Sheikh Mohammed approves National Programme to develop the national statistical system
UAE approves National Programme to develop the national statistical system, boosting data accuracy for the digital economy, tourism and investment confidence.
The UAE has launched a National Programme to develop the national statistical system following formal approval from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The decision, announced by Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, signals a comprehensive upgrade to how the country collects, analyses and publishes official data. The programme aims to deliver more precise measurement of emerging sectors, including the digital economy, tourism and investment, to reflect the true size and diversity of the national economy.
Royal endorsement and programme mandate
The approval by Sheikh Mohammed provides a clear mandate for modernising the national statistical system and strengthening its governance. Minister Abdullah bin Touq described the endorsement as recognition of the system’s maturity and confidence in the accuracy of national statistics. The programme will guide a nationwide review of methodologies and data sources to ensure statistics keep pace with economic change and technological advances.
Scope of statistical reforms explained
Officials say the programme will expand statistical coverage to capture new growth areas such as digital services, platform economies and evolving tourism models. It will standardise methods for measuring complex activities and integrate alternative data sources where appropriate. The reforms are intended to improve comparability with international indicators while preserving the integrity and reliability of official statistics.
Measuring the digital economy and services
A central priority is improving measurement of the digital economy and service sectors, which have grown rapidly and now form a larger share of national output. The programme will develop specific tools and classifications to better record online transactions, digital platforms and intangible services. Accurate data on these activities is expected to sharpen policy responses and support the design of targeted economic incentives.
Strengthening interagency coordination
The programme also establishes mechanisms for deeper collaboration between federal and local agencies, statistical bodies and sectoral regulators. Officials say unified methodologies and data-sharing protocols will reduce duplication and improve consistency across government statistics. This integrated approach is designed to speed the production of official releases and enhance the credibility of the nation’s statistical outputs.
Benefits for investors and international comparability
One immediate objective is to provide investors and international institutions with more transparent and comparable data. Clearer national accounts and sectoral statistics will help global investors assess market opportunities and risks with greater confidence. The programme is also expected to support the UAE’s standing in international competitiveness and economic indices by aligning domestic indicators with global best practices.
Implementation, oversight and future milestones
Authorities plan phased implementation and periodic reviews to align the statistical system with economic transformations. The programme will include capacity-building initiatives, upgraded IT infrastructure and new methodological guidelines for data collection and processing. Oversight is expected to combine ministerial coordination with technical inputs from national statistical offices to ensure steady progress and quality assurance.
The National Programme to develop the national statistical system marks a strategic step in the UAE’s broader economic transition toward a knowledge-based model. By improving the precision and comparability of official statistics, policymakers aim to support forward-looking economic planning, enhance investor confidence and ensure the country’s statistical framework remains responsive to rapid technological and market shifts.
