Dubai's Executive Council met on Thursday to review gross domestic product growth and plan the development of a stronger knowledge economy.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, led decision-makers in a meeting at the new Mohammed bin Rashid Library.
GDP growth hit 6.2 per cent in 2021 and 5.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2022, he said, marking a strong recovery after the coronavirus pandemic stalled economies across the globe.
“We realise that the next stage of our development journey and our economic achievements will be based more on knowledge and the knowledge economy, and we are ready for the next stage of Dubai's development march,” he said on Twitter.
The government has plans to make the city a global centre for technology, coding and cryptocurrency trading, along with research and development.
Earlier, Dubai authorities said 6.17 million international visitors were recorded between January and May 2022, buoyed by Expo 2020 Dubai.
That marked growth of about 200 per cent compared to the same period in 2021, at the height of the pandemic.
“As we look ahead to the remainder of 2022 and beyond, we will harness the key elements that have ensured the industry’s steady growth year after year since we reopened to international visitors in 2020 — providing an unparalleled diverse destination offering that offers unique value and memorable experiences for our guests,” said Helal Almarri, director general of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.
Inside Mohammed bin Rashid Library: in pictures
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The Mohammed bin Rashid Library in Al Jaddaf, Dubai. All photos Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The library is home to more than one million physical and digital books. -
There are lots of toys and play areas for children and people of determination. -
The library's foyer is spacious and inviting. -
There are lots of comfortable spaces to read, study and work. -
There is also an indoor amphitheatre. -
Conference rooms are available for hire, too. -
There is a large collection of scientific and research books from the Arab world and beyond. -
A 1662 first edition 'Atlas Maior' by Joannes Willem Blaeu is on display at the Treasures of the Library exhibition. -
The exhibition features work dating back to the 13th century. -
Library board director Jamal Al Shehhi inspects some of the books in stock. -
Library technician Terry uses robots to retrieve books from the store room and send them, via monorail, to various sections of the library. -
The library's language garden features 60 quotes, printed in different languages, attributed to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. -
Three-year-old Evan reads a book in the library. -
The library's exterior resembles an open book.
