Strong emphasis on social sector

Dubai: The government of Dubai has put a strong emphasis on the social sector development in the new eight-year Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, that will help strengthen the emirate's social and cultural fabric and its foundation.

Having an effective social infrastructure is the key to reaching higher levels of sustained economic growth.

Social development has always been at the heart of the Dubai Government's policies and it is a key component of the Dubai Strategic Plan (DSP).

"At the end of the day, social development is aimed at nationals, and we want nationals to be the major instruments of its implementation," said His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"It is common knowledge that it is far easier to build financial capital than it is to build intellectual, psychological and moral capital. Building a road, or a bridge, may take a year or two, but building a person takes a lifetime. We live, today, in the ever changing era of knowledge, requiring continuous learning which does not end at a certain level, or by attaining a certificate, or certain expertise."

First
Preserve national identity. This will be achieved by revising policies and procedures to ensure demographic balance; increasing the sense of belonging and the awareness of local culture.

Second
Increase nationals' participation in the workforce and society. This will be achieved by developing national human capital to become the preferred workforce in selected strategic sectors.

Third
Improve education, especially public schools, and ensure that all nationals have access to quality education opportunities. This will be achieved by improving governance in the educational sector; increasing accountability and transparency of schools; improving the quality of teachers and administration; upgrading curriculums and teaching methods; improving the educational environment to improve the public's perception and attitudes towards education.

Fourth
Elevate the quality of healthcare services and the wellbeing of the population. This will be achieved by improving governance of the healthcare sector; improving healthcare planning; ensuring access to health insurance; encouraging private hospitals to gain international accreditation; developing licensing standards for medical staff; and focusing on health awareness to improve public attitudes towards health.

Fifth
Ensure that high quality social services are provided to meet the needs of nationals. This will be achieved by improving governance and efficiency of the social service sector.

Sixth
Provide equality and acceptable working conditions for Dubai's workforce in order to attract and retain the required expertise. This will be achieved by coordinating with federal entities to improve and update labour laws and labour rights; establishing appropriate mechanisms for the enforcement of legislations and regulations; and raising employers' and employees' awareness of their legal rights and responsibilities.

Seventh
Promote cultural life in Dubai by upgrading the regulatory framework of the cultural sector; increasing awareness and interest in Dubai's cultural activities; encouraging and nurturing national talent; developing high-quality facilities, including theatres, movie houses and museums, to attract international art and culture events.