UAE Cabinet adopts Government Communication Strategy 2017-2021

The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has adopted the Government Communication Strategy 2017-2021. It includes a set of strategic objectives and national priorities to achieve optimal communication mechanisms and promote an integrated government communication system for federal entities.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said that global developments around us are changing and accelerating and so are people's priorities. This requires greater flexibility in dealing with the ever-changing paradigms. "Government communication is an important component of the decision-making process, and our vision is to achieve the most innovative and influential government communication by 2021," His Highness said.

"The UAE has been attracting global attention for its innovative services and initiatives, and government communication is one of the pillars to connect with local and global audience," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid added.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the Government Communication Strategy, in its third edition, will focus on priorities and objectives that support the vision of the UAE 2021 and will adopt innovative ideas and initiatives to further advance the two-way communication channel between the Government and the society, which will enhance overall government performance. "Government entities, the private sector, media outlets, the general public, as well as social media users, all contribute to the success of the five-year communications strategy," he explained.

Five objectives and priorities for government communication were identified until 2021, which include supporting the objectives of the National Agenda and the UAE Vision 2021, enhancing communication coordination between the government and all sectors, leading an innovative and effective management of the government's image on various communication platforms, instilling patriotic values, and enhancing ties with media outlets.

The Cabinet also approved the restructuring of the UAE Soft Power Council under the chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, ‎and the membership of the number of ministers and officials in federal and local government departments ‎in the UAE. ‎ The council will be responsible for outlining soft power general policy and strategy in addition ‎to defining the main objectives and proposing pertinent legislation, policies and initiatives in order to ‎strengthen the UAE’s soft power regionally and internationally. ‎ The Cabinet also approved a number of topics related to the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, continuing education, as well as a number of international agreements and treaties.

The UAE Cabinet held its meeting on Sunday afternoon at the Presidential Palace, and it was ‎attended by H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.