Mohammed sets up Innovation Committee

The UAE has taken long strides along the path of progress and gained a distinct international stature, thanks to the dedicated leadership provided by the founding fathers of the Union, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed on Sunday.

''Today, we are following in their footsteps under the leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We in the UAE enjoy an open, diverse cosmopolitan community. We are living in a rapidly changing world where our requirements and ambitions are frequently changing and this requires us to innovate in order to ensure that our country continues to enjoy its eminent standing and ranks among the best countries in the world.

''Innovation is the only way to be the best, therefore it must be a key feature and tool in all our efforts and work if we want to preserve our nation's hard-won gains,'' Sheikh Mohammed said while chairing the Federal Cabinet meeting on Sunday at the Presidential Palace where Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, were also present.

'We don't only satisfy ourselves by launching strategies, but also follow up and implement these as expeditiously as possible,'' Sheikh Mohammed stressed.

In this context, Sheikh Mohammed also directed the formation of the National Innovation Committee (NIC) which will bring under its umbrella a number of federal government entities to monitor the implementation of the National Innovation Strategy launched last month.

The committee will also coordinate with other public and private stakeholders to steer the innovation drive in the future.

At the same time, the Cabinet approved the formation of the NIC, mandated to implement the National Innovation Strategy, which aims to put the UAE among the most innovative nations in the world within seven years in the run up to the UAE's Golden Jubilee in 2021.

The NIC will be chaired by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, and have the following nationals of high calibre and competencies as members: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy; Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education; Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy; and Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State. The Prime Minister's Office will host the NIC's Secretariat General.

The mandate of the NIC includes the implementation of the National Innovation Strategy and the policies and initiatives that emanate from it and which seek to stimulate innovation in seven sectors: renewable and clean energy, transport, education, health, technology, water and space. Among other responsibilities, it will also enhance coordination, cooperation and exchange of expertise among federal and local entities, follow up progress of innovation initiatives and its related index nationwide, engage the private sector and ensure that its social and economic contributions stimulate innovation.

In discussing international relations, the Cabinet gave its consent for the UAE to join the World Road Association (PIARC).

Established in 1909, the Paris-based association, which enjoys advisory status at the UN Economic and Social Council, works to exchange knowledge, expertise, policies, practices and techniques on roads and road transportation. This integrated, sustainable transport policy is consistent with the UAE Vision 2021, which seeks to provide an integrated, sustainable infrastructure and environment.

The Cabinet also approved establishing and opening a number of embassies and consulates abroad, as part of the State's policy to consolidate its international standing and strengthen its foreign relations with strategic countries.

Also approved by the Cabinet were air transport services agreements signed by the UAE with the governments of Hungary and Kosovo, and a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic passports with the Czech Republic.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved issuing the executive regulation of Federal Law No. (9) of 2014 to amend articles of Federal Law No (4) for 2002 on combating money laundering. The regulations define a set of regulatory matters, including mandates and responsibilities of federal entities and other financial, commercial and economies institutions, along with supervision and licensing mechanisms and measures for enforcing the law.

The Cabinet also approved the issuing of the executive regulations of Federal Law No. (9) of 2013 regarding Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to preserve and sustain the nation’s natural resources, while regulating agricultural activities and improving food security.

The Cabinet also issued a resolution to reshuffle the board of the Marriage Fund, under the chairmanship of Minister for State Dr. Maytha Al Shamsi.  Also, in approving another resolution, the Cabinet restructured the board of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), under the chairmanship of Abdullah Nasser Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi National Company (Adnoc).



 

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.