Dubai: The UAE government fully backs all creative initiatives and pioneering projects contribute to the happiness of society, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said.

Shaikh Mohammad made the statement during a visit to the Government Creativity Lab (GCL) organised by the Ministry of Education at Dubai Grand Hyatt.

Shaikh Mohammad was accompanied by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, and Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami, Minister of Education. Shaikh Mohammad also took part in a number of sessions held during the GCL and exchanged ideas with the participants.

Shaikh Mohammad called for developing unconventional methods to produce creative ideas and honouring people who come up with pioneering ideas to encourage innovation, so that these creative ideas can play a role in the UAE’s development under the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“I have great trust in UAE citizens and I have huge expectations regarding their creative contributions in the coming years, which will be turned into projects that will impress in the international scene and make the UAE among top countries in the world by 2021,” Shaikh Mohammad said.

Role models

“We are very happy with the achievements of Emiratis, who started making an impression in a march of creativity that will be remembered throughout history. We are very proud of them. It is those Emiratis who will contribute significant achievements to the field of science, technology and others, which will serve the nation and their people and make them role models to their regional and international counterparts,” Shaikh Mohammad added.

Shaikh Mohammad called on university students and employees to never hesitate in presenting their ideas and suggestions, no matter how simple they may seem. He pointed out that most massive projects that benefited humanity all began with simple ideas from creative people, who were not recognised in their time but are now globally renowned names.

Shaikh Mohammad also emphasised the importance of utilising modern technology to achieve the level of development the UAE is striving towards in all fields.

Shaikh Mohammad praised the ministry for organising the GCL, one among many ideas raised during the Cabinet brainstorming session recently held in Sir Bani Yas island.

He also praised the quick implementation of the GCL, which brought together specialists, staff members and directors to develop creative ideas and solutions for challenges facing various sectors. He added that such an event helps enhance the efficiency of government administrative operations.

Open to ideas

Shaikh Mohammad stressed that it is important for everyone to participate in creative labs to discuss challenges and come up with solutions that can be implemented through planning and coordination between relevant bodies. He also said that officials must be open to creative ideas raised by staff members or the public, and consulting experts on best global practices in their field.

Following the success of the Cabinet brainstorming session, Shaikh Mohammad had ordered for the creative lab initiative to be implemented on the federal level to gauge and develop government services.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and other officials were also present.