The United Arab Emirates is systematically advancing its economic transformation through comprehensive policy measures designed to establish the nation as a global hub for sustainable business models. With 22 circular economy policies now operational across multiple sectors, the UAE is implementing concrete measures to revolutionize waste management, enhance nationwide recycling capabilities, and foster sustainable industrial practices.
These policies encompass extended producer responsibility frameworks, sophisticated waste separation systems for residential and commercial sectors, and the creation of a national materials database. Additional measures regulate inter-emirate resource flows to optimize recycling investments and prevent plastic leakage into the environment.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, articulated the strategic vision behind these developments, stating that the UAE is transitioning from a knowledge-based economy to a fundamentally new economic model. This transformation represents a core component of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which targets global leadership in the new economy within the coming decade.
The ministry’s initiatives have yielded substantial results, with 56,000 companies and commercial licenses operating in new economy sectors by mid-2025. These span advanced technology, artificial intelligence, digital commerce, renewable energy, and financial technology.
Legislative advancements have been equally significant, with ten key policies and laws updated or introduced, including the Law on Trading by Modern Technological Means and updated intellectual property protections.
Concurrently, the UAE is developing specialized economic clusters, beginning with the food sector, which integrates agricultural production, food industries, and modern agricultural technologies within a unified ecosystem. This cluster already encompasses 40,486 registered national and international trademarks.
The UAE Circular Economy Council is preparing a second policy package focused on green infrastructure development, circular water management, reverse logistics systems, and support for SMEs operating within circular economy frameworks. Additional initiatives target food waste reduction, sustainable agricultural management, expanded use of recycled materials, and advancements in sustainable transportation infrastructure, including electric vehicle charging systems and sustainable aviation fuel.