Renewable and Clean Energy ■

Considering the growing demand for en-ergy, it has become a necessity for many countries around the world to innovate in renewable and clean energy. Hence, glob-ally there is a tendency to diversify energy sources and provide future generations with access to sustainable energy that en-sures a better way of life.

The UAE has numerous existing projects relating to renewable and clean energy such as Masdar, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, and The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation which collectively set the stage for the UAE to play a leading role in global innovation.

The National Innovation Strategy (NIS) aims to promote innovation in renewable and clean energy by developing relevant energy industries within the UAE, fur-thering applied research in renewable and clean energy technology, enhancing the efficiency of energy networks and storage, as well as shifting towards de-centralised energy generation through feed-in tariff programmes.

Transportation ■

Transportation is one of the key pillars of a well-developed society aimed at an in-frastructure that boosts economic growth and enhances productivity. While playing a primary role in facilitating movement from one place to another, transportation eliminates geographical distance and en-hances the welfare of societies.

The UAE is at the forefront of the transportation industry worldwide. The successful experience of its national air-line, Emirates and Etihad Airways, in uniquely reshaping the travel experience is a testament to its national innovative outlook. Over and above, multiple na-tional companies have succeeded up to date in managing varied activities across 75 international airports including ground-handling services, cargo, travel and others. The same applies to maritime transport where the UAE manages 65 seaports across six continents.

The NIS aims to promote innovation in transportation by achieving leadership in air and sea transport services and technol-ogy, as well as developing and utilising unmanned vehicles such as drones and unmanned cars and trains. It also calls for the development and implementation of eco-friendly air and sea transportation means underpinned by an infrastructure that caters for electric vehicle charging, besides the manufacturing and mainte-nance of aircraft and spare parts.

Technology ■

Technology is of paramount importance

in today’s world. Given the primary role it plays in shaping the future, there is a growing need for innovation in technol-ogy tools and systems to ensure a better quality of life for everyone.

The UAE has accordingly launched a range of innovative technology initiatives, namely The Smart Government and Smart City initiatives, which secured it a global leadership position in record time. Moreover, Mubadala wholly owns Global Foundries, the world’s second largest semiconductor manufacturer. In addition, the UAE developed a multitude of ad-vanced technology research centers in-cluding: The Institute Centre for Micro-systems (iMicro), The Institute Centre for Smart and Sustainable Systems (iSmart), and Khalifa Semiconductor Research Centre (KSRC) at Khalifa University.

The NIS aims to promote innovation in technology through the development of smart cities, software and applications, as well as the enhancement of the Infor-mation and Communications Technolo-gy (ICT) industry to improve the quality of services provided. Innovation in tech-nology will also be achieved through the manufacturing of advanced technology in areas of global interest like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, nanotech-nology and 3D printing, in addition to the quick adoption of future technology trends across various industries.

Education ■

Education paves the way for a nation’s social development and future progress, particularly in light of today’s global ten-dency towards a knowledge-based econ-

omy. An advanced education system en-hances a nation’s capacity to innovate and create. Hence, the UAE launched a range of innovative projects in the educa-tion sector namely Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme (MBRSLP), established to further ad-vance the UAE’s already accomplished education system and the Emirates Foun-dation ‘Think Science’ programme aimed at empowering Emirati youth to innovate in all fields of science.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET) launched ‘Emira-tesSkills’ programme, which aims to raise awareness of career-based technical edu-cation among young Emiratis by organis-ing competitions, events and technical career activities.

Granted that individuals are at the heart of innovation, the NIS aims to pro-mote innovation in the education sector by introducing creative teaching meth-ods and techniques like Smart Learning, as well as designing and developing in-novative curricula that equip pupils with the 21st century skills and knowledge in the fields of science, technology, engi-neering, mathematics and arts. In addi-tion, the NIS will ensure an advanced learning infrastructure supported by the establishment of innovation labs in schools and universities, as well as spe-cialised research centres in universities to promote inventions.

Health ■

For a population to be able to participate effectively in the social and economic

development of its nation, the majority of individuals should be in good health. Innovation in the health sector is of para-mount importance to advanced societies seeking a world-class health system that enhances the quality of life.

