Proactive approach keeps UAE ahead

Foresight is a key word in a rapidly changing world. A proactive approach coupled with a visionary zeal alone could help a country tackle the various social, economical or technological challenges that lie ahead, said a Sharjah-based daily.

In an editorial on Thursday, The Gulf Today said, "Fortunately for the UAE, the leadership is well aware of this, as elucidated by the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, at the Arab Strategy Forum (ASF) that "the Arab world is going through rapid political and economic changes, and countries that cannot keep up with the changes risk falling behind for many years.""

Sheikh Mohammed’s inspiring words ring in optimism, the paper noted, referring to him as saying, "Changes in 2018 will be positive for the UAE, because it is amply prepared economically, politically and scientifically. We have a diverse economic base and strong international trade flow, as well as immense experience that qualifies us to deal with and benefit from economic changes in 2018."

The ASF is a prestigious platform that provides a premier stage to world leaders and global shapers to discuss geopolitical and economic trends, insights and impactful strategies to impact the world.

Experts at the forum, the paper added, echoed the Former French President Francois Hollande’s concerns that major challenges lie ahead in an uncertain 2018 regionally and globally, but have conceded that countries such as the UAE, which are embracing change, will survive the year ahead and well beyond.

The editorial went on to quote Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, who commended the UAE on its preparations for a post-oil era with a diversified economy, saying, "Solid governance framework and comprehensive strategy drive confidence and draw increased foreign direct investments."

"The UAE has created a forward thinking government dedicated to solving potential issues by forming ministries and departments such as the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment, and re-vamping the Cabinet to include a Minister of Tolerance, a Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing, a Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence," the paper added.

Earlier this year, Popular Science Magazine dubbed Dubai as the "City of the Future" and the UAE as the "Country of the Future" and "a regional and global pioneer."

"That well highlights the vast pool of global talents that are leaving numerous opportunities in Europe and the US and looking, instead, to the UAE, with its attractive work environment and secure lifestyle to achieve their dreams," it concluded.