Dubai: Twenty strategic initiatives have been approved for the Emirates Scientists Council to create an environment that motivates innovation and scientific research and nurtures a generation of Emirati scientists, researchers and academics.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the initiatives while chairing a meeting of the council.
The new initiatives aim to develop a scientific infrastructure to boost the country’s national interests and strengthen its drive to build a knowledge-based economy. “Our goal is to set our scientific and research priorities that serve our interests and consolidate our economy and develop future generations. We bet on young scientists to create a scientific and research base and build national research capacities,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
Shaikh Mohammad underlined the vital role Emirati scientists can play as the government’s partners in dealing with challenges facing the Cabinet, cut its spending and make people happy. He reiterated the UAE’s trust in its youth and ambitious scientists. The UAE leadership has absolute confidence in the capacities of its young people who will contribute to their country’s progress and prosperity, he said.
He stressed the importance of the strategic initiatives, which will serve as an integrated scientific approach towards realisation of scientific excellence that will ensure the UAE being ranked top globally. “Scientists are the elite of society and a powerful class in the UAE, and hence appreciating them is an appreciation of the future of our country. As of today, we will work on the development of a new generation of scientists qualified to win the Nobel Prize over the next few decades,” the Vice-President said.
The initiatives are based on studies and experiences of some developed countries in science and technology. They will determine the approach embraced by the government in the research sector to boost the ongoing research drive in the country.
The initiatives will help create a conducive environment for innovation and investing in minds, scientific knowledge and finding sustainable solutions to major challenges facing the region in vital sectors, such as water, sustainable energy and alternative sources of energy, cyber security, food security, space and aviation technology.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, and Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs and the Future, were present.
Sara Al Amiri, chairperson of the Scientists Council, lauded Shaikh Mohammad’s support for Emirati scientists, researchers and creative minds. She noted that the establishment of the council is a milestone in the country’s scientific drive.
Al Amiri pointed out that the initiatives aim to build national research capacity and connect them with leading scientific foundations in the world.
Major initiatives
-Preparing for a Nobel Programme
-National Agenda for Scientific Research
-UAE Scientific Challenges Forum
-National Interactive Laboratories
-The Mohammad Bin Rashid Scientist Park
-The Mohammad Bin Rashid Medal of Honour for Scientific Honour
-The National Programme for Encouraging Scientists
-Scientists’ Day to be celebrated annually in the country
