Future of Industry Dialogue: third in series focuses on the UAE's advanced technology sector
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, meet private sector representatives
The UAE's Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology held the third of its Future of Industry Dialogue online meetings, exploring ways of increasing the advanced technology sector’s contribution to the country's economic growth.
The first in the series, which began this month, focused on the heavy industries and the second on supporting a resilient food and beverage sector in the UAE.
In the third dialogue, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, met Faisal Al Bannai, secretary general of the Advanced Technology Research Council, Badr Al Olama, executive director at Mubadala Investment Company, Ismail Abdulla, chief executive of aircraft parts manufacturer Strata, chief executive of clean energy company Masdar, Mohamed Al Ramahi, Dr Eric Xing, president of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, AI and cloud computing group G42's chief executive Peng Xiao, multinational GE's gulf president Dalya Al Muthanna and Honeywell's president of high growth regions Norm Gilsdorf, Siemens Energy's regional managing director Dietmar Siersdorfer, Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiba of Oracle, Unilever's Yasir Jamal, Google's Selim Edde and IT company Cisco's Reem Assad.
Covid-19 has completely transformed the way we use technology, from working remotely to exploring virtual solutions in healthcare to the enhanced uptake for e-commerce and distance learning
Dr Al Jaber said that although the industrial sector has been impacted by the pandemic, technology companies "have played a vital role in ensuring we can adapt and survive".
"Covid-19 has completely transformed the way we use technology, from working remotely to exploring virtual solutions in healthcare to the enhanced uptake for e-commerce and distance learning, among so many others,” he said.
The UAE's resilience can also be attributed in "large measure to the continuous investments in advanced technology and artificial intelligence, as well as to our strategic partnerships with the private sector,” Dr Al Jaber said.
With regards to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the changes being made to jobs and the way businesses operate thanks to rapid technological advances, "the UAE has begun to build new, agile policy frameworks and shape cybersecurity regulations ... building cutting-edge infrastructure that can support and spur future industrial growth", said Dr Al Jaber.
He encouraged advanced technology companies to enhance their contribution to national R&D efforts through sustained education initiatives and research grants to enable young Emiratis to begin their careers in these vital fields.
Ms Al Amiri said the advanced technology and future focused industries are a national priority for the UAE in navigating the critical post-Covid-19 pandemic recovery phase.
“Embracing technology during the pandemic has been the key to resilience and sustainability. Recognising that the future lies within the realms of knowledge, R&D and technology, the UAE has established [the ministry] to realise its ambition to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution and fast-track the transition to a knowledge-based economy."
This includes shaping emerging industries such as space and medical technology and such aims can only be achieved with a comprehensive ecosystem in place, she said.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation.
Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
Wednesday April 24: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-6pm
Thursday April 25: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-5pm
Friday April 26: Finals, 3-6pm
Saturday April 27: Awards ceremony, 4pm and 8pm
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
