2020 - Preparing for the next 50 years Khaleej Times Two Cabinet committees have been formed to chart out the future development plan of the UAE. While one committee will build a comprehensive 50-year development plan, the other will oversee the grand celebrations for the country’s 50th anniversary in 2021. This came as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, announced 2020 to be the year of preparations for the next 50 years. Called ‘2020: Towards the next 50’, next year will witness the biggest national strategy to prepare for the coming 50 years on the federal and local level as the country approaches its golden jubilee in 2021. The first committee, chaired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, is tasked with building a comprehensive development plan for the next 50 years. Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, will act as his deputy. The second committee will be chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and his deputy will be Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strides to success Taking to Twitter, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said preparations for the country’s new journey will start in 2020. “We shall develop our plans and projects and reinvent new ideas. Fifty years ago, the founding fathers shaped our life today, and next year, we will shape the coming five decades for the future generations. He said the country will work on making giants leaps in “our economy, education, infrastructure, health, and media” to share the UAE’s new story with the world”. “Together, we will build the Emirates of the future in 2020 with the winning spirit of the union, a spirit that strives for progress. Our development journey has no end.” Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said the UAE is about to mark a major milestone in its “modern history” as it approaches the golden jubilee with “rising hopes and aspirations to strengthen its cultural position in the journey of humanity”. “With the willpower and unity of our people, we will work tirelessly to achieve our goal in making the UAE among the best countries in the world by the UAE centennial in 2071.” He said the country would coordinate efforts, deploy possible resources and strengths and deepen community partnerships to lay the foundations of a significant phase in the journey of development. “We will
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draft a new chapter in our economic, social and rapid development race. “Citizens and residents who form our society are all active partners in building a developmental and cultural model of the Emirates of the future.” He stressed that the achievements “we witnessed over the past five decades that gained widespread admiration across the world were the outcome of massive efforts, determination and dedication”. “We need to double the effort over the next five decades to meet our rising ambitions in an era that poses tougher challenges, fiercer competitions and rapid global transformations.” He affirmed that “such mission places a huge responsibility on every individual in the UAE and entails hard work and perseverance over the coming decades”. Post-oil era Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said the way towards making the UAE among the best countries in the world by 2071 requires special focus. This will entail preparing sectors across the country to the post-oil era and building a knowledge-based economy based on innovation, science and modern technologies. “Top priority of the national work within the next 50 years will be placed on investing in talents and capabilities, strengthening our system of values based on tolerance, openness and coexistence and preserving our national heritage, customs and traditions. We will also dedicate our efforts to remain at the forefront of the global competition and lay strong foundations for the sustainable development of the coming generations. “Given the significant role of 2020 in preparing for an unprecedented developmental leap, the UAE’s readiness for the next 50 years does not start today or next year. Rather, it goes back to the long-term developmental plans, visions and strategies established and implemented throughout different phases of the country’s history. Today, we continue preparing and foreseeing the future and building a strong foundation to meet our goals with full confidence and persistence in a rapidly-changing world.” What 2020 means for the country Declaring ‘2020: Towards the next 50’ comes at
