UAE Embarks On 2031 National Investment Strategy To Boost Annual Foreign Inflows

by News Editor

March 11, 2025

The UAE has set a bold vision with its National Investment Strategy 2031, targeting an elevation in annual foreign investment inflows from AED112 billion ($30.5 billion) in 2023 to AED240 billion ($65.4 billion) by 2031. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the strategy’s goal to transform the UAE into a premier global investment hub. Aiming to swell the foreign direct investment stock from AED800 billion to AED2.2 trillion, this strategy focuses on key sectors: industry, financial services, transport and logistics, renewable energy, and telecommunications.

Key Initiatives And Economic Contributions

The approved strategy includes 12 new programs and 30 distinct initiatives, such as the Financial Sector Development and the Investment Offices Promotion Incubator. Currently, foreign direct investment contributes significantly to the GDP, with predictions to increase its share to over 30% of the total investments by 2031.

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Dive deeper into the global market shifts in Wall Street Tumbles Amid Trade Tensions.

Technological And Digital Advancements

The strategy outlines the UAE’s vision to become a digital economy powerhouse by 2031, intending to enhance the digital economy’s current contribution to GDP from 9.7% to 19.4%. The Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) will also play a pivotal role in gauging technological advances and sustainability practices.

The introduction of a remote work system and the launch of the National Green Certificates Program further highlight the UAE’s efforts to harness global talent and promote sustainable development.

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Cyprus Poverty Risk Holds At 17.1% As Older Population Remains Most Exposed

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 23, 2026

Overview Of Arope Findings In Cyprus

Around 167,000 people in Cyprus, or 17.1% of the population, were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2025, according to data from the Cyprus Statistical Service. The figure is based on the EU’s AROPE indicator and remains broadly stable compared to the previous year.

Disparities Across Gender And Economic Factors

The indicator covers households below the poverty threshold, those facing severe material and social deprivation, and those with very low work intensity. While the overall rate has not changed significantly, differences across groups remain.

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Women recorded a higher risk rate at 18.7%, compared to 15.5% for men. At the same time, the poverty risk indicator increased slightly to 14.9% from 14.6%, while the share of households with very low work intensity remained at 4.2%. Severe material and social deprivation declined to 2.2% from 2.5%.

Income Threshold Adjustments And Social Transfers

Income thresholds increased, reaching €13,240 for single-person households and €27,803 for two adults with two children under 14, up 6.8% compared to 2024. Median disposable income for single-person households also rose, from €20,667 to €22,067. Social transfers continue to play a key role. Once pensions and benefits are included, the poverty rate decreases by 18.7 percentage points.

Comparative Analysis With EU And Local Context

The EU average AROPE rate stood at 21% in 2024, placing Cyprus below the EU level overall. Lower risk levels were recorded among younger and working-age populations, with 14.8% for those under 18 and 13.8% for those aged 18 to 64. However, the picture differs for older groups. In Cyprus, 31.5% of people over 64 are at risk, compared to an EU average of 19.2%.

Regional Comparisons And Policy Implications

In Greece, 27.5% of the population was at risk in 2025, an increase of 0.6 percentage points, driven mainly by higher material and social deprivation. The rate among children reached 29.6%. Despite lower income thresholds, social transfers reduced the theoretical poverty rate in Greece from 43.9% to 19.6%.

The Imperative For Targeted Social Policies

The data show that overall poverty risk in Cyprus remains stable but uneven across groups, with older populations facing higher exposure. Addressing early-stage poverty remains a key focus for policymakers, particularly in efforts to reduce long-term vulnerability.

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