UAE Cabinet adopts Government Communication Strategy

Abu Dhabi - It includes a set of strategic objectives and national priorities to achieve optimal communication mechanisms.

The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday adopted 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.
Sheikh Mohammed said 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," he 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 added.
He emphasised that the Government Communication Strategy, in its third edition, will focus on priorities and objectives that support the vision of UAE 2021 and will adopt innovative ideas and initiatives to further advance the two-way communication channel between the government and 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 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 Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and the membership of a number of ministers and officials in federal and local government departments.
The council will be responsible for outlining soft power general policy and strategy in addition to defining 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 Cabinet, which met at the Presidential Palace, was attended by General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Sheikh Mansour.