The UAE launched a myriad of initia-tives to promote innovation in the health-care sector. Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, for instance, aims to develop pharmaceuti-cals, biotechnology and life sciences, while the recently established Abu Dhabi Telemedicine Centre offers high quality, confidential medical consultations over the phone. Abu Dhabi is to witness as well the construction of the first anti-cancer drug manufacturing plant in the GCC, besides hosting the first biotech-nology innovation incubator in Abu Dha-bi University. In addition, the Dubai Bio-technology and Research Park (DuBiotech) is a free zone that provides Life Sciences companies with an ultimate platform to set up operations in Dubai.

The NIS aims to promote innovation in the delivery of health and therapeutic services using advanced technologies such as robotic surgery and telemedi-cine techniques. It focuses on develop-ing pharmaceutical industries and bio-technology, and enhancing medical research on the treatment of prevalent diseases, namely diabetes and obesity. Moreover, the NIS aspires to develop advanced health system management technology and promote a healthy life-style by deploying smart technology in disease control and prevention, as well as engineering and developing innova-tive cities and facilities that prompt sports and movement.

Water ■

As indicated by multiple studies, water scarcity is becoming one of the biggest global concerns with over 880 million peo-ple having no access to clean water; 95 per cent of whom are under the age of five.

Given the global water scarcity challenge, the UAE launched an international prize of $1 million for finding sustainable solutions for water shortage all over the world with the use of solar energy to desalinate and purify water. In this regard, the UAE Water Aid Foundation was launched with the aim of conducting research and studies to support the production of clean water using solar energy. It aims to provide new innovative solutions for millions around the world who suffer from water scarcity and polluted drinking water. Additionally, Masdar Institute Center for Water and Environment (iWater) aims to create knowledge and technologies that address challenges linked to clean water production, climate change and water resource management.

The NIS aims to promote innovation in the water sector by enhancing the pro-duction, purification and desalination of water using solar energy, effectively managing water demand in household, industrial and agricultural uses, as well as addressing future regional and global water scarcity challenges.

Space ■

Governments of developed countries around the world are keen on becoming scientific innovation advocates through the implementation of leading scientific practices and advances in space research.

In the UAE, a total of Dh20 billion was invested in space technologies. Under the leadership of an Emirati pool of experts, the UAE Space Agency was launched in 2014, along with the national project to build and send the first Arabic-Islamic unmanned Probe to Mars by 2021.

Furthermore, the UAE embraces a range of space institutions namely the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) that is currently building KhalifaSat, the first satellite to be built, manufactured and launched to space by Emirati nationals by 2017. Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) is also working on manufacturing and launching its third satellite (Al Yah 3) by the end of 2016.

Finally but importantly, the first largest space centre in the Middle East and North Africa is currently being developed in Abu Dhabi, with the aim of hosting space trips for touristic and scientific re-search purposes.

Ultimately, the NIS aims to promote space innovations by enhancing research and technology relating to the exploration of celestial bodies such as spaceships, probes and telescopes, besides developing satellite communications technology. It also aspires to deploy the latest space technologies in terrestrial applications, making the UAE one of the leading coun-tries in the field of space research.

Infographic and content courtesy: Prime Minister’s Office at the UAE

Ministry of Cabinet Affairs.

As the UAE gears up for Innovation Week between November 22 and 28, here’s a look at various sectors in the country that will receive development priority.

advanCing aHEad WiTH nEW idEaS

k h a l e e j t i m e s | a D V e R t i s i N G s U P P l e m e N t | s U N D a Y , N O V e m B e R 2 2 , 2 0 1 5

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, vice-President and Prime Minister of the UaE and Ruler of dubai, addressing the audience at the launch of the first diploma in government innovation. —WaM

Innovation is ingrained in the DNA of Dubai Chamber. The 50-year-old organisation has for long been stressing on innovation in-house and externally with the business community. We have started supporting the culture of innovation more solidly since the announcement of 2015 as the Year of Innovation by the UAE Government. Internally, we have been creating Innovation Cham-pions within Dubai Chamber to encourage staff to come up with innovative ideas and drive the or-ganisation forward by providing additional value-added services to support the business community.

