The World Economic Forum's annual Global Competitiveness Index now places the UAE as the top-performing economy in the Arab world and in 12th place overall in the international standings. As The National reported yesterday, the UAE economy leapt up seven places in the 144-country index, which uses data from the UN, the International Monetary Fund and the World Health Organisation to compile its performance league table.
While occupying first place in the Arab world is an achievement in itself, the fact that the UAE is now jostling for position with recognised economic heavyweights such as the UK, Sweden, Denmark and Norway is of far greater significance and illustrates this country’s strong and stable commercial and social environment. Additionally, when it comes to the country’s institutions, the UAE came first in the world for absence of organised crime and third for both public trust in politicians and lack of regulatory burdens.
These achievements are the result of leadership by the government and are, as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said yesterday, “a tribute to federal and local teams working as one for the country’s progress”. It ought to be noted that progress is a never-ending road and an even higher ranking cannot be achieved without addressing some areas of concerns highlighted in the report.
One major shortfall is the take-up of primary education, where the UAE is ranked 98th, even though the country performed strongly in the higher education sector, ranking seventh. Having a decent primary education system is the foundation of creating a knowledge-based economy and should not be neglected amid the increasing focus on higher education.
Another area for attention is the health care system, demonstrated by the low rankings in life expectancy (41st) and infant mortality (44th). The UAE needs to make more efforts to develop its medical services and increase awareness among people about health issues – one of the reasons The National has launched its Healthy Living campaign. For those wishing to set up businesses in this country, a simplified regulation of the labour market and easier access to financial backing will help attract more entrepreneurs.
While much pride can be taken from such a strong overall showing, the country must continue to work hard to climb further up the overall league table and to maintain its position as the leading country in the region.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Ovo's tips to find extra heat
- Open your curtains when it’s sunny
- Keep your oven open after cooking
- Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy
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Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
What you as a drone operator need to know
A permit and licence is required to fly a drone legally in Dubai.
Sanad Academy is the United Arab Emirate’s first RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) training and certification specialists endorsed by the Dubai Civil Aviation authority.
It is responsible to train, test and certify drone operators and drones in UAE with DCAA Endorsement.
“We are teaching people how to fly in accordance with the laws of the UAE,” said Ahmad Al Hamadi, a trainer at Sanad.
“We can show how the aircraft work and how they are operated. They are relatively easy to use, but they need responsible pilots.
“Pilots have to be mature. They are given a map of where they can and can’t fly in the UAE and we make these points clear in the lectures we give.
“You cannot fly a drone without registration under any circumstances.”
Larger drones are harder to fly, and have a different response to location control. There are no brakes in the air, so the larger drones have more power.
The Sanad Academy has a designated area to fly off the Al Ain Road near Skydive Dubai to show pilots how to fly responsibly.
“As UAS technology becomes mainstream, it is important to build wider awareness on how to integrate it into commerce and our personal lives,” said Major General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief, Dubai Police.
“Operators must undergo proper training and certification to ensure safety and compliance.
“Dubai’s airspace will undoubtedly experience increased traffic as UAS innovations become commonplace, the Forum allows commercial users to learn of best practice applications to implement UAS safely and legally, while benefitting a whole range of industries.”
The five pillars of Islam
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
Specs
Price, base: Dhs850,000
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 591bhp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.3L / 100km
Top goalscorers in Europe
34 goals - Robert Lewandowski (68 points)
34 - Ciro Immobile (68)
31 - Cristiano Ronaldo (62)
28 - Timo Werner (56)
25 - Lionel Messi (50)
*29 - Erling Haaland (50)
23 - Romelu Lukaku (46)
23 - Jamie Vardy (46)
*NOTE: Haaland's goals for Salzburg count for 1.5 points per goal. Goals for Dortmund count for two points per goal.
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Who is Tim-Berners Lee?
Sir Tim Berners-Lee was born in London in a household of mathematicians and computer scientists. Both his mother, Mary Lee, and father, Conway, were early computer scientists who worked on the Ferranti 1 - the world's first commercially-available, general purpose digital computer. Sir Tim studied Physics at the University of Oxford and held a series of roles developing code and building software before moving to Switzerland to work for Cern, the European Particle Physics laboratory. He developed the worldwide web code as a side project in 1989 as a global information-sharing system. After releasing the first web code in 1991, Cern made it open and free for all to use. Sir Tim now campaigns for initiatives to make sure the web remains open and accessible to all.
