Dubai: “Innovation is not an option but a necessity. It is not a culture but a work style, and governments and companies that do not innovate risk losing their competitiveness and falling far behind,” His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said as he launched Innovation Week in August.
UAE Innovation Week, which will take place from November 22-28, seeks to celebrate the best in ideas on innovation from the spectrum of government and private sectors, as well as from the public. “Innovation offers a new method of functioning for UAE’s vital sectors,” Shaikh Mohammad said, “We will assess the progress achieved in the adoption of this method through the UAE Innovation Week.”
He also said that keeping pace with the rapid changes taking place in the world requires innovative cadres and an environment that supports innovation. The initiative is part of the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy launched by Shaikh Mohammad in October last year.
A committee comprising representatives of the federal and local governments and private sector has been tasked with receiving ideas and coordinating all activities related to the week. The UAE Innovation Week will witness the announcement of various government initiatives as well as events and activities by the government, the private sector and academic entities, including schools. “Our key sectors of education, health, energy, environment, space, economy and services will present their achievements during the UAE Innovation Week,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