Innovation initiatives

We also motivate them through training programmes and semi-nars to be innovative in their ap-proach and to make innovation an important part of their work-ing life.

Dubai Chamber is working tire-lessly to raise innovation aware-ness amongst the business com-munity. The Chamber launched various initiatives to stimulate the business community on produc-tion and innovation and has de-veloped its services to fit in with the changes and developments in accordance with the highest in-ternational standards adopted. We are offering 100 per cent on-line and smart services to our members while we inspire them through Exporter of the Month and the CSR Label which honour best performers in the export sec-

tor as well as those leading in cor-porate social responsibility and best business practices.

Innovation award

We also launched, in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Econo-my, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Innovation Award within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award for businesses to be inno-vative and receive their due rec-ognition in the area. Through this prestigious business award, we are rewarding companies that demonstrate business excellence and innovation, and this is a very important change in our reward-ing programme.

Innovation is a fundamental pil-lar in Dubai’s growth strategy. We very well understand the impor-tance of innovation, especially in the realm of the fast growing glob-al business environment and to be able to start to promote innova-tion for the business community, we have to lead by example. It’s here that the innovation strategy plays an important role as a good strategy that gives you the direc-tion to set targets and to measure their results. That’s why we realise that we have to start to address the way we provide our services and try to create an innovative envi-ronment within our businesses.

History has taught humanity that progress can come at a price, and the UAE is no stranger to the dilemma of development and innovation sustainability. It has had to deal with rapid urbanisation, excessive waste production, and water depletion, among other environmentally threatening consequences. The UAE currently has the third largest ecological footprint in the Gulf region due to the high per capita consumption afforded by a thriving and stable economy.

The late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding president and principal driving force behind the formation of the UAE, led the nation in its early years to establish legislative frameworks and institutions. This would later ensure responsible economic and social development with a sharp focus on ‘sustainability’ — long before the term gained global popularity.

His Highness Shaikh Moham-med bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minis-ter of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has also been championing the parallel growth of innovation and sustainability across Dubai. He launched the UAE’s National In-novation Strategy last year with the goal of transforming the emir-ates into one of the most innova-tive countries in the world within the next seven years. The strategy stimulates innovation in seven sectors, namely renewable ener-gy, transport, education, health, technology, water, and space.

As part of the National Innova-tion Strategy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is hosting “DEWA’s Innovation Week” during the “UAE Innova-tion Week” from November 22 to 28 to celebrate the best innovative ideas from government and pri-vate sectors as well as the public.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said: “At DEWA, we have adopted innova-tion as a major pillar and govern-ment value. We work to imple-ment the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-Presi-dent and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to im-prove government services and performance in all fields, and en-courage a culture of innovation, and spread it as a standard proce-dure to develop government ser-vices, combat challenges and con-tribute to improving administrative government work.”

DEWA is currently focusing on smart grids, research and devel-opment, renewables, and efficien-cy as part of its expansion plans over the next five years. Its long-term agenda reflects a strong commitment to maintaining bal-ance between innovation and sus-tainability throughout its opera-tions and services. It has also been actively introducing various ini-tiatives in support of the National Innovation Strategy.

During the UAE Innovation Week, DEWA will host an Innovation Exhibition that will showcase its sustainability related innovations alongside staff, partners, private companies, universities, engineers, scientists and innovators. It will also conduct ‘Ideation Training’, workshops, a ‘Sustainability in Innovation’ panel with international speakers, and an Open Innovation Sustainability Challenge, a competition that will crowd-source solutions for sustainability challenges and offer prizes on new inventions related to energy demand and best practices in sustainability.

In less than half a century, the UAE has made a big leap towards becoming a dynamic, highly ur-banised country. While this phe-nomenal growth has posed a num-ber of environmental challenges along the way, a responsible for-ward-thinking leadership ensures a future that constantly balances progress and sustainability.

