Future is for innovators: Mohammed

The UAE Cabinet on Sunday approved the naming of 2015 as the Year of Innovation, following directions by the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.  Holding a special meeting at Al Fujairah historic fort, the Cabinet has issued directions to all federal government entities to boost cooperation and coordination, revise government policies in order to provide a nurturing environment for innovation that will help the UAE reach first ranks globally in the field.

Sheikh Khalifa stressed that the UAE is giving the utmost importance to innovation, saying, "Announcing 2015 as the Year of Innovation comes to support federal government efforts, attract national skills, increase distinguished researches 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."

Sheikh Khalifa added, "We live today in a world witnessing rapid changes and continuous developments, full of opportunities, discoveries and inventions. We must prepare and equip our generations in a manner that they fit in the world in which we live, ensure their position among nations, and make a prosperous future for us similar to our present."

Sheikh Khalifa praised federal government efforts led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in launching the National Innovation Strategy for the forthcoming seven years. The first phase of the strategy includes 30 national initiatives to help the UAE reach the first ranks globally in innovation. Sheikh Khalifa lauded local governments efforts that adopted innovation in essential sectors such as renewable energy, transport, technology, water and space as well as their integration with unified national vision.

At the same time, Sheikh Mohammed said that the directions of the UAE President to dedicate 2015 as the Year of Innovation come at the right time to attract and encourage national efforts, set up task forces on federal and local levels as well as build partnerships with the private sector to realise the President’s vision for a prosperous future for generations to come.

Sheikh Mohammed said, "Today and 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."

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE Cabinet convened the special meeting in Al Fujairah historic fort to stress that the UAE is united, it is one country. There is no difference between various emirates. The Cabinet will hold its meetings anywhere in the country to be closer to the citizens. He added, "We convene today in a 500-year castle, our vision is setting the foundation to build a future that will be for hundreds of years to come."

The UAE Cabinet discussed in its meeting on Sunday a number of topics and proposed recommendations related to services and launching a number of national initiatives in 2015 and adopted related decrees.

Mohammed attends luncheon hosted by Fujairah Ruler

Following the Cabinet meeting held on Sunday at the Fujairah Castle, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended in the afternoon a luncheon hosted by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, at the Rumellah Palace.

During the luncheon, which was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, they discussed topics and issues of interest to the country and its citizens in the light of the successive developmental achievements witnessed by the UAE in all areas, thanks to the wise leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The luncheon was also attended by Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah Culture and Media Authority (FCMA), Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Lt. General Misbah bin Rashid Al Fattan, Director of the Office of the Vice-President, Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Department of Industry and Economy, along with ministers and a number of officials.

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