Unveiling 2024: Everything you need to know about UAE’s major achievements and new laws!

As we hop back on to our desks and onto a new year, it comes as no surprise that the UAE will also unfold a brand new set of exciting developments, from new and upgraded laws to groundbreaking achievements and a calendar filled with some major events, we are here to fill you in on everything!

So, let’s jump right into the key details…

The new laws and regulations in 2024:

The UAE is stepping into 2024 with a focus currently set on progress and development.

Now, how does this come, you might ask?

The set of new laws and decisions aren't just bureaucratic changes; they're a focus on how to improve efficiency and foster growth across different sectors.

Starting off hot and heavy - First on the list is the expansion of Emiratisation targets.

Now, companies employing 20 to 49 workers or more are part of this initiative, and aim to have at least one Emirati on board in 2024. This is a move that aligns with the UAE's vision of empowering its citizens in the workforce.

But that's not all; second on the list is the government taking a bold step to combat plastic pollution.

Starting this year, there is a country-wide ban on the import, production, and trading of single-use plastic shopping bags, this means supermarkets will also eliminate selling plastic bags for AED 0.25 and move towards paper bags, or reusable bags. These are in line with the sustainable practices the government is planning to achieve by 2040.

Thirdly - The labour market is getting a makeover from amendments too!

Starting this year, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is tweaking the job rules in the UAE. Essentially to make the job market more competitive globally.

MOHRE in an act of making things fair, clear, honest, and neutral when it comes to labour rules. Here's a big change: If there's a disagreement between workers and employers in private sector companies, and it's to do with an amount of AED 50,000 or less, the Ministry will be the one to sort it out, without the involvement of the two parties.

Last but not least - And this one’s for road safety and infrastructure preservation.

Starting February 2024, heavy vehicles exceeding 65 tons won't be allowed on UAE roads. It's a thoughtful move to keep safety on the roads and protect drivers from accidents.

The anticipated achievements in 2024:

We haven’t hit any achievements yet, but diving deep, we know 2024 is a year that has many achievements already marked.

Let’s dive deep:

BRICS Membership: This year, the UAE officially joined the BRICS group, which is an intergovernmental organisation formed into a cohesive geopolitical bloc, with governments meeting annually at formal summits. With the UAE on board, it’s a great way for the country to showcase itself as a key player in supporting peace and development on a global scale.

Zayed International Airport: Imagine flying into the newly named "Zayed International Airport." From February 9, 2024, the newly built terminal in Abu Dhabi will be named and open as Zayed International Airport.

Space Odyssey: The UAE is set to launch the most advanced satellite in the region – the MBZ-SAT. This year we will also witness the graduation of Emirati astronauts Mohammed Al Mulla and Nora Al Matrooshi, as they are preparing for new space missions. It's a giant leap for the UAE in the realm of space exploration!

Barakah Nuclear Power Stations: The Barakah nuclear power stations will enter into full operational phases this year. With the fourth station planned to begin operations, the total capacity for clean electricity production in the Barakah stations will reach 5.6 gigawatts, which is huge!

Many major events are set to unfold in 2024:

As if this weren't enough, 2024 is also the year of hosting and organising many many more global events and occasions, some for the very first time in the UAE and the region.

Setting the stage for the World Judo Championship in May 2024. It's not just an event; it's the final major qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics, featuring top athletes from around the globe.

Or how about the 21st edition of the Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Dubai? It's not just a championship; it’s a breakthrough for many new athletes!

And then, Abu Dhabi takes centre stage as it hosts the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation. For this event, prominent ministers and representatives from 164 member countries and customs unions will come to Abu Dhabi, making it a significant moment in the WTO’s history.

Better yet, the UAE is also the chosen destination for the 2024 World Desalination Congress, which is the largest international conference in the water and desalination sector.

And the list goes on – from the World Islamic Economic Forum to the World Cities Culture Summit, the International Air Transport Association meeting to the International Libraries and Information Conference. Each event is a unique opportunity for the UAE to showcase its capabilities on the global stage, and not mention a great way for residents to network, and for the real estate market to welcome more foreign investors.

Impressive, right?

As we navigate through 2024, it's evident that the UAE is set to embrace some impressive changes from new laws, groundbreaking achievements, and a calendar packed with global events – it's a year where every moment adds a new stroke to the canvas of the country.

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