Leaders convene at the two-day UAE Government Annual Meeting, held the week before National Day to discuss the future direction of the country. Wam
Leaders convene at the two-day UAE Government Annual Meeting, held the week before National Day to discuss the future direction of the country. Wam

Annual summit is a road map for the UAE’s future



Next week the UAE gears up to celebrate its 48th National Day. It is a time for festivity as the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of a nation that has made rapid strides in just half a century of its existence and has matured well beyond its years. An oasis of political stability, religious tolerance and technological advancements in a largely restive neighbourhood, the UAE has for decades been home to citizens from all over the world and from all walks of life, who have come seeking greater opportunities and a better life for themselves. Indeed, there is much to be proud of for the nation as a whole. And yet there can be no room for complacency in an ever-changing world either.

It is for this reason that every year since 2017, its leaders have been convening at the UAE Government Annual Meeting to discuss the future direction of the country. The timing of the two-day summit is apt as it is held the week before National Day. Beyond its obvious symbolism, the date falls at the end of the year – thereby giving its stakeholders a timeframe within which to take stock of their accomplishments and make resolutions. More than 500 officials from federal and local government authorities are discussing how the UAE's infrastructure could be developed over the next 10 years. Also on the agenda is government preparation for the country's centenary celebrations in 2071, the first phase of which will be developed and implemented over the next decade. At the summit, officials outlined 11 ways to improve life in the Emirates, ranging from boosting tourism to embracing the digital economy and delivering better care for children.

The annual meeting is impressive in its ambition and scope – but it also crucial as a road map for the future. For one, it reflects the government’s ability to take the long view on several issues – such as planning for a post-oil future – at a time when its counterparts around the world are finding it increasingly difficult to plan far ahead, given deep divisions prevalent in society. Issues such as globalisation and trade – ideas that once received wide consensus across political divides in the West – are now being hotly debated and are consequently complicating policymaking efforts. Furthermore, authorities in many countries – both in the developed and emerging world – have been inadequately prepared for disruptions brought about by new technologies and climate change.

In stark contrast, leaders in the UAE have been able to create a national framework for local initiatives, such as Abu Dhabi's Ghadan 21 and the Dubai Plan 2021 – government programmes designed to improve the respective emirates' competitiveness in various aspects of life, from business to innovation. This reflects the realisation that the country, while being a federation of seven emirates, makes even greater progress by marching in lockstep. It is this unity among its stakeholders that will ensure not just the durability but also the continued prosperity of the nation.

Gulf rugby

Who’s won what so far in 2018/19

Western Clubs Champions League: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens: Dubai Hurricanes
West Asia Premiership: Bahrain

What’s left

UAE Conference

March 22, play-offs:
Dubai Hurricanes II v Al Ain Amblers, Jebel Ali Dragons II v Dubai Tigers

March 29, final

UAE Premiership

March 22, play-offs: 
Dubai Exiles v Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Hurricanes

March 29, final

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Various Artists 
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
​​​​​​​

PROFILE OF HALAN

Started: November 2017

Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport and logistics

Size: 150 employees

Investment: approximately $8 million

Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar

Manchester United v Liverpool

Premier League, kick off 7.30pm (UAE)

SPECS
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Game Changer

Director: Shankar 

Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram

Rating: 2/5

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

Our House, Louise Candlish,
Simon & Schuster

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Chatham House Rule

A mark of Chatham House’s influence 100 years on since its founding,  was Moscow’s formal declaration last month that it was an “undesirable
organisation”. 

 

The depth of knowledge and academics that it drew on
following the Ukraine invasion had broadcast Mr Putin’s chicanery.  

 

The institute is more used to accommodating world leaders,
with Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher among those helping it provide
authoritative commentary on world events. 

 

Chatham House was formally founded as the Royal Institute of
International Affairs following the peace conferences of World War One. Its
founder, Lionel Curtis, wanted a more scientific examination of international affairs
with a transparent exchange of information and ideas.  

 

That arena of debate and analysis was enhanced by the “Chatham
House Rule” states that the contents of any meeting can be discussed outside Chatham
House but no mention can be made identifying individuals who commented.  

 

This has enabled some candid exchanges on difficult subjects
allowing a greater degree of free speech from high-ranking figures.  

 

These meetings are highly valued, so much so that
ambassadors reported them in secret diplomatic cables that – when they were
revealed in the Wikileaks reporting – were thus found to have broken the rule. However,
most speeches are held on the record.  

 

Its research and debate has offered fresh ideas to
policymakers enabling them to more coherently address troubling issues from climate
change to health and food security.   

 
Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

Roll of honour: Who won what in 2018/19?

West Asia Premiership: Winners – Bahrain; Runners-up – Dubai Exiles

UAE Premiership: Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners-up  Jebel Ali Dragons

Dubai Rugby Sevens: Winners – Dubai Hurricanes; Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Conference: Winners  Dubai Tigers; Runners-up  Al Ain Amblers

The specs

Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 400hp

Torque: 475Nm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Price: From Dh215,900

On sale: Now

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Politics in the West
Cryopreservation: A timeline
  1. Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
  2. Ovarian tissue surgically removed
  3. Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
  4. Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
  5. Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
How to get there

Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).

Second leg

Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm

Games on BeIN Sports