At conclusion of two days of deep discussions, government meetings launch

At the end of two days of in-depth discussions, the UAE annual government meetings in Abu Dhabi saw the launch of four strategies: the UAE Soft Power Strategy, the Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy, the Higher Education Strategy and a strategy for water security. A work plan was also launched for UAE Centennial 2071, along with a number of other national programmes.

The annual meetings for the UAE government were held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Wednesday September 26 and 27, chaired by UAE Prime Minister and Vice President and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Over 400 of the nation’s leading government officials were present, including the Crown Princes of the seven Emirates, and members of the Executive Councils.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, "The UAE has established a solid foundation for government action to support the UAE Centennial 2071 objectives and solidify the UAE’s position as a leading country in the world. Under the guidance of Sheikh Khalifa, we have adopted actionable mechanisms to achieve the UAE Centennial 2071 goals. We want the UAE to become the best country in the world and to enjoy the best governance. Our first priorities include building the best possible education system and establishing a vibrant, diversified economy."

He continued, "UAE Centennial 2071 reflects the continuity of a dream shared by the UAE’s founding father Sheikh Zayed and the previous rulers of our country, and ensures excellence in life, well-being and sustainability for our future generations. We directed the government to start implementing initiatives in various sectors starting today. We will follow up on their progress during the UAE government annual meetings next year."

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said, "The annual meetings lay the foundation for the largest comprehensive national action plan dedicated to enhancing the UAE’s development in all sectors. The initiatives and projects launched at this year’s meetings will be reviewed next year, with progress assessed in order to continue on the path of successfully building the future of the UAE."

He added, "We are proud of our national team, who work efficiently and will formulate long term development plans and strategies. We all shoulder the responsibility of achieving our ambition to become the best in the world."

The UAE annual government meetings in Abu Dhabi saw the launch of four strategies: the UAE Soft Power Strategy, the Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy, the Higher Education Strategy and a strategy for water security. A work plan was also launched for UAE Centennial 2071, along with a number of other national programmes.

The UAE’s Soft Power Strategy is a framework for integrated diplomatic action that takes into account important cultural components, such as individual identity, heritage, social stability, political climate, cultural openness, tolerance and more. It seeks to share the success story of the UAE with the world, promoting positive messages and effective communication of the UAE’s position and values.

The UAE Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy seeks to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global leader in the technological economic revolution, and to contribute to a building a competitive national economy based on knowledge, innovation and future applications that integrate physical, digital and dynamic technologies.

The National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 aims to empower future generations with the best scientific knowledge in accordance with international professional standards. It aims to contribute to a generation of Emirati citizens who can pioneer the future. It will boast the highest scientific standards, and ethical and positive values to ensure continuity, security, happiness and a bright future for everyone.

The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 aims to ensure sustainability of access to water during everyday conditions, as well as in emergencies, in line with state laws and WHO specification, contributing to the prosperity of society and sustaining the growth of the national economy.

UAE Centennial 2071 will span five decades and will provide a clear roadmap of long-term governmental action and a vision for future generations, and will be implemented in five ten-year phases.

The UAE government annual meetings also saw the announcement of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office launching the first Abu Dhabi Government Academy to enhance the efficiency of the government sector in the UAE by developing and empowering effective government employees through training programmes and opportunities. Standard evaluation criteria will be established to measure performance and determine the professionalism and academic competencies of all staff, in accordance with each stage and area of government work.

An exhibition was also held with student participating in the "Leaders of the Future" initiative, which aims to engage future generations in scenarios that contribute to shaping the UAE as predicted by UAE Centennial 2071 trends. Almost 200 children between four and 11 years old participated by submitting drawings that represent ten futuristic elements, including the future of education, the environment and energy, the health, space, cities, artificial intelligence and robotics, transport, infrastructure, services and society as a whole.

The annual meetings for the UAE government followed up on the progress of UAE Vision 2020, and introduced over 120 federal and local government initiatives in 30 sectors in response to national goals and challenges. The meetings, which also included workshops and specialised lectures and saw the launch of strategies designed to advance the country’s development in the next five decades towards UAE Centennial 2071.