We are absolutely! We are “All In.”
The Prime Minister of Dubai:
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said, “The initiative should be seen as an opportunity for the nation to unite its efforts to boost its capabilities for innovations. Today, more than any other time, we need to boost innovation among young people, build nurturing environments in our society, and encourage our schools and universities to equip our youth with skills in research and discovery methodologies. We want our public and private sectors to explore new horizons to develop our economy. Innovation is our only way to build a great history of the UAE. The future will be for those who adopt innovation. The Cabinet has convened in Fujairah rather than Abu Dhabi or Dubai to show that all Emirates are important in this United Country”
The President of Dubai’s cabinet declares 2015 as the Year of Innovation:
Skeikh Khalifa, the President of Dubai’s cabinet, “Announcing 2015 as the Year of Innovation comes to support federal government efforts, attract national skills, increase distinguished research, as well as boost efforts to build a national cadre who are able to lead our future in this field towards more progress, prosperity and innovation.”
Dr. Ahmad Belhouf, CEO of Masdar shared:
“Today’s announcement is far-sighted and will help unlock greater social and economic value for the UAE. Masdar is committed to implementing the Federal Innovation Strategy across the various priority sectors, be it renewables, transport, water or education. Through Masdar City, Masdar is fostering a culture built on innovation, where the Masdar Institute is investing in cultivating talent of the future, while over 190 companies have chosen the Incubator to launch their innovative entrepreneurial businesses. Looking to 2015, we will redouble our efforts in growing this innovation ecosystem for the wider benefit of the UAE.”
Innovation is key for UAE:
Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman of Emirates airline and Chief Executive of the Emirates Group, during a recent meeting with the Dubai Economic Council, or DEC, and Royal Philips delegations shared, “Innovation is the focus of UAE Vision 2021, which aspires to turn the country into a knowledge-based economy. The Dubai Strategic Plan confirms clearly that the achievement of sustainable development is conditional to the availability of several elements, most importantly innovation.”
The DEC delegation was headed by its secretary-general, Hani Al Hamli, accompanied by the DEC executive team, while the Royal Philips delegation was headed by Ronald de Jong, chief market leader and executive committee member of Royal Philips.
Shaikh Ahmed praised the strategic partnership between the DEC and Royal Philips in the field of innovation and their recent initiatives in this direction (“Spirit of Innovation in Dubai”). “The Dubai government’s vision to transform the emirate into a regional and global hub for innovation has been translated on the grounds. The government has embarked on the construction of an innovation institutional framework represented in the establishment of the:
- Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, and the
- Hamdan Innovation Incubator.
Reported by: abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com Read more:
Innovation plans in UAE schools hailed by Pearson*:
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced that innovation will be a central feature of the 2015-2021 Education Plan released October 27, 2014.
“The plan will see science, technology, engineering and mathematics encouraged in schools to foster a generation of creative and innovative thinkers, and contribute to knowledge-based economy in the UAE. The Education Plan aligns with the recently announced National Innovation Strategy.
Karim Daoud, managing director of Pearson* in the region, said, “Encouraging innovation amongst the UAE’s current generation of students will be fundamental to creating a robust economic future for the country.
Daoud underlined the important role a first-class curriculum for science, technology, engineering and mathematics would play in achieving the UAE’s innovation goals.
* Note: Pearson is the largest publisher of educational books in the world.
Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) plans for implementing UAE’s national innovation strategy:
Shared by Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), February 22, 2015.
Al Tayer shared, “Procedures adopted by the RTA include establishing:
- A standing committee to map out RTA ‘s innovation strategy and establishing an innovation lab (incubator) concerned with the implementation of the best global practices of generating innovative materials and technologies such as heat-resistant asphalt, dust-resistant glass, and rail vibration sensors among others.
- Institutional research teams, established a Research, Development and Innovation Section affiliated to the Office of the Chairman of the Board and Executive Director,
- Set up innovation teams across RTA sectors and agencies”
Tayer shared, “RTA has conducted a thorough review of the existing suggestion systems, upped rewards budget to motivate employees and customers to contribute ideas capable of overhauling business process, and allocated more financial resources for RTA’s Scientific Research Award in a bid to stimulate employees participation in the Award,”
What do you think?:
- Is the UAE a Value Innovation Country?
- Are they Value innovating?
- What could you do to help?
- What can we do to take to the UAE to #1?