Sheikh Khalifa: 18 years at the head of the Emirates

Development at the forefront of innovation

Under Sheikh Khalifa’s presidency, the country has carried the ambition to become a regional powerhouse in technology and innovation. In particular, the country hosted the significant Expo 2020 Dubai, with the main theme of progress, the future and sustainable innovation.

Moreover, historically very involved in the conquest of space, the Emirates have shown their modernity and developed a national expertise. It was the first Arab country to send a spacecraft to Mars, as well as the first Arab woman astronaut in space. At the initiative of the Sheikh, the country is investing heavily in the space sector by supporting private companies and start-ups to participate in national scientific and technological progress, thus involving the country’s youth and talent.

Major medical advances

The UAE’s healthcare system was already among the most advanced in the world when the Sheikh arrived in 2004. Sheikh Khalifa has continued the country’s efforts in this direction. Life expectancy in the Emirates will reach 78 years in 2020, five years more than the world average thanks to adapted services. Progress has been made in the quality of health care provided, particularly in the area of medical monitoring of pregnant women. By 2017, the number of maternal deaths per 100 000 births had fallen to three, according to the WHO. Technology and education are largely responsible for this progress.

 

Women at the heart of the Sheikh’s policy

Sheikh Khalifa’s presidency has focused on the representation of women in the workforce, but also in political and decision-making bodies. In 2004, only 37% of women were economically active, compared to 47% in 2021 according to the ILO, for a total participation of 59% in the world. The Federal National Council, a major body in Emirati politics, is composed of half women. In addition, the UAE was ranked first in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2020 for female parliamentary representation. In terms of education, 95% of women who graduate from high school in the UAE go on to higher education, compared to 80% of men.

“A leader with values of peace and dialogue”

In total, Sheikh Khalifa has orchestrated over $7 billion worth of humanitarian and logistical support to more than 40 countries, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. According to an OECD ranking, the UAE is among the most generous donor countries. The country’s support has had a significant impact in terms of achieving sustainable development goals in developing countries.

Through its development and investment projects, the UAE has played a role in promoting the economies of developing countries, helping to improve access to health and education services, as well as developing road, transport, water, housing and other vital infrastructure projects that improve overall quality of life. In March 2022, the Emirates announced a further $85 million contribution to address humanitarian challenges in the Horn of Africa, challenged by the impact of climate change.