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WEF: UAE Tops Arab World and 17th in Global Competitiveness Ranking
- UAE progresses in scores rate from 5.26 to 5.3 in 2017
- UAE ranked among innovation-based economies for the 11th year
- UAE maintains its rank as the best 20 global competitive economies for the fifth consecutive year
- UAE competitiveness rank supersedes advanced economies, like France, Belgium, Australia, South Korea and China
- UAE among first 20 countries globally in 70% of Competitiveness indicators (80 out of 114)
- The annual report is published by World Economic Forum and ranks the competitiveness of 137 countries
Dubai, UAE- 27 September 2017
In its most recent edition of the Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018, The World Economic Forum (Davos) has revealed that UAE has topped the Arab world and ranked 17th globally in global competitiveness ranking. The report also ranked UAE among the top 20 competitive economies globally for the fifth consecutive year. Additionally, it has indicated that UAE has maintained its ranking to be among the world’s most significant innovation-based economies for the 11th year. The results of the report were unveiled today to participants in the Annual Meetings of UAE Government as a global testament to the success of the Government’s strategy in establishing innovation culture in government institutions and consolidating competitiveness as a performance style and measuring the success of government services and initiatives aimed at realizing the happiness and welfare of the UAE community.
Commenting on the performance of the current year, HE Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority stated: "The results of this year’s competitiveness report came simultaneously with the UAE Annual Government Meeting sessions, marking as a global testament underscoring the importance monitoring the effectiveness and efficiency of government services, to ensure they are consistent with guidelines and directions of set His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE president and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to adopt innovation-based approaches to maintain the ongoing progress in global competitiveness ranking and to realize our wise leadership’s vision in sustaining development across all sectors in the country".
H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Hajri, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi, said that the UAE government has paid great attention to enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE in various fields, working to enhance the framework of a comprehensive vision that contributed to the principles of efficiency in the markets and improving the competences of the business environment. He pointed out that the various structural economic reforms in the UAE in recent years and the legislations and decisions that have taken place in various economic, administrative and institutional aspects have contributed to accelerating the growth of the economic activities of the country, enhancing the strategy of economic diversification and opening up the trade and providing a favorable business environment, confirming the country’s advanced level of competitiveness.
Malik Al Madani, Director of Competitiveness Strategy Department at the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, said: "By virtue of the wise leadership’s support and consolidation of the team efforts from federal and local entities, as well as the private sector, UAE today affirms its active global role in the world arena across various economic, social and technological sectors. We are working today as one team, under one vision and as per renewed plans and keeping pace with global changes. We will always be in line with our leadership’s aspirations of making UAE as one of the best countries in the world by the year 2021 marking the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of founding the Union."
Global Performance
UAE ranked first in the Arab world and 17th globally in the general competitiveness ranking by advancing in the scores rate of UAE performance from 5.26 in 2016 to 5.3 in 2017. By this achievement, UAE maintained its leading rank to be among the top 20 competitive economies according to the World Competitiveness Report 2017-2018 issued by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in Switzerland. This report is considered one of the most reputable competitiveness reports that monitors on an annual-basis the performance and competitiveness of global economies in terms of strengths, weaknesses and impact on standards of living, prosperity and welfare of their nations.
The 2017-2018 Report monitored 137 economies and ranked them based on performance according to 114 indicators grouped within 12 main pillars that include: institutions, infrastructure, health and primary education, labor market efficiency and others. The report methodology is based on data and statistics issued by the participating countries, as well as opinion surveys and questionnaires sent to executives and senior private sector investors.
According to this year’s report, UAE has achieved an advanced ranking as a result of listing it within the top 10 globally in three main pillars. UAE came third globally in the Goods Market Efficiency Pillar, which is a global indication to the success of UAE’s economic diversification policy and the vision and strategic plans on performance efficiency of the UAE market. Furthermore, UAE came fifth globally in the Infrastructure Pillar, and this comes as a confirmation of the ongoing investment in infrastructure projects across the nation and the role this plays in sustaining UAE economy to become an attractive environment for business and investment. As for the Institution Pillar, which monitors the efficiency of government institutions, laws, and procedures dedicated for individuals and institutions, UAE has clinched the fifth place.
