UAE hopes to make innovation a habit

The UAE has already embarked on smart initiatives that have taken the government to the people.

Published: Tue 17 Nov 2015, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Wed 18 Nov 2015, 9:06 AM

Innovation is the art of doing and dynamism. It's an enterprising streak that His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, wishes to promote in the country. It's about developing new products and creating smart processes that make life easier for the people. It's about a knowledge economy that recognises merit and that can stand on its own feet. More importantly, it is about ideas and peaceful progress. This distinguishes the UAE from the rest of the region. Creative development is important for jobs of the future that excite the youth.
This initiative will go a long way in making the UAE a knowledge superpower, that punches above its weight. The national programme will nurture the right talent and give them the tools required to meet national objectives.
This seven-year vision was set in motion by the Vice-President as per the directives of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and encompasses all sectors of the economy. Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the National Innovation Committee, put it nicely when he said the leaders are putting in place the ''right environment'' that encourages innovation. It is this culture of creative thinking and action that will take the country to new heights. The leaders have recognised this fact that nothing short of the best will suffice.
But it will require hard work and sacrifices from government and private sector companies .... and individuals, of course. Next week will see 865 activities across departments in different emirates. There will be debates, labs, hackathons, conferences and awards. The objective is to create the right spirit to make dreams a reality.
The UAE has already embarked on smart initiatives that have taken the government to the people. There's more to come with the aid of technology. The future looks promising for the country in this race for thought leadership when innovation will become a habit.