Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announces UAE Strategy for the Future

All government departments will appoint "directors of future planning" under a national strategy announced on Wednesday by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed described the UAE Strategy for the Future as an "integrated strategy to forecast our nation’s future, aiming to anticipate challenges and seize opportunities". It was launched under the directives of the President, Sheikh Khalifa.

Departments must abandon obsolete or irrelevant thinking and focus on the future, Sheikh Mohammed said. The strategy is mandatory for government department operations, to build the country’s talent and strengthen international partnerships.

A college and laboratories specialising in future studies will be established, Sheikh Mohammed said. "The strategy includes modelling the future of our health, education, social, development and environment sectors, and building capacity," he said.

Future planning will also become part of the school curriculum. Qualified Emiratis will be trained in the subject and lessons designed for the UAE will be taught in national universities. Ministers will be expected to represent the country as "ambassadors of the future" and reflect the country’s pioneering global position.

"As a nation, we have always been forward-looking and planning for the future, which has been a key driver of our success," said Sheikh Mohammed.

ThaNational.com