Progress in Most Significant Indicators
On a indicator level, UAE ranked among the top 20 countries in 80 out of total 114 indicators in the Global Competitiveness Report, which amounts to 70% of the indicators in total. The 2017-2018 Report witnessed great strides of the country’s performance in a number of key indicators, the most important of which are as shown in the following table:
| Indicator | Rank 2016 – 2017 |
Rank 2017 – 2018 |
No. of Jumps | |
| 1 | Inflation (Annual % Change) | 83 | 1 | 82 |
| 2 | Strength of Investor Protection | 49 | 9 | 40 |
| 3 | Mobile-broadband subscriptions | 20 | 2 | 18 |
| 4 | Protection of minority shareholders’ interests | 11 | 3 | 8 |
| 5 | Efficiency of legal framework in challenging regulations | 20 | 13 | 7 |
| 6 | Ease of access to loans | 16 | 9 | 7 |
| 7 | Property rights | 20 | 14 | 6 |
| 8 | Efficiency of legal framework in settling disputes | 10 | 5 | 5 |
| 9 | Transparency of government policymaking | 14 | 10 | 4 |
| 10 | Diversion of public funds | 5 | 3 | 2 |
Efficient and High-Performing Government institutions
Within the Institutions Pillar, UAE moved to take up the first rank globally in "Efficiency of Government Spending" indicator, and ranked second globally in the "Public Trust in Politicians" and "Burden of Government Regulation" indicators, and ranked third globally in "Protection of Minority Shareholders’ Interests" indicator. All of this reflects the success of the country’s leadership’s strategy and well-founded steps taken to achieve high levels of performance and efficiency in government work at the federal and local levels, and with the aim to ensure the happiness and welfare of UAE citizens and residents.
World-Class Infrastructure
In the Infrastructure Pillar, UAE ranked first globally in the "The Quality of Roads" indicator, third globally in "Quality of Air Transport Infrastructure" and "Mobile-Cellular Telephone Subscriptions", ranked fourth globally for "Quality of overall infrastructure", "Quality of Port Infrastructure" and "Available Airline Seat Kilometres- millions/week" indicators. This performance reflects the success of UAE’s strategy to continue injecting investments for the development and improvement of the State’s infrastructure by extending new internal and external road networks, expanding airports, developing seaports and developing plans to link all emirates through rail networks as part of the Union Railway Project.
Attractive Markets Meeting Global Standards
Lauding the development and progress of UAE marketplace and economy, the Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018 revealed that UAE achieved advanced positions in various indicators in listed in pillars of "Goods Market Efficiency", "Labour Market Efficiency" and "Macroeconomic Environment". UAE topped the world countries in "Effect of taxation on incentives to invest" and "Inflation/ annual % change" indicators. Also, UAE is ranked second globally in both indices of "Country Capacity to Attract Talent" and "Country Capacity to Retain Talent" came third in "Effect of Taxation on Incentives to Work" indicator.
Technological Development and Innovation
As for the pillars of "Technological Readiness", "Business Sophistication" and "Higher Education and Training", UAE came first globally in the "Government Procurement of Advanced Technology Products" and ranked second in "Mobile-Broadband Subscriptions" indicator. Moreover, the UAE ranked third in both "State of Cluster Development" and "Availability of Scientists and Engineers", and fourth in "FDI and Technology Transfer" indicators.
The World Economic Forum
The Global Competitiveness Report issued by The World Economic Forum (Davos) in Switzerland is one of the world’s most important reports since its first edition published in 1971. The report aims to assist countries around the world to identify obstacles to sustainable economic growth and development of strategies to reduce poverty and increase levels of prosperity. The report assesses countries’ potentials to provide high levels of prosperity and well-being for their citizens. The report also provides a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and challenges facing the economies of countries.
FCSA: 9.1 million is UAE population in December 2016
Dubai, UAE – August 3rd 2017
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority announced today that the UAE population for the year 2016 is 9,121,167 according to administrative records dated until 31 December 2016. The population administrative records also showed that 6,298,294 are male and 2,822,873 are female, making the gender split in the UAE 69% male and 31% female.
The UAE is considered among the first countries in the region to reveal population count relying on national administrative data methodology. This methodology pertains many advantages such as very high accuracy, speed of processing and dissemination of data and significant financial savings in costs of field count and survey operation. Whereas there is virtually no direct cost in disseminating data based on national administrative records.
