UAE Innovation Week

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advancing ahead with new ideas

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

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.

■■ Renewable and Clean Energy Considering the growing demand for energy, it has become a necessity for many countries around the world to innovate in renewable and clean energy. Hence, globally there is a tendency to diversify energy sources and provide future generations with access to sustainable energy that ensures 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, furthering applied research in renewable and clean energy technology, enhancing the efficiency of energy networks and storage, as well as shifting towards decentralised energy generation through feed-in tariff programmes.

■■ Transportation Transportation is one of the key pillars of a well-developed society aimed at an infrastructure 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 enhances the welfare of societies.

The UAE is at the forefront of the transportation industry worldwide. The successful experience of its national airline, Emirates and Etihad Airways, in uniquely reshaping the travel experience is a testament to its national innovative outlook. Over and above, multiple national 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 technology, 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 maintenance 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 technology 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 advanced technology research centers including: The Institute Centre for Microsystems (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 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry to improve the quality of services provided. Innovation in technology will also be achieved through the manufacturing of advanced technology in areas of global interest like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, nanotechnology 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 tendency towards a knowledge-based econ-

omy. An advanced education system enhances a nation’s capacity to innovate and create. Hence, the UAE launched a range of innovative projects in the education sector namely Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme (MBRSLP), established to further advance the UAE’s already accomplished education system and the Emirates Foundation ‘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 ‘EmiratesSkills’ programme, which aims to raise awareness of career-based technical education among young Emiratis by organising competitions, events and technical career activities.

Granted that individuals are at the heart of innovation, the NIS aims to promote innovation in the education sector by introducing creative teaching methods and techniques like Smart Learning, as well as designing and developing innovative curricula that equip pupils with the 21st century skills and knowledge in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and arts. In addition, the NIS will ensure an advanced learning infrastructure supported by the establishment of innovation labs in schools and universities, as well as specialised 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 paramount importance to advanced societies seeking a world-class health system that enhances the quality of life.

The UAE launched a myriad of initiatives to promote innovation in the healthcare sector. Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, for instance, aims to develop pharmaceuticals, 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 anticancer drug manufacturing plant in the GCC, besides hosting the first biotechnology innovation incubator in Abu Dhabi University. In addition, the Dubai Biotechnology 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 telemedicine techniques. It focuses on developing pharmaceutical industries and biotechnology, 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 lifestyle by deploying smart technology in disease control and prevention, as well as engineering and developing innovative 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 people 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 production, 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 research 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 countries in the field of space research.

Infographic and content courtesy:

Prime Minister’s Office at the UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs.

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Responsibility makes sustainable development possible Dubai Electricity and Water Authority showcases proactivity in green innovation ■■ Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer

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

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 Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister 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 Innovation Strategy last year with the goal of transforming the emirates into one of the most innovative countries in the world within the next seven years. The strategy stimulates innovation in seven sectors, namely renewable energy, transport, education, health, technology, water, and space.

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

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said: “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.”

DEWA is currently focusing on smart grids, research and development, renewables, and efficiency as part of its expansion plans over the next five years. Its longterm agenda reflects a strong commitment to maintaining balance between innovation and sustainability throughout its operations and services. It has also been actively introducing various initiatives 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 urbanised country. While this phenomenal growth has posed a number of environmental challenges along the way, a responsible forward-thinking leadership ensures a future that constantly balances progress and sustainability.

With the support of major government institutions like DEWA, the UAE will continue to be a model to show how being responsible makes innovation-driven sustainable development possible.

Culture of innovation and more Dubai Chamber is working tirelessly to raise innovation awareness amongst the business community

Innovation award

■■ Hamad Buamim 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 Champions within Dubai Chamber to encourage staff to come up with innovative ideas and drive the organisation forward by providing additional value-added services to support the business community.

Innovation initiatives We also motivate them through training programmes and seminars to be innovative in their approach and to make innovation an important part of their working life.

Masdar: an incubator for innovation and research

Hamad Buamim President and CEO Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dubai Chamber is working tirelessly to raise innovation awareness amongst the business community. The Chamber launched various initiatives to stimulate the business community on production and innovation and has developed its services to fit in with the changes and developments in accordance with the highest international standards adopted.

We are offering 100 per cent online 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-

We also launched, in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Economy, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Innovation Award within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award for businesses to be innovative and receive their due recognition 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 rewarding programme.

Innovation is a fundamental pillar in Dubai’s growth strategy. We very well understand the importance of innovation, especially in the realm of the fast growing global business environment and to be able to start to promote innovation 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 direction 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 environment within our businesses.

Innovative platform for Islamic economy makes a debut 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 The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology is preparing a string of research and collaboration launches and initiatives to contribute 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 ecosystem from November 22 to 28. Masdar Institute’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 country 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 country’s youth in key innovative sectors.

Dr Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute, said, “We are keen to play our part in the UAE Innovation Week that aims to honour the achievements of the entire country. 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 research institutions that is driving innovation in the country.”

As a leading research-oriented institution pursuing innovative solutions, Masdar Institute has lined up several activities to emphasise its commitment to advancing research and development focused on innovation for the UAE Innovation Week. These include a collaboration agreement to develop a fog detection 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 Platform to test and develop concentrating solar power and thermal energy storage technologies and the launch of the region’s first research 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 research projects.

