UAE seeks to build knowledge-based economy

The ministry of economy, in line with the federal government's ambitious UAE Vision 2021 and the seven-year National Agenda, is keenly interested in building an economy that is based on knowledge, innovation and creativity, and is led by a qualified cadre, in order to contribute 5 per cent to the UAE's gross domestic product (GDP ) by 2021, said Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy on Saturday.
In his speech at an annual meeting of the ministry's employees and officials, Al Mansouri noted that in accordance with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Cabinet in November 2014, approved designation of 2015 as the Year of Innovation, in a plan to make the UAE a world innovative leader.
The Cabinet directed all federal government bodies to boost cooperation and to revise their policies to develop a nurturing environment for innovation.
He reminded the ministry's employees and officials that Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, once said, "A job in the government is not just a way of making a living. Rather it is a means of contributing to your country. Government offices are for production, not for routine, reliance and indolence; they are places for creativity." At the meeting, minister Al Mansouri announced the launch of the Minister of Economy's Award for Government Excellence. The award is aimed at improving ministry employees' performance, advancing its practices and services through promoting positive competition, innovation and creativity.
Source: WAM