"Since the inception of the FCSA, one of our strategic objectives has always been to spare no effort in evolving and modernizing the statistical ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates in accordance with best and most advanced global standards and best practices,” said Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Director General, Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority. “And thanks to the successful collaboration and support of our national partners and stakeholders in the UAE, we can now unveil the most up-to-date UAE population for the year 2016. We will be able to update the population number on annual basis."
Population data is one of the most important national data sets and is used for research, planning, decision-making support and policy formation. With the official population now available, UAE government entities, the international organizations and private sector will be able to use tis number in their research and studies.
DUBAI, 12th July, 2017 (WAM) –
Senior officials of Smart Dubai Office, SDO, have discussed with a high-level delegation from the Federal Authority for Competitiveness and Statistics ways to enhance mutual cooperation. Discussions also involved how to activate mechanisms and frameworks for joint work by the two entities, and to explore prospects for building future partnerships that serve common aspirations. Held at the Dubai Smart Office HQ, the meeting was chaired by Dr. Aisha bint Butti bin Bishr, Director-General of the Smart Dubai Office, and attended by Younis Al Nasser, CEO of Dubai Data Establishment, Wesam Lootah, CEO of Smart Dubai Government, Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Competitiveness and Statistics, and Mohamed Ahli, Executive Director of Statistics Sector, in addition to a number of officials from both entities.
Dr. Bin Bishr expressed her delight in exploring new horizons of fruitful partnership with the Federal Authority for Competitiveness and Statistics, and described the meeting as an ideal opportunity to consolidate efforts at all levels.
Smart Dubai has strategic partners that contributed to more than 137 smart initiatives and 1,129 smart services to the people. Holding such meetings at the local and federal levels underlines the importance of the concerted efforts to ensure the success of the Smart City model and export it to the world. It also sheds light on the methodologies and strategies needed to put Dubai at the forefront of smart cities, and highlight its position as a global model in adopting and employing modern technology for a sustainable future."
She stressed the need to work diligently and dedicate smart initiatives in all sectors to contribute to sustainable development and achieve the strategic goals in accordance with the vision of the wise leadership, which in turn contributes to positioning the emirate as a global destination on various levels and, achieve the happiness of the people of the UAE.
The meeting reviewed SDO’s role in spearheading the efforts to transform Dubai into a smart city. The roadmap and timeframe for Dubai Smart 2021 vision were presented at the meeting and a comprehensive presentation was made to the visiting delegation, explaining the initiatives and projects launched by SDO. The two sides also discussed ways to speed up joint institutional work to achieve the strategic objectives of both institutions.
Mr. Lootah said, "The success of our strategy that aims to enhance UAE international competitiveness and modernize the national statistical ecosystem depends on the successful partnership and collaboration of our partners in both federal and local government sector.
Our experience with Smart Dubai has always been valuable, as we learn from their innovative approaches and their commitment to achieve their goals and objectives. I look forward to our future collaboration with Smart Dubai on projects that will service the UAE society and brings them happiness and prosperity."
The delegation reviewed key performance indicators of Dubai Smart vision 2021, highlighting the importance of efficient performance in smart transformation and in achieving sustainability by applying the results of the indicators in policy making and future planning of SDO’s initiatives.
- The study underscores the growing importance of measuring public sentiment on public policy
- Focusing on the topic of tolerance in the nation by the public in and outside UAE
- Analyzing 1.4 million unique posts on social media
Dubai, UAE, Cape Town, South Africa – 11 June 2017
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) and BrandsEye, a world leading opinion mining company, announced today the completion of the first sentiment study conducted in the United Arab Emirates on the topic of tolerance in the UAE.
Working in coordination with the team of HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khaled Al Qassimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, the study focused primarily on the topic of tolerance and social media user’s opinion of the Minister’s announcements, activities and the news shared on the Minister’s official social media profiles.
During the research project, approximately 1.4 million unique posts shared by 172,000 social media users in the UAE were analyzed by opinion mining partner BrandsEye. BrandsEye uses a data analytics approach which combines search algorithms, crowd-sourcing and machine learning to accurately analyze conversations for sentiment and the topics driving that sentiment. The study was conducted over the period of three consecutive months earlier this year, and the findings were presented to Minister and her team during a recent visit to the FCSA headcounters.
