DDIA sets up arm to shape growth strategy

The Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA) has opened its development division that will be responsible for recommending policy and formulating strategy about Dubai's future.

"Dubai needs a clear vision and strategy to move forward and progress," said Mohammed Al Gergawi, DDIA chairman.

"The DDIA, through its development division, will be responsible for formulating and reviewing this vision for going forward and for recommending specific policies, initiatives and activities to drive economic growth and developments based on Dubai's current needs."

DDIA was launched in April this year with a mandate to promote the economic growth and development of Dubai.

It aims to attract corporate and private investors to the UAE and to facilitate the growth of leading Dubai-based businesses and entrepreneurs.

The development division will focus on non-profit activities targeted specifically at identifying areas of potential growth for Dubai and recommending policy and specific strategies to drive Dubai's development and growth.

"The development division will look at a broad agenda of pressing development issues in a disciplined and methodical manner and will formulate innovative ways to address them," said Saeed Al Muntafiq, director general, DDIA.

"The division will set clear targets to address such critical issues as the economy, health, technology, literacy, national training and education, the environment, energy, natural resources, and, the full integration of women into the workforce."

The division will have a research section that will do local, regional and global economic research.