Tourism & Hospitality | Wednesday 16 November, 2016 2:47 pm |

This week marked the launch of UAE’s second annual Innovation Week as Dubai supports the UAE’s future vision and leads the efforts to highlight the United Arab Emirates as a global innovation hub. The General secretariat of The Executive Council reviewed activities to be carried out in celebration of UAE Innovation Week in coordination with the government and private sectors.

The meeting, which took place at Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Center Headquarters at the Emirates Towers, in the presence of Hamdah Bin Kalban, Dubai Committee Coordinator for the UAE's Innovation Week in addition to the coordinators of the committees of innovation in the UAE and a number of local, regional and international media representatives.

The second annual Innovation Week is taking place from 20th to 26th November, 2016 under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may god protect Him, who announced the Year of Innovation in 2015 along with the launch of the national strategy for innovation by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, which is aimed at contributing to the 2021 Vision of the UAE and support the future efforts to strengthen the position of the UAE as a global hub for innovation in all areas and sectors.

On this occasion, His Excellency Abdulla Al Shaibani, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai and member of the higher committee for UAE Innovation Week said: “Innovation Week reaffirms the ongoing guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may god protect Him, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the importance of strengthening the concept of innovation among all segments of society, as it symbolizes one of the largest innovation initiatives in the world. This nationwide celebration is a united effort by the government, the private sector, educational institutions and individuals during this week is a step forward in creating a widespread culture of advancement in the UAE and strengthen the aspiration of the youth.”

“our mission whether in our work place or in our social life, we must ensure to encourage and inspire the future’s youth and falls in line with UAE's efforts to create a conducive environment that stimulates advancement.” concluded His Excellency Abdulla Al Shaibani, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai and member of the higher committee for UAE Innovation Week.

Hamdah Bin Kalban, Dubai Committee Coordinator for the UAE's Innovation Week, explained, during the meeting with Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Innovation: "The successful participation of the various sectors during the first session of UAE Innovation Week, showed the enthusiasm of everyone involved in adopting a work approach that provides opportunities and ways to adopt innovative ideas. This was evident in Dubai, which showcased the importance of innovation to society. This year, the government and private sectors will be organizing events aimed at all segments of the community to provide creative and interactive projects and activities to deliver the ultimate objective of spreading the innovation mind-set nationwide."

On the occasion of recognizing and celebrating innovation with members of the community in Dubai, The General secretariat of The Executive Council will be launching a three-day, family-oriented carnival, “Dubai Innovation Park”, which will take place at Dubai’s Burj Park on Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard where activities will be hosted and open to the public from 23-26 November. Events in honor of the celebration will be taking place across the UAE during the week, providing community members with the opportunity to participate in a range of showcases that include innovative products and services, new national initiatives, interactive programs and competitions and engaging talk sessions. (Table of activities attached)

The country’s national innovation strategy was originally launched in October 2014, with the first Innovation Week taking place in November 2015.