The study findings highlighted that of all the posts analyzed, 20.5% expressed positive sentiment, 70% was neutral while only 4.5% of conversations were negative. Of the positive sentiment, 44% of the posts were expressed during the holidays in December were pictures of various religious communities in the UAE were shared practicing their faith in complete freedom. The remainder of the positive posts were praising the UAE policies and inclusion ,cohesion tolerance related activities and covering other topics such as low unemployment rates and attributing it to UAE providing an equal opportunity for everyone living on its land.
"The findings were very interesting and I am very delighted that people were mainly positive and/or neutral when it came to how they felt towards our announcements, programs and activities in and outside the UAE," commented HE Sheikh Lubna. "Policy and data are very interrelated in the decision making process. Knowing how people feel, adds a new layer of knowledge and insight that support drive more effective and impactful policies and initiatives for the people."
"Because of fake news, orchestrated and agenda-driven social engineering, many policy makers around the world are struggling to understand and collect accurate information and sentiment about their constituents. As decision makers, we have a grand responsibility to make sure we rely on accurate and effective scientific methods to have a better understanding of what really matters to the people," added HE Shaikha Lubna.
"We are very excited to be working with Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna’s office and the team in FCSA on this important project. The world of opinion mining is set to change the way governments and business conduct research, providing accurate data that will help drive better decision making at all levels," said JP Kloppers, BrandsEye CEO. "The sheer quantity of online conversations coupled with the instantaneous reactivity of this digital chatter has meant that sentiment-driven opinion data has become a mineable resource that gives one unique insight into how the public actually feel.
Kloppers added that fake news and what is known as ‘news feed bubbles’ are creating significant pockets of public opinion that are not based on truth, undermining the legitimacy (and demand for) their journalism. "Opinion mining offers a way for media to accurately measure and report on public opinion, regardless of its veracity," added Kloppers.
"Organizations around the world now have access to millions of relevant data points in both mature and developing markets. The data, if mined correctly, can provide insights that not only assist in decision-making, but also can shape product innovation and help reduce risk," said Abdulla Lootah, Director General of the FCSA.
"As a UAE federal government official reference on all matters related to statistics, competitiveness and data, it is part of FCSA’s mandate to explore, identify and adopt the latest global trends and technology to serve our stakeholders. Our collaboration with BrandsEye is just the beginning and to a new dimension on how we plan to transform the statistics and data business in the UAE. We look forward to more engagements on various topics across the UAE," concluded Mr. Lootah.
Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and Mastercard Sign Memorandum of Understanding
Dubai-UAE, 30 May 2017
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) has signed a MoU with Mastercard, a leading technology company in the global payments industry. The MoU aims to provide both parties with a strategic platform for the exchange of expertise and knowledge, especially in the areas of data and statistics, including big and open data in the UAE.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Abdullah Naser Lootah, Director General of FCSA, and Mr. Khalid Elgibali, Division President, Middle East and North Africa at Mastercard. The two parties agreed to explore various strategic opportunities to develop a joint framework aimed at enhancing capacity in the fields of data and knowledge products and services related to diverse sectors, such as retail, tourism and trade in the UAE. Furthermore, the two parties will examine and analyze purchase patterns and spend behavior, together with the identification of opportunities for the public as well as the private sectors to provide locals and residents with better services and products in view of the increasing demand for such solutions and seasons of high purchasing volumes.
H.E. Abdullah Naser Lootah pointed out: "We are constantly working to further enhance the national statistical ecosystem with all our stakeholders locally and internationally. This lies at the heart of our strategy and endeavors to enhance the UAE’s international competitiveness. I believe there is a great opportunity for the private sector to play a major role in the development of the national statistical system. We are looking forward to Mastercard’s extensive experience and innovation in the area of big and smart data."
Khalid Elgibali shared: "Mastercard has always been keen to establish effective strategic relationships and partnerships with the government sector. We are pleased to sign this MoU with a leading government institution such as the FCSA, with whom we share a common vision and goals for the greater empowerment of societies through the power of big data and by leveraging technologies that will contribute towards positive transformation in the local economy."
As part of its mandate, FCSA aims to create a world-class national statistical system by adopting global standards and expertise, and deploy advanced and innovative technological solutions. "The involvement, cooperation and collaboration of the private sector is fundamental for the success of this collaboration. We look forward to the outcomes of this partnership with Mastercard," concluded H.E. Lootah.
Muscat (May 2017):
Source: NCSA ,Sultanate of Oman,
The National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) received on Sunday (May 21) a delegation from the Federal Authority for Competitiveness and Statistics in the United Arab Emirates. The delegation learned about the role played by the Center in enhancing statistical knowledge in the Sultanate, and the features of the national spatial data infrastructure (ONSDI).
