Sheikh Mohammed Launches National Innovation Committee In UAE

The UAE is setting-up a new National Innovation Committee (NIC) to monitor the implementation of the National Innovation Strategy launched last month, which aims to put the UAE among the most innovative nations in the world by 2021.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE’s VP and PM and Dubai’s ruler, directed the formation of the committee, which will include a number of federal government entities, official news agency WAM reported.

Along with overseeing the implementation of the National Innovation Strategy, the NIC is also mandated with looking into the policies and initiatives that come from it, specifically targeting seven sectors: renewable and clean energy, transport, education, health, technology, water and space.

It will also enhance coordination, cooperation and exchange of expertise among federal and local entities, follow up progress of innovation initiatives and its related index nationwide and engage with the private sector, the report said.

Sheikh Mohammed said: “We in the UAE enjoy an open, diverse cosmopolitan community. We are living in a rapidly changing world where our requirements and ambitions are frequently changing and this requires us to innovate in order to ensure that our country continues to enjoy its eminent standing and ranks among the best countries in the world.

“Innovation is the only way to be the best, therefore it must be a key feature and tool in all our efforts and work if we want to preserve our nation’s hard-won gains,” he said.

He added: “We don’t only satisfy ourselves by launching strategies, but also follow up and implement these as expeditiously as possible.”

Approved by the cabinet, the NIC will be chaired by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, with members including: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy; Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education; Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy; and Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State.

The Prime Minister’s Office will host the NIC’s Secretariat General, WAM reported.