'Legislative framework weak'

Abu Dhabi: The UAE suffers from outdated systems, weaknesses in its legislative framework and a lack of cooperation between local and federal governments. These were the symptoms outlined by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during his speech outlining the UAE Government Strategy for the coming years.

Shaikh Mohammad made the comments in the presence of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the rulers of the seven emirates, members of the supreme council, crown princes, and ministers of the UAE cabinet, as well as top and senior officials.

"The reason behind this shaky situation is the fast and enormous changes of this age," he said. "Things take more time in the UAE, due to the federal nature of this seven-region country, compared to the more simple circumstances of other countries encompassed in one region."

The strategy addresses 21 subjects classified in five major areas: social development, economic development, government sector development, justice and safety, infrastructure, and rural areas development, with the ultimate objective of streamlining the work between the individual emirate and federal governments.

Working groups

"We have assigned six ministerial working groups with the task of setting detailed strategies for the six areas, where about 500 of excellent government leadership cadres participated. Our first priority is to develop and enhance the country's legislative and executive bodies, and this plan comes to accelerate this process," Shaikh Mohammad said.

"The UAE has incurred tremendous costs, yet despite the generous spending, what was achieved does not rise to the aspired standards," he added.

He outlined specific requirements to develop the education system, labour conditions, the private sector's social responsibilities, housing, environment, infrastructure, culture and youth issues, and medical care, stressing that the cost is not the crucial element in the process of socio economic development. "What counts is the optimum and comprehensive solutions for the persisting hurdles," he said.