The delegation reviewed the Sultanate’s experience in executing statistical projects, and the effective use of data to achieve sustainable development goals through the various programmes and strategies developed and executed by the National Center for Statistics and Information.
The delegation appreciated NCSI’s role as a provider of accurate and timely data to decision makers and stakeholders so as to support national development plans and formulate future vision plans for the Sultanate. They also learned about the services provided by the Centre to the different segments of society ranging from governmental institutions to individuals.
In an interaction, Mohammed Hassan Ahli, the Executive Director of Statistics and National Data at the Federal Authority for Competitiveness and Statistics, UAE, noted that one of the strategic objectives of the Authority is to coordinate with various statistical bodies and centers as well as international organizations interested in statistics to offer quality statistics to stakeholders. The authority is in constant contact with the statistical centers in the Gulf countries and outside in order to exchange meaningful experiences and develop competency, he said.
He commended the strategy adopted by the National Center for Statistics and Information that is focused on transforming data into information and knowledge, which is made easily available to decision makers and all sections of the society. He also highlighted the Center’s efforts to promote statistics through various periodic statistical publications and multiple media platforms such as traditional and digital media including social media as well as smartphone applications.
What distinguishes NCSI is its dissemination of crucial data in an analytical way using simplified tables and charts that are easy to understand and interpret, he said, adding the awareness videos and presentations produced by the Centre hold great value.
Statistical agencies and their projects are mandated to provide not just data but meaningful analyses that highlight the state of economy, investments and trends of the times through economic indicators, he said, and noted that NCSI has been successfully undertaking this responsibility.
He also appreciated NCSI’s smartphone applications for the banking and fuel customers, developed using spatial data.The Center’s excellent communication links with the community as well as its strong presence in almost all local events such as the Salalah Tourism Festival need to be recognized and emulated, he added.
The visiting delegation watched NCSI’s presentations on various topics and projects including the Center’s initiatives to build and manage an integrated national-level social and economic information system designed to enhance the quality of information, and the promotional methods used to market its various products, and enhance media presence.
The delegation got to know about the Center’s work in the fields of governmental and international communication and the e-links with data sources and dissemination of data through various media platforms, and appreciated the Centre’s Information Portal that acts as a reliable source of information for all segments of society including public and private sector institutions, researchers and other interested parties.
The program also reviewed NCSi’s methods of collecting and processing statistical data and indicators, as well as tools to deal with requests for statistical data from various quarters.
The delegation was also briefed about the Centre’s action plan in employing GIS technologies.
He thanked the National Center for Statistics and Information for hosting the delegation, which allowed the Federal Authority for Competitiveness and Statistics to review the Sultanate’s experience in the statistical work.
- Release of the first edition of the report titled "From Goals to Reality: UAE and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development"
- Introducing UAE SDGs Portal
- Discussing National Plan to Achieve SDGs and Collaboration of all Stakeholders.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 27 April 2017
Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) chaired the first meeting of National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals formed upon a decision made by H.E. Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and FCSA Chairman.
The first meeting of the committee witnessed the release of a report titled "From Goals to Reality: UAE and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", which includes a record of a wide variety of UAE achievements in 2016, and their relevance to the 17 goals.
This edition of the book is the first, and has been produced by the FCSA and in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s team. Further editions of this book will be released annually to monitor achievement of SDGs indicators from all aspects, in addition to shedding light of the achievements of National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals.
The committee members also agreed no developing a national plan that monitors and follows up on committee activities, initiatives and governance. The plan should also links to key and important indicators such as global competitiveness reports and UAE ranking, to achieving the national agenda and SDGs and their prioritization, since the achievement of any of these themes reflects positively on achieving the goals of other aspects, which is needed by the decision makers.
During the course of the meeting, representatives of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority presented smart SDGs Web Portal; a project launched about earlier this month in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, during his follow-up on the projects of UAE National Agenda and Vision 2021.
HE Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairman of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, stressed that the work of the National Committee for Sustainable Development aims to complement the development process launched by the Founding Fathers of the UAE. "The wise leadership has a well-defined national economic and social development plan and goals, and the country’s strategy for Vision 2021 is a true reflection of our leaders’ vision of the future of the UAE and its people," she said. Her Excellency thanked all members of the Committee for their efforts and wished them success in achieving the objectives of the Committee and the success of its mission.