With the support of major gov-ernment institutions like DEWA, the UAE will continue to be a mod-el to show how being responsible makes innovation-driven sustain-able development possible.

U A E I N N O V A T I O N W E E KII

Culture of innovation and more

Responsibility makes sustainable development possible

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Dubai Chamber is working tirelessly to raise innovation awareness amongst the business community

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority showcases proactivity in green innovation

Hamad Buamim ■

Hamad BuamimPresident and CEODubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry

At DEWA, we have adopted innovation as a major pillar and government value. We work to implement the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to improve government services and performance in all fields, and encourage a culture of innovation, and spread it as a standard procedure to develop government services, combat challenges and contribute to improving administrative government work.

— Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer ■

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technol-ogy is preparing a string of research and col-laboration launches and initiatives to contrib-ute to the country’s innovation goals.

In line with the directives of the country’s leadership, the UAE Innovation Week is being held to promote the country’s innovation eco-system from November 22 to 28. Masdar In-stitute’s activities will highlight its dedication to furthering the goal of national innovation as directed by the UAE National Innovation Strategy, which is aimed at making the coun-try one of the most innovative nations in the world in the next seven years. The institute has scheduled a week of events aimed at building awareness and engaging the coun-try’s youth in key innovative sectors.

Dr Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Mas-dar Institute, said, “We are keen to play our part in the UAE Innovation Week that aims to honour the achievements of the entire coun-try. We believe events like this will further strengthen the resolve of our youth to identify and achieve sustainable solutions and we hope Masdar Institute’s Innovation Week activities serve to cement our status as one of the re-search institutions that is driving innovation in the country.”

As a leading research-oriented institution pursuing innovative solutions, Masdar Insti-tute has lined up several activities to empha-sise its commitment to advancing research and development focused on innovation for the UAE Innovation Week. These include a collaboration agreement to develop a fog de-tection system with the Etihad Airways, a new partnership to monitor air quality with the Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW), the launch of the Masdar Institute Solar Plat-form to test and develop concentrating solar power and thermal energy storage technolo-gies and the launch of the region’s first re-search facility dedicated to applied research in automation, manufacturing and materials.

Masdar Institute will also be recognising one of its PhD students with an international prize, and set up an Innovation Zone at the campus to highlight some of the ongoing re-search projects.

Some of the projects on display at the Inno-

vation Zone were directly inspired by the Mas-dar Institute research centres (iCentres). Led by the Centre for Innovation and Entrepre-neurship (iInnovation), Masdar Institute’s four core research centres — the Institute Centre for Energy (iCentre), the Institute Centre for Water and Environment (iWater), the Institute Centre for Microsystems (iMicro) and the In-stitute Centre for Smart Sustainable Systems — serve to organise and focus Masdar Insti-tute’s many research projects according to their relevance to the UAE’s strategic goals and interests. Masdar Institute also has four other sponsored research centres that have been established in collaboration with exter-nal stakeholders including leading govern-ment and private sector organisations.

The Masdar Institute Open Day 2015 will also be organised during the week to encour-age university students to be more involved in science and technology innovations. The event will help accelerate the UAE’s efforts to

develop highly skilled human capital, which is a critical component to the country’s knowl-edge economy transition and National Inno-vation Strategy.

Since inception, Masdar Institute has been pioneering innovation in renewable energy and advanced technologies in sustainability.

Its students and faculty continue to de-velop advanced sustainable technology that seeks to address the region’s challenges. These innovations have resulted in a steady stream of achievements, patents, awards and collaborations.

Currently, the research-based institution has six issued US patents, 54 active pending patent applications and 112 invention disclo-sures. The 2015 US News and World Report rankings has placed Masdar Institute first in the ‘Field-Weighted Research Citation Im-pact’ category among 91 Arab universities in the region. — WAM

The ‘International Innovative Platform for Islamic Economy Products 2015’ (IIPIEP 2015) is set to kick off on November 22 at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.

Organised by the Internation-al Centre of Islamic Economy and the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA), the event is part of efforts to encourage in-novation and creativity in the development of new products as key additions to the internation-al Islamic economy.

