The United Arab Emirates, UAE, has maintained its regional lead and ranked fifth globally in global competitiveness, according to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2019, published by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development, IMD. Today "UAE enters top five for the first time," said the IMD World Competitiveness Rankings.
Guided by Vision
2021 - 2030: The UAE will have achieved Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, Environment Vision 2030 (Abu Dhabi), Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, Abu Dhabi Transportation Mobility Management Strategy, Surface Transport Master Plan (Abu Dhabi), Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, Dubai 3D Printing Strategy and UN's 2030 Agenda. (Portal of UAE Government)
This comprehensive set of medium-term framework conditions is guiding all activities and avoiding small-term changes in strategy, we can see in other regions of the world.
The Strength born in Calmness
Nearly everyone has experienced it some time or other in some meeting room around the world: The praise of awesome products, fabulous services, the Olympus of competence conducted by the elite of businessman in the world.
The alternative is a pleasant experience meeting in an atmosphere of respect and active listening. Each participant is leaving the session of creativity with knowledge growth.
Step toward the future grounded by cultural heritage.On the way to green UAE
The oil rich countries of the GCC are starting to go green and have committed to diversify their economies away from fossil fuels. While a key driver of the diversification effort is to reduce vulnerability to falling oil prices, GCC nations also strive to respond to growing demand for action on climate change.
The daily view on tender announcements is showing the increasing number of green projects in the region. UAE is on the way to reduce the carbon footprint.
Don´t forget climate change adaption.Global Players
Dubai remained an attractive destination globally for foreign direct investment (FDI) as it recorded 41 per cent year-on-year growth in FDI last year to Dh38.5 billion, placing the emirate in the first position in total number of FDI projects and capital flows. (Khaleej Times)
Looking out of the window on a red-line metro ride is an impressive statement of the power of the economy. First signs for establishing global players are on the horizon, but there is still a lot to do.
Selling local technologies to global markets is the next crucial step.Youth in Responsibility
"The past decade and a half have seen immense growth in the number of Middle Eastern students completing at least part of their university education abroad. As the total number of internationally mobile students climb each year, Middle Eastern nations are not only keeping pace, but increasing their proportional representation." (TopUniversities.com)
Visiting the well-equipped universities in the region is an exciting experience. Technically well equipped, these are places you can meet open minded, well educated young people. Discussions about the future with innovations are an enriching experience and opens personal and professional new horizons.
UAE is outlining the path of using the potential of the young generation. "Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui, aged 22, was appointed as the UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs in the new Cabinet, announced in February 2016. Hence, she is the youngest minister in the world. Her tasks are focused on representing youth issues and aspirations at the ministerial Council, setting development plans and strategies for improving youth capabilities, in addition to further utilizing their energy in various fields." (United Arab Emirates, The Cabinet)
Don´t stop to transfer life experience.Open for Innovations
"Dubai-Abu Dhabi 12-minute Hyperloop open by 2020" - "Construction of one of the largest concentrated solar power (CSP) projects in the world has begun in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)." - "Under the Directions of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Future Foundation in conjunction with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority Launched the 'Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy'." - "The Dubai 3D printing Strategy will make Dubai the worlds 3D printing hub."
We live in an era of disruption, where the life cycle of innovation is shortening dramatically. Each region in the world is addressing the challenge by one or more technic strategy papers. Sometimes we can find exciting results from universities and research institutes, but the implementation of these challenging technologies is slowed down in the jungle of bureaucracy. It is a joy to see how Dubai is taking the risk to take the lead by implementing Key Enabler in the technologies of the future.
Keep on implementing and learn from operation.Creativity in a Cultural Diversity
The UAE witnessed significant population increase during the past few years because of significant growth in the various economic sectors which lead to influx of workers from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. From 4.1 million in 2005, the population of the UAE grew to 8.3 million by the end of 2010. Out of this, the number of UAE citizens is less than 1 million (947,947). (UAE Government)
Meetings in Dubai working on new projects and innovative ventures are characterized by a mix of nationalities from all around the world. Competencies, experience and cultural background are combined to work on the future. Compared to countries like Germany, this is a completely different sphere of cooperation in a team. In this multicultural mix, the pillars of national identity of the citizens are giving the stability to live in a balanced society.
Conclusion
Balancing national identity and cultural diversities are building a strong foundation on the way to a Smart Future. Author: Roland Spranz - Bridging Europe, Middle East and AfricaValue by Innovation UG - Salzatal - Germany
Hilal Engineering Consultancy - Sohar - Sultanate of Oman