HE Abdullah Naser lootah, Director General of FCSA, said "We are very pleased with the success of the first meeting of members of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and the level of commitment and enthusiasm we have seen from the members of various governmental bodies. Formation of the Committee is a translation of the trust bestowed by the UAE wise leadership upon our government institutions thanks to the efforts of their members and their joint work, which serve the interests of the State and its advancement towards globally advanced levels in all fields."
Lootah added that a number of pivotal points were agreed upon at the meeting, which will be followed up in future meetings such as the preparation of an operational plan for the years 2017-2021, which will be updated periodically and in line with regional and global changes. It was also agreed to develop a simulation system for SDG indicators that helps the team to look into the future and all that may affect the performance of indicators from internal or external factors.
"We have had a successful experience in the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority for years in developing and harnessing the power of simulation systems to identify successful goals and strategies in improving global competitiveness, and we will harness this experience to support the SDG committee teams to achieve the goals of the National Commission for Sustainable Development," he said.
Engineer Khaled Harmoudi, Director at Government Performance Department of Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, said: "The objective of the UAE government is to maintain a happier community through sustainable development in the state. There is a need for the government to focus on the social and economic development goals. Hence, National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals’ meeting aims to focus on four pivotal aspects: society, economy, foreign relations and environment. Our goal at the Ministry of cabinet Affairs and the Future is to align the sustainable development indicators and the indicators of the National Agenda and the initiatives that support achieving UAE Vision 2021".
"Today’s meeting is a gathering of all government bodies under one roof to harmonize the National Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, with a view to cooperate and coordinate to achieve the strategic goals of the State. We, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, shall be a point of contact between the members of the Committee and all our external partners, where our role is to focus on linking the humanitarian assistance with the related sustainable development goals; i.e. eradicating hunger and poverty, supporting education and other goals with humanitarian and social dimension. ", added Mr. Yacoub Yousef Al-Hosani, Assistant Minister for Foreign Organizations Affairs at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
On her part, Amal Mohamed Alkous, Secretary General of the National Commission for Education, Culture, Science and Communication for UNESCO and the National Coordinator of Education Agenda 2030 said: "SDGs target all countries and individuals without discrimination globally, under a unified global framework, thus a unified regional framework, which helps to joint planning and utilization of local and international expertise, in order to achieve sustainability and development in the specific areas. This global framework provides an opportunity for UN Member States and relevant organizations; such as UNESCO and others, to launch joint and supportive initiatives and policies and to promote qualitative global and regional cooperation that contributes to effective capacity-building. On its national level, the UAE is always ahead of unlimited efforts linked to the national agenda and the national strategic plans. This requires the existence of a National Committee on Sustainable Development goals to reflect these efforts through a clear vision and strategic and operational plan to serve the country in the coming years to 2030".
Alia Zaid Harbi, Director of the Center for Statistics and Health Research at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, concluded saying: "The process of managing, organizing and achieving the goals of sustainable development will help to improve the performance of the country in all development indicators, so as to be in line with the world’s leading countries in this field. And here lies the importance of the strategic role of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, through which we will work to achieve our national goals and the UAE shall become one of the first leading countries in the world".
The meetings will be held periodically to follow up on the tasks and initiatives of the Committee, which are concerned with determining priority sustainable development goals, coordinating among the competent authorities in the state in all matters related to SDGs , exchanging information about them and proposing procedures and systems supporting their work, in addition to preparing reports on the status of the state and the efforts exerted to achieve the goals of sustainable development, identifying the data relevant to each body, supporting the work of the Committee and establishing a dedicated database for achieving SDGs nationwide.
- Young Emiratis to take part in an event to discuss the implementation of SDGs on the sidelines of the World Government Summit 2018.
Dubai, January 30, 2018
The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals applauded the great turnout from young Emiratis for the “SDGs in Action 2018” event, set to take place on February 10, 2018, on the sidelines of the World Government Summit, in an effort to engage the youth in SDG plans and programmes.
The UAE youth join more than 300 executives from various local and international public, private and academic establishments to discuss plans, strategies and initiatives that seek to achieve sustainable development, and address key challenges facing SDGs around the world.
Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), said: “Harnessing young people’s energy and channelling it towards development plans is the key to successful sustainable progress. In line with the leadership’s wise vision to engage young people in decision making, UAE government officials are committed to encouraging young Emiratis to take part in international events of this scale, in an effort to hone their skills and build on their ideas and suggestions to address challenges and build a better future.”
“Through its National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority is committed to engaging young people in the sustainability agenda,” H.E. Al Hashemi added. “Their involvement is the fruit of the many initiatives that brought together the Authority, the Committee, and the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs, since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, announced, in February 2016, the world’s first ministry dedicated to the youth.”
H.E. Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Chairperson of the Emirates Youth Council, added: “We are delighted to be taking part in this event dedicated to the sustainable development goals, which offers opportunities to explore international best practices, exchange ideas, and build robust networks to empower the youth as they join the sustainable development efforts spanning all sectors in the UAE, the region and the world.”
“The UAE leadership prioritises investment in human resources – particularly, the youth,” H.E. Al Mazrui pointed out. “Federal and Local Government bodies have been instructed to set plans and strategies to empower the youth and prepare a generation of highly qualified professionals to carry on with the sustainable development efforts taking place across the country. This reflects our leaders’ faith in the youth, who they consider to be the engine and driving force behind sustainable development.”
“SDGs in Action 2018” is an international event that seeks to discuss pragmatic solution to achieve sustainable development, raise awareness around them among all segments of society, discuss national and international best practices in this field, open channels for effective communication between all parties involved, and extend bridges of cooperation to achieve these goals on a global scale.
DUBAI, 22nd January, 2018 (WAM)
The UAE occupied the first regional position and the 17th international position on the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, GTCI, according to the 2018 publication issued by INSEAD.
The report is a comprehensive annual index that measures how countries and cities grow, attract and retain talent, providing a unique resource for decision makers to understand the global talent competitiveness picture and develop strategies for boosting their competitiveness.
In this year’s report, the UAE advanced two positions in compared to last year’s ranking. The UAE retained its rank among the 20 best countries in the world on the index, topping GCC, Middle East and African countries
Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman of Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, FCSA, expressed her pride in this achievement and thanked all government authorities and private sector companies for their co-operation in supporting the UAE’s competitiveness.
She stressed that UAE’s progress in the talent competitiveness index proves to the world the efficiency of its comprehensive development strategy, based on the directives of its wise leadership, aimed at building a knowledge-based economy, as well as its success in providing an environment that attracts talent.
Malik Al Madani, Director of the Competitiveness Strategy Department in FCSA, stressed that the UAE is harvesting the fruits of years of hard work to provide a solid infrastructure and an attractive economic and investment environment as well as establish an advanced education sector. He pointed out that all these components promote the development of human resources in the country and support its progress and international competitiveness.
Al Madani also added that the UAE achieved an exceptional performance in a number of key pillars and sub-indexes in this year’s report, after occupying the first international position in five sub-indexes including easy employment, each employee’s productivity, and international students’ attraction
The report also indicated that the UAE achieved the second international position in the strength of work relations between the government and business index, economic blocs/free zones, attracting minds and talents, and the third international position in the foreign direct investment and technology transfer and maintaining minds and talents.
This year’s report also witnessed an improvement in a number of pillars and sub-indexes as the country jumped by 13 positions compared to last year’s ranking to the first international position in the professional and technical skills pillar, measuring the availability of the required professional and technical skills in the different labour market sectors.
The UAE secured the third place internationally in attraction, which evaluates its ability to attract the best skills from outside the country, in addition to the country’s advancement of 19 levels in this year’s report in the growth axis, which measures the average growth of talent available in the country.
Al Madani said that the country is working to achieve its vision of becoming one of the best countries in the world by the UAE Centennial 2071, by focusing on future foresight, building an economy based on knowledge, creating an attracting business atmosphere, following innovation, and providing an advanced knowledge infrastructure, which supports the creation and exchange of knowledge.
The 2018 edition of GTCI includes 68 variables (65 in 2017), covering 119 countries and 90 cities (respectively 118 and 46 in 2017). This year again, GTCI scores are led by developed, high-income countries.
Switzerland maintains its number 1 position, followed by Singapore and the United States.
European countries continue to dominate the GTCI rankings, with 15 of them in the top 25.
Among the non-European countries ranking high this year, are Australia (11th), New Zealand (12th), Canada (15th), the United Arab Emirates (17th), and Japan (20th) for example.
- The event included 20 workshops in English and French discussing the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report.