The two-day event will be held in conjunction with UAE Innova-tion Week, which was launched by His Highness Shaikh Moham-med bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minis-ter of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in line with the directives of The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, upon declaring 2015 as the ‘Year of Innovation’.

The international platform is poised to attract more than 300 participants including top-notch financial and economic experts, decision makers and representa-tives from official, supervisory, regulatory, legislative and execu-tive entities to share the latest innovative ideas related to Is-lamic economic sectors.

IIPIEP 2015 is an initiative that supports Dubai’s proactive efforts to become the global capital of the Islamic economy. The event is drawing remark-able regional and international interest as a meeting point be-tween the developers of innova-tive products and relevant ex-

perts in order to study the economic, technical, legal and legislative aspects to find appro-priate mechanisms for trans-forming creative ideas into practical products that can ad-vance the growth of the global Islamic economy.

The platform speakers will in-clude Dr Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al Janahi, General Advisor at the Dubai Islamic Economy Devel-opment Centre; Prof. Seif el-Din Tag el-Din, Professor of Eco-nomics at Al-Imam Mohamad ibn Saud University; Dr Fuad bin Abdullah Al Omar, Former Gen-eral Manager of Zakat House and Deputy Minister at the Kuwait Government; Prof. Fahad Bin Abdullah Al Yahya, Professor in Department of Jurisprudence at College of Shariah and Islamic Studies; John A. Sandwick, Gen-eral Manager at Safa Investment Services; Oliver Agha, Group Chief Counsel for Abdul Latif Jameel International; Dr Mo-hammed Al Suhaibani, Professor at SABIC Chair for Islamic Fi-nancial Markets Studies at Imam University; Dr Sami Al Suwailem, Head of the Financial Product Development Centre at the Is-lamic Development Bank; Mi-chael Gassner, Head of Islamic Finance at a Swiss Private Bank; and Associate Professor Dr Said Bouheraoua, Senior Researcher at International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarouni, Director General of DAFZA, em-phasised the importance of orga-nising a high-level annual event such as the International Inno-vative Platform for Islamic Eco-nomic Products. He explained that the event provides a major boost to establish Dubai as an influential force on Islamic eco-nomics, noting its important role in enriching knowledge and strengthening communication channels among decision-mak-ers, industry experts, innovators and developers of creative ideas that support the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed in making Dubai the capital of the global Islamic economy. — WAM

Innovative platform for Islamic economy makes a debut

Masdar: an incubator for innovation and research

The two-day event is part of efforts to encourage innovation and creativity in the development of new products for the international Islamic economy

The institute has scheduled a week of events aimed at building awareness and engaging the country’s youth in key innovative sectors

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The Ministry of Health (MoH) has an-nounced its schedule of activities for the country’s coming celebration of ‘Innova-tion Week.’ The planned activities of the Ministry will be held across key locations like the Ministry’s offices in Dubai and at its Districts office as well as Sharjah Training and Development Centre from November 22 to November 28. The events have been designed to encourage participation of all Ministry employees and promote the spirit of innovation,

which in turn will enhance the global competitiveness of the UAE’s various government entities.

Dr Mohamed Salim Al Olama, Under-secretary, MoH, said: “These events fall in line with the directive of The Presi-dent, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to explore new areas in order to position the country as a fully innovative society.” We at MoH will be taking part in the cel-ebrations by launching almost 30 activi-ties during Emirates Innovation Week.

Dr Ayesha Al Mutawa, CEO Innova-tion at MoH, said that all of the Minis-try’s activities would be held in the pres-ence of its senior officials, including assistant undersecretaries and their leadership teams. There will be a calen-dar of variable innovative events to be launched at MoH ranging from talent

exhibitions featuring special talents at MoH; ‘Make a Wish’ to encourage em-ployees to share and give suggestions on what makes them happy; ‘Innovation Tree’ — a 3D scale model of a tree placed in customer service counters for sugges-tions by customers; a services camp ‘Sa-hala’ to offer express services directed to MoH customers using advanced tech-nology and hologram figures at customer service; to unveiling MoH innovation — Think Tank Chamber, and contests for colleges and medical schools.

