UAE leaders to meet at Abu Dhabi summit over country's future

The third annual meeting will bring together leaders from federal and local government

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meet in the Vice President's wing of Qasr Al Watan earlier this month to sport Expo 2020 wristbands. The two leaders and 500 other top governmenShow more

The UAE’s leaders will meet in Abu Dhabi on Monday to discuss the future direction of the country.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, are hosting the third Government Annual Meeting in the capital.

More than 500 national leaders from federal and local government authorities will discuss how the UAE’s infrastructure could be developed over the next 10 years.

Also high on the agenda are the various phases of development to prepare for the country’s centenary celebrations in 2071, state news agency Wam reported.

The centennial project will be broken up into five 10-year phases, with the first section being developed and implemented over the next decade.

“The UAE Government annual meetings are an important platform that brings together the UAE people and government officials to communicate and interact as a single work group,” Wam reported.

“The aim is to reach a single goal and achieve the leadership's aspirations to see the UAE become the first in the world in various fields and sectors.”

This year’s Government Annual Meeting will conclude with a ceremony to recognise the efforts of individuals and organisations that have played a key role in promoting tolerance across the country over the past 12 months.

The impact of the latest international developments on the country was also due to be discussed during a series of workshops and conferences.

Other sessions would examine the UAE’s plans and preparations to host Expo 2020 in Dubai next year.

Last year’s meeting, which took place in Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, included the launch of the UAE Tourism Identity, a drive aimed at raising the country’s profile to become the “first tourism destination worldwide”.