UAE at 50: Ruler of Dubai and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to host government retreat

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the ‘future belongs to whomever imagines, designs and implements’

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed will lead a brainstorming retreat for senior government figures. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

The UAE government will hold a brainstorming retreat this week to plot the country’s next 50 years of development.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, will lead the event with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Discussions on Tuesday and Wednesday will focus on how the Emirates will navigate the next half-century, what government will look like and “how to accelerate our development process”, Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter.

Ministers and officials will also focus on how to “improve the business and economic environment in our country to achieve new competitive leaps”, he said.

A video that accompanied the tweet showed footage of the recent space missions including the Mars probe success, humanitarian operations and the pursuit of technology.

“The future needs proactive plans, innovative initiatives and new skills with which we can preserve our leadership and success story, and through which we provide a better life for the new generations in this country,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

The gathering is being held to put forward a series of plans and initiatives to prepare the country’s institutions for the next 50 years.

Government officials will be split into working groups and each presented with anticipated challenges to address with a plan. This must include defined responsibilities and specific goals.

Two committees were set up last year to form plans for the country's future and the Golden Jubilee celebration, and present these to the UAE Cabinet.

The 50-Year Preparedness Plan will focus on six areas: government, society, economy, education, infrastructure and environmental sustainability, and security and justice.

A website was launched to encourage community interaction and seek ideas from the public to plan the UAE anniversary.

On December 2, 2021, the country will be 50 years old.

Throughout this year, decision-makers will put the spotlight on its rapid journey to present day – and the challenges and opportunities the next half-century will bring.

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