The Sharjah Training and Develop-ment Centre will host a health and med-ical technology exhibition that will fea-ture the latest innovations and prototypes of National Innovation Initiatives such as robotic pharmacy, SMART rehabilita-tion, beat-the-street scanners and other new technologies. The centre will also host a series of dialogues and roundtable discussions featuring prominent special-ists in the medical field.

In line with the declaration of The Pres-ident, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan that 2015 is the ‘Year of Innovation’, and the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to launch ‘UAE Innovation Week’ from November 22 to 28, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) has announced its par-ticipation in the same through a number events and activities.

MoF’s participation in ‘UAE Innova-tion Week’ reflects its support to the National Innovation Strategy, which in turn contributes to the UAE Vision 2021 and national efforts to position the UAE’s Government as a global lead-er in development and innovation. This can only be achieved by promoting a culture of innovation in different gov-ernment practices through a well-estab-lished methodology that enhances gov-ernment institutional work. MoF is committed to establishing an environ-ment suitable for innovation and sup-porting the UAE’s vision in this regard.

The Ministry’s participation during the ‘UAE Innovation Week’ will focus on motivating the public and the com-munity to share their ideas and sugges-tions and take part in innovative devel-opment initiatives with ministries and the UAE government entities.

The National Innovation Strategy promotes innovation and applied research in different areas and industries. These include renewable and clean energy, air and sea transport, urban logistics, and educational sector by providing students with new skills, as well as offering health and therapeutic services with advanced equipment, encouraging the development of pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, seeking innovative solutions of water scarcity, research and

technology, as well as developing technologies in communications, satellites and applied space technology research.

Saeed Rashid Al Yateem, Assistant Undersecretary of Budget and Revenue at MoF, emphasised MoF’s commitment and efforts to adopt a creative and inno-vative culture as an approach in govern-ment work and support the National In-novation Strategy. This approach is key in raising the efficiency of government work and maximising service revenues as well as supporting government enti-ties in achieving their goals in an effec-tive and efficient manner.

Al Yateem added that innovation is a powerful way to generate and enhance competitiveness, and requires advanced skills in creativity, developing solutions, managing projects and leading change. “Our participation in the ‘UAE Innova-tion Week’ aims to support contributions from business owners in both the private and government sector as well as ensur-ing that customers are benefiting from government services in order to guaran-tee the participation of all parties in the innovation process. This is key in achiev-ing growth in different avenues across the UAE.”

MoF stands will be placed in Yas Mall Abu Dhabi, and Mirdif City Centre in Dubai, displaying innovative tools, in-cluding games that encourage young people to use their imagination and par-ticipate in innovation initiatives across different sectors listed by the National Innovation Strategy.

As a part of its effort to adopt the most modern systems available, e-Dirham services and innovative apps will be dis-played during the Innovation Week, in-cluding the e-wallet and e-vouchers to pay services fees. The two mentioned tools were launched at the GITEX Tech-nology Week recently.

Positioning the UAE as a fully innovative society

Committed to inventiveness

Ministry of Health to showcase latest prototypes in robotic pharmacy and SMART rehabilitation among others during Innovation Week

Ministry of Finance (MoF) participates in the Innovation Week to support National Innovation Strategy and the UAE Vision 2021

Saeed Rashid Al Yateem, Assistant Undersecretary of Budget and Revenue at MoF

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His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched a government initiative at the federal level to support and fund innovative ideas of more than 90,000 federal government employees to develop work system in their institutions.

The initiative, Afkari, includes the establish-ment of a fund to finance the ideas, while a special dedicated team of experts will examine the nominations and outstanding ideas and support the implementation of winning ideas in government organisations within three months.

The fund will finance the best innovative ideas that will contribute to the development of government services in the ministries and

entities, and will be evaluated by a committee of experts, innovators and pioneers of global business and representatives of the public and private sectors, who will be selected based on their experience and scientific and practical track record.

On this occasion, Shaikh Mohammed said, “We have launched the first government fund to support the innovative ideas of our employees to convey the message that we are personally interested in their ideas. Every employee who has the ambition to improve the government services will be encouraged and given the required support.”

