Rasheed Al Omari, Business Solutions Strategist for Middle East & North Africa Region at VMware:
“In the UAE, the private sector is well integrated with the government’s initiatives, sharing the same vision and working in harmony to deliver outstanding services. The new move is a recognition of the role of the private sector and a boost to delivering services to a new scale governed and regulated by the government. It boosts innovation with national interest, making UAE the new role model for government excellence, adaptation and integrating all sectors in country-wide prosperity and future.”
Mohammad Amin, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Turkey, Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East, EMC Corporation:
“The Government of the UAE continues to nurture the spirit of innovation and excellence across all spheres of government in a bid to create happier communities across the Emirates. With the landmark announcement to redefine the UAE’s federal government structure, the focus remains on driving efficiency, service delivery and intelligence-driven proactivity to create a successful, sustainable knowledge-based economy.”
Megha Kumar, Senior Research Manager (software) at research firm International Data Corporation MEA:
“With a move towards outsourcing government services to the private sector, there will be increased synergies across public-private partnerships which will also be beneficial in the government, meeting their vision around smart cities and innovation.
“This will allow government organisations to secure improved service levels, remain cost-efficient, focus on customer-centricity and also gain additional capacity to focus on innovation and agility.”
Driss Al Ougmani, General Manager for Middle East, Africa & Turkey at Dell:
“This move represents so much of UAE’s capability to practically lead and execute bold and visionary strategies and ideas. Agility is often a word that is talked about in today’s business environment; it’s inspiring to see that such best practices are championed in the highest levels of leadership and government in our country. With this direction, UAE is getting Future Ready.”
Dr Abdelhafid Belarbi, Vice-President, Al Ain University:
“With the process we have now, we have to consult with both higher education and primary education for any changes. It [the restructuring] is good for the UAE because the Council for Education is involved in higher education. I think this move is feasible and I really believe it will bear fruit.”
Kamal Vachani, Director of Al Maya Group:
“This will help the retail industry in having new and young energetic talent.”
Esam R. Al Mazroei, Managing Director, Bahri & Mazroei Group
“Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s announcement about the happiness and tolerance minister has come as very positive and forward thinking news. His Highness has always been at the forefront of innovative thinking. he UAE also has a target of being among the top happy nations in the world and I believe through initiatives like this it is possible. Shaikh Mohammad also announced that there will be a young minister in the government. This will ensure fresh ideas and outcomes. The UAE has been able to contribute to the well-being and safety of its residents and having a happiness and tolerance minister will ensure we are on the right path. Overall, as part of the business community and resident of the UAE, I am very happy with the changes being introduced in the ministry.”
Sudhesh Giriyan, COO, Xpress Money
“The changes proposed are trailblazing and will help bring in a new model of governance in the UAE. They also reflect the in-depth understanding of the Rulers of the country on what is needed to be done to shape a better future for its people. Particularly laudable is the creation of the Ministry of State for Tolerance, done to establish tolerance as a fundamental value of UAE society and the setting up of the Council of Youth — with youth comprising a majority of the population. The fact that this ministry will be led by a woman is a testimony of the government’s intention to empower women. The renaming of the Ministry of Environment and Water to the Ministry of Climate Change is also yet another unique decision in the context of safeguarding the environment for sustainable development”
Paras Shahdadpuri, Chairman, Nikai Group of Companies
“It is an amazing, one-of-a-kind initiative which clearly shows the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the desire of the leadership not only to see Emiratis but also the residents of the UAE economically prosperous and to achieve real-time happiness. The announcement of having a younger individual as a part of the ministry also demonstrates the vision of the leadership. Such initiatives will go a long way in making the UAE a very distinctive place to live in and enjoy life in harmony.”