Some of the projects on display at the Inno-

tor as well as those leading in corporate social responsibility and best business practices.

vation Zone were directly inspired by the Masdar Institute research centres (iCentres). Led by the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (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 Institute Centre for Smart Sustainable Systems — serve to organise and focus Masdar Institute’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 external stakeholders including leading government and private sector organisations.

The Masdar Institute Open Day 2015 will also be organised during the week to encourage 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 knowledge economy transition and National Innovation Strategy.

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

Its students and faculty continue to develop 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 disclosures. The 2015 US News and World Report rankings has placed Masdar Institute first in the ‘Field-Weighted Research Citation Impact’ 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 International Centre of Islamic Economy and the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA), the event is part of efforts to encourage innovation and creativity in the development of new products as key additions to the international Islamic economy.

The two-day event will be held in conjunction with UAE Innovation Week, which was launched

by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister 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 representatives from official, supervisory, regulatory, legislative and executive entities to share the latest innovative ideas related to Islamic 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 remarkable regional and international interest as a meeting point between the developers of innovative products and relevant ex-

perts in order to study the economic, technical, legal and legislative aspects to find appropriate mechanisms for transforming creative ideas into practical products that can advance the growth of the global Islamic economy.

The platform speakers will include Dr Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al Janahi, General Advisor at the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre; Prof. Seif el-Din Tag el-Din, Professor of Economics at Al-Imam Mohamad ibn Saud University; Dr Fuad bin Abdullah Al Omar, Former General 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, General Manager at Safa Investment Services; Oliver Agha, Group Chief Counsel for Abdul Latif Jameel International; Dr Mohammed Al Suhaibani, Professor at SABIC Chair for Islamic Financial Markets Studies at Imam University; Dr Sami Al Suwailem, Head of the Financial Product Development Centre at the Islamic Development Bank; Michael 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, emphasised the importance of organising a high-level annual event such as the International Innovative Platform for Islamic Economic Products. He explained that the event provides a major boost to establish Dubai as an influential force on Islamic economics, noting its important role in enriching knowledge and strengthening communication channels among decision-makers, 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

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

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 establishment 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

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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.

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

Positioning the UAE as a fully innovative society Ministry of Health to showcase latest prototypes in robotic pharmacy and SMART rehabilitation among others during Innovation Week The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced its schedule of activities for the country’s coming celebration of ‘Innovation 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, Undersecretary, MoH, said: “These events fall in line with the directive of The President, 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 celebrations by launching almost 30 activities during Emirates Innovation Week.

Dr Ayesha Al Mutawa, CEO Innovation at MoH, said that all of the Ministry’s activities would be held in the presence of its senior officials, including assistant undersecretaries and their leadership teams. There will be a calendar of variable innovative events to be launched at MoH ranging from talent

exhibitions featuring special talents at MoH; ‘Make a Wish’ to encourage employees 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 suggestions by customers; a services camp ‘Sahala’ to offer express services directed to MoH customers using advanced technology and hologram figures at customer service; to unveiling MoH innovation — Think Tank Chamber, and contests for colleges and medical schools.

The Sharjah Training and Development Centre will host a health and medical technology exhibition that will feature the latest innovations and prototypes of National Innovation Initiatives such as robotic pharmacy, SMART rehabilitation, beat-the-street scanners and other new technologies. The centre will also host a series of dialogues and roundtable discussions featuring prominent specialists in the medical field.

In line with the declaration of The President, 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 participation in the same through a number events and activities.

MoF’s participation in ‘UAE Innovation 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 leader in development and innovation. This can only be achieved by promoting a culture of innovation in different government practices through a well-established methodology that enhances government institutional work. MoF is committed to establishing an environment suitable for innovation and supporting the UAE’s vision in this regard.

The Ministry’s participation during the ‘UAE Innovation Week’ will focus on motivating the public and the community to share their ideas and suggestions and take part in innovative development 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

Saeed Rashid Al Yateem, Assistant Undersecretary of Budget and Revenue at MoF 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 innovative culture as an approach in government work and support the National Innovation Strategy. This approach is key in raising the efficiency of government work and maximising service revenues as well as supporting government entities in achieving their goals in an effective 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 Innovation Week’ aims to support contributions from business owners in both the private and government sector as well as ensuring that customers are benefiting from government services in order to guarantee the participation of all parties in the innovation process. This is key in achieving 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, including games that encourage young people to use their imagination and participate 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 displayed during the Innovation Week, including the e-wallet and e-vouchers to pay services fees. The two mentioned tools were launched at the GITEX Technology Week recently.

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 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 spearhead 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 Maktoum, 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 transform Dubai into an innovationled economy, TECOM Group’s communities across ICT, media, education, science, manufacturing and design sectors will engage 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 economy, and we are making great progress 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 Innovation Week, and our extensive programme of events and activities will engage the community and showcase our commitment towards empowering and engaging SMEs and start-ups, equipping them with the skills to drive forward innovation.”

Open events and workshops across TECOM’s communities, including Dubai Knowledge Village, 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 business community about innova-

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

A series of targeted i-talks, iconferences 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 opportunity to learn important innovation and business-related skills. It will also cover key topics such as how to start a business, how to do an investor pitch, funding and fundraising strategies and the importance of SME friendly business tools.

Recognising the importance of encouraging the wider community 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 creative events and entertainment programmes across Dubai, and are expected to welcome over 50,000 people.

TECOM Group’s diversified portfolio of companies, nationalities and cultures have given the organisation an excellent foundation from which to champion innovation. Its business partners, which range from multinational corporations and Fortune 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

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