He added, “Changing the government system requires courage, ideas, and support for innova-

tion, and we consider our employees as leaders.“Nations are not built by wishes, but by the

men and women who have the will to overcome challenges, and our job as leaders is to prepare leaders and provide an ideal environment for everyone to contribute to the process of building the future of their country.”

To ease the process of submitting ideas, the UAE government has developed a dedicated website afkari.gov.ae, where applicants can send innovative ideas related to all sectors.

Afkari is a new initiative of The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, which aims to provide integrated tools to support government entities to develop their services and adopt the culture of innovation.

Fostering an environment of growthThe new initiative aims to encourage, support and fund ideas of federal government employees for improvement of services across sectors

TECOM Group, Dubai’s leading business enabler and member of Dubai Holding, has announced a week-long programme of over 35 activities and events to spear-head innovation across its six sectors during UAE Innovation Week. The UAE Innovation Week comes in line with the directive of The President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to mark 2015 as the

“Year of Innovation”, and will serve as a definitive platform and destination for innovation and innovators in the region. The week also builds on the National Innovation Strategy, which was launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mak-toum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as a primary tool to achieve UAE Vision by 2021.

As a committed partner in the Government’s efforts to trans-form Dubai into an innovation-led economy, TECOM Group’s communities across ICT, media, education, science, manufactur-ing and design sectors will en-gage the community through a series of workshops, seminars, talks and competitions, in close collaboration with their business partners, to champion innovation and promote the exchange of knowledge and creative ideas.

Commenting, Malek Al Malek, CEO, TECOM Business Parks, said: “Our business communities have played an important role in promoting Dubai’s development into a vibrant, knowledge econo-my, and we are making great prog-ress in realising our innovation strategy, with all of our creative communities proactively support-

ing Dubai’s next phase of growth into an innovation-led economy.”

“As the only organisation that innovates across six industries, TECOM Group has an important role to play during UAE Innova-tion Week, and our extensive programme of events and activi-ties will engage the community and showcase our commitment towards empowering and engag-ing SMEs and start-ups, equip-ping them with the skills to drive forward innovation.”

Open events and workshops across TECOM’s communities, including Dubai Knowledge Vil-lage, Dubai Design District and Dubai Science Park, will cover important topics such as design thinking, promoting creativity and talent, language learning and more, to educate the wider busi-ness community about innova-

tion and provide the right tools to facilitate the development of skills and knowledge.

A series of targeted i-talks, i-conferences and i-workshops will run throughout the week at Dubai Internet City’s in5 innovation centre to empower SMEs and start-ups and give them the op-portunity to learn important in-novation and business-related skills. It will also cover key topics such as how to start a business, how to do an investor pitch, fund-ing and fundraising strategies and the importance of SME friendly business tools.

Recognising the importance of encouraging the wider commu-nity to be part of the innovation journey, Arab Media Group, which manages ARN, Done Events and Global Village and is part of TECOM Group’s portfo-

lio, will organise a series of cre-ative events and entertainment programmes across Dubai, and are expected to welcome over 50,000 people.

TECOM Group’s diversified portfolio of companies, nation-alities and cultures have given the organisation an excellent foundation from which to cham-pion innovation. Its business partners, which range from mul-tinational corporations and For-tune 500 companies to start-ups and SMEs, continue to work alongside each other to foster the development of vibrant industry ecosystems, and support Dubai’s development into a global hub for innovation.

A full list of TECOM Group’s Innovation Week activities can be found at www.trcomgroup.ae/innovates

Proactive support for Dubai’s next growth phase TECOM aims to equip the business community with the right tools to facilitate the development of skills and knowledge

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www.uaeinnovates.ae

How can a ladylift 700 tons in one go?To see how, visit our journey of innovation at The Waterfallin Dubai Mall from the 22nd of November to the 4th of December

How can a ladylift 700 tons in one go?To see how, visit our journey of innovation at The Waterfallin Dubai Mall from the 22nd of November to the 4th of December.

UAE INNOVATION WEEKExperience our journey