Dubai: More than 2,000 delegates from around the world will descend on Dubai to take part in the 10th annual Dubai Forum for Government Best Practices, officials said on Wednesday.

In a press conference at Emirates Towers, organisers Dubai Government Excellence Programme (DGEP) — a department under the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai — said anticipation is high for the November 7-8 gathering which will focus on best government practices to make citizens happier.

The forum is being held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Abdullah Mohammad Al Basti, secretary-general of the Dubai Executive Council, was joined by several high-ranking Dubai luminaries at the press conference including Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, managing director and chief executive officer of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa); Ali Al Hameli, director of News Centre at Dubai Media Incorporated; and Dr Ahmad Al Nusseirat, general coordinator of the Dubai Government Excellence Programme.

Al Basti said the forum will respond to the Dubai Plan 2021, which calls on government to empower citizens, residents and administrators to achieve the city’s aspirations.

Under the theme, “An inspiring government shapes the future and achieves happiness”, the forum will seek to motivate administrators and officials to enact initiatives big and small that will place Dubai among the world’s most innovative cities.

Al Basti said, “We must seize every opportunity to determine what the future holds. This year’s forum calls on everyone to do as the theme says, and shape the future and achieve happiness. Each employee who works for the Government of Dubai makes the city what it is today, and it is up to each one of us to make it even more innovative, more productivity, and more liveable than ever before.”

Al Tayer said Dewa is the main sponsor “because we believe in the importance of building a real and effective partnership with the Dubai Government Excellence Programme. The programme is among the most influential initiatives that exist to support government’s transformation towards leadership, excellence and innovation in government work”.

Al Nusseirat pointed out that this year’s forum will bring top global speakers as well as from home including Uhoud Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness and Quality of Life, and Lt-General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai.

“It is an opportunity for attendees and participants to draw on the success stories of prominent figures who have left their mark in what they do, and it demonstrates that, no matter what country you come from, the starting point for a culture of excellence and inspiration is the same: ambition,” said Al Nusseirat.

The Dubai Forum for Government Best Practices will take place at Shaikh Rashid Hall of Dubai World Trade Centre.