How the UAE is keeping pace with the future
The future belongs to those who can imagine it. In the UAE, however, the leadership isn’t just imagining it, but also designing and creating its own future. In just a matter of few decades, the emirates has taken the lead on many fronts, launching projects that have inspired many. The country’s vision for sustainable energy, its space programme, education, health, environment, future industries, natural sciences, humanitarian issues, et al have earned laurels.
The futuristic report unveiled at the World’s Economic Forum in Davos, and launch of start-up accelerators programme are testimonies to the forwardthinking approach adopted by the leadership. The report, which is a first of its kind, forecasts the future of strategic sectors, such as energy, transport and space for the next 40 years.
Interestingly, as the UAE develops capabilities on various fronts, and implements it successfully on the ground, it will not just benefit the emirates but also the world. Countries can look up to the emirates and adopt successfully implemented programmes in their
We have made mistakes, but we haven’t failed to learn from each of them and emerge stronger than ever.
own societies. The upcoming World Government Summit is one such platform where the UAE is taking the leadership role and hosting the event in Dubai next week. Being held under the theme Shaping Future Governments, the platform aims to empower governments with the knowledge they need to create a better future for the world’s citizens.
Elites from different states and nearly 150 governments will taking part and brainstorming on how can governments work in the best interests of their people. It would be a wonderful platform to discuss ideas, identify opportunities and challenges in the world, and especially in the region. This global summit would have a special focus on Arab countries that have suffered much from conflicts like Syria, Iraq and Libya. Despotic rulers or unstable governments have compounded their problems.
Initiatives such as these are evident of the fact that the UAE is working at an international level to develop a decent life by improving government concepts and practices. The summit has also identified three crucial topics for discussion: increasing happiness, tolerance and concern over the youth. All these ultimately lead to building better societies.
Yes, envisioning the future is not an easy job. It requires data, latest studies, and brainstorming. But most importantly, the challenges lie in transforming ideas into action. This is possible through implementing start-up accelerators, which work coherently with the different sectors in carrying the projects as quickly as possible and as per schedule.
We have made mistakes, lost opportunities, but we haven’t failed to learn from each of them and emerge stronger than ever. We are aware that every decision will impact generations to come, and we are more confident than we ever were.
— mustafa@khaleejtimes.com