UAE President, Vice President attend annual government meetings in Abu Dhabi
Leaders hear session on future of education, witness launch of 'Emirates Villages' project
Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday attended session on the sidelines of the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi.
The presentations dedicated to education were led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chairman of the Education and Human Resources Council.
“Today at the UAE Government Annual Meetings I attended a session discussing the future of education, which remains one of our key strategic priorities. By harnessing innovation and investing in our people, the UAE’s journey of progress will continue,” Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed tweeted.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also said on Twitter: “Today, I attended along with my brother, the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, part of the annual meetings of the UAE government.”
He added: “Education sessions with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and ministers were clear and transparent, shaping an integrated map of the education system.”
“Education will remain a priority as per the vision of the UAE President,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said.
The gathering also witnessed the launch of the ‘Emirates Villages’ project.
The meetings, which were held on November 22 and 23 in Abu Dhabi, saw ministries, Executive Councils, and various federal and local entities gathering to discuss current challenges and develop a vision for the future of the UAE.
On its second day, the meetings discussed major topics related to the UAE’s comprehensive development process, in accordance with the vision and directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. Priority fields included education, Emiratisation, national economy, digital technology and cybersecurity, among other issues that have a direct impact on the future of development in the UAE; promoting wellbeing, enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness in all fields, and raising its readiness for the future.
Future directions in education
The session on education witnessed the participation of members of the Education and Human Resources Council (EHRC), including Dr Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Sarah Awad Issa Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education. The session participants discussed key future directions for the education sector and the potential challenges it faces.
Comprehensive economic partnerships
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, and Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, discussed the importance of the UAE’s comprehensive economic partnerships, and their pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency, agility and strength of the national economy. They also addressed the key pillars of the state’s future directions and economic plans over the next stage, the main objectives of economic and trade agreements with several countries worldwide, and their impact on the UAE’s comprehensive development march.
Emiratisation - new policies and mechanisms
Dr Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Manan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talents Competitiveness Council, discussed the latest government policies, mechanisms and strategies in Emiratisation. They highlighted national goals that were achieved, and emphasised the importance of this vital area that is given high priority by the leadership and is fundamental to the UAE’s development march.
Digital economy and future technologies
Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, highlighted the efforts of the UAE and its vision in building a pioneering digital economy that combines exceptional skills with the latest advanced technologies. The session addressed the importance of the country’s vision in enhancing economic diversification and consolidating a prosperous economy based on future technologies.
Government work and cybersecurity challenges
Dr Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity in the UAE Government, discussed the importance of maintaining cyber security in government work, the most prominent elements of achieving cyber security, and the importance of the cyber security system in achieving one of the goals of ‘We The UAE 2031’, to make the UAE one of the top three countries in the world in the cybersecurity index.
Accelerating the employment of university graduates
Five different sessions were held during the UAE Government Annual Meetings, one of which discussed supporting mechanisms to ensure the accelerated integration of university and college graduates into the UAE labour market.
Increasing Emirati workforce in new economic sectors
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, discussed ways and mechanisms to increase the number of Emiratis and national companies in new economic sectors. He said that national companies are a major driver of economic growth based on a flexible and diversified approach, which motivates Emiratis and the youth to raise their participation in the development of new projects.
Job opportunities for Emiratis in the legal sector and national consultancy
The session discussed mechanisms to support career opportunities for Emiratis in the legal sector and national consultancy, in accordance with the objectives of the Federal Law on the Regulation of the Legal Profession.
Meeting the requirements of Emiratisation
The UAE Government Annual Meetings featured a session devoted to discussing the priority given in government contracts to private companies that meet Emiratisation requirements. The session discussed best practices for ensuring that government contracts are given to companies that meet Emiratisation requirements.
The UAE Government Annual Meetings constitute a national platform for bringing together all government entities at federal and local levels to discuss current challenges, strategies and initiatives that will lead the country on the path to achieve the Centennial 2071 Plan.