trust, social cohesion and a shared sense of responsibility in protecting the UAE's achievements.

“People across the UAE share a sense of historic responsibility to safeguard the nation's achievements,” he said. “Public trust in the government, the social cohesion and coexistence, and the discipline across communities, institutions and schools are all factors that set the UAE apart.”

He said the leadership's ultimate ambition was for the UAE to become the best country in the world, with government institutions and society sharing responsibility for achieving that goal.

“People grow with the responsibilities they carry, and governments grow with the responsibilities they bear towards the nation, society and future generations,” he said.

Updated:

November 09, 2026, 2:32 PM