- Bilateral meetings brought the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority with high-profile visitors to explore partnership opportunities.
- Participating Ministers were gifted copies of ‘My Story’, the book authored by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Dubai, December 16, 2019
The third Doing Business Technical Deep Dive has concluded its activities in Dubai, hosted over the course of four days by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Finance.
The event focused on the Ease of Doing Business Report, published by the World Bank Group. It brought together more than 350 economics experts from over 45 countries in the region and the world, covering Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Asia.
FCSA Director General and head of the event’s organising committee His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah delivered a closing speech, saying: “We were delighted to host the World Bank team and all participating delegations, ministers, lawmakers, and economists. The event included panel discussions and in-depth debate, where attendees exchanged expertise and best practices in the ease of doing business sector, strengthening efforts to enhance investment and business environments in participating economies.”
Lootah thanked partners from federal and local government entities in the UAE, as well as the private sector, for their contributions and support for the third High-Profile Doing Business Technical Deep Dive, whether by providing resources and talent, or welcoming participating delegations for field visits to showcase the UAE’s pioneering experience in the ease of doing business sector.
Meanwhile, the World Bank team extended its gratitude for the warm welcome participating delegations received, commending Emirati hospitality and the impeccable organisation of the event over its four days. World Bank officials underlined the importance of these meetings in providing a common platform for dialogue among participating countries – all included in the Ease of Doing Business Report – where they can exchange knowledge, best practices, and success stories in the field.
The sessions and workshops on the event’s agenda witnessed significant turnout from participants in the third High-Profile Doing Business Technical Deep Dive, who attended 20 workshops, prepared and delivered – in English and French – by renowned economists and experts tasked with compiling the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report.
H.E. Lootah lauded the great turnout at the event’s activities, saying that it reflects the quality of the knowledge content it provides. “The workshops were referred to as ‘Technical Clinics’, seeing as their main objective was to remedy the challenges and obstacles facing policymakers in their plans to enhance the work environment in their countries,” he said. “The sessions are organised by World Bank experts in government policy, economics, investment, foreign trade, and mass communication.”
The event discussed the opportunities and challenges facing the drafting and improvement of laws, legislation, and procedures surrounding doing business, as well as the basic stages that all economic establishments go through, from launching operations, to securing construction permits, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors and legal rights, paying taxes, cross-border trade, enforcing contract, and handling cases of insolvency.
The organising committee sought to ensure international delegations have an authentic Emirati experience, where groups of Emirati children, dressed in traditional clothing, welcomed them with traditional rose water sprinklers to the tone of Emirati folk music during breaks between sessions. Visitors were also treated to traditional local dishes such as Batheeth, Rangeena, and Arabic coffee, served during authentic Yola and Ayala performances. Organisers presented their visitors with souvenirs inspired by the UAE’s heritage such as wicker baskets made especially for the occasion by members of the Productive Families Programme.
Prominent Visitors Applaud ‘Well Organised’ Event
The third High-Profile Doing Business Technical Deep Dive received extensive praise from renowned international visitors for being well organised, as well as for the warm welcome visitors received, which reflected Emirati values of hospitality and the UAE’s professionalism in organising global knowledge events.
The visiting dignitaries, including several ministers, convened in bilateral meetings with the FCSA team on the side lines of the Deep Dive, held in Dubai this week.
H.E. Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Justice -Eswatini, stated that the third High-Profile Doing Business Technical Deep Dive is particularly important for developing and facilitating business, offering a platform for dialogue and the exchange of creative ideas to utilise the Report and its indexes to improve laws and procedures.
Meanwhile, Senator Manqoba Khumalo, Minister of Commerce, Industry & Trade from Eswatini, applauded the event and the advanced level of communication and interaction among participants, saying that Dubai impressed him with its opulence and generosity.
For his part, HE. Oumarou Alma, Minister – Special Adviser to the President of the Niger Republic, said: “As the third High-Profile Doing Business Technical Deep Dive draws to a close, I cannot help but express my sincere gratitude to the United Arab Emirates, and to the World Bank delegation, for the warm reception and impeccable organisation. The event is a must-attend function and an unparalleled occasion for exchanging expertise, opinions, and best practices for the entities tasked with rolling out economic reforms in Africa and the Middle East.”
“I thank the UAE and the World Bank once again,” H.E. Oumarou added, “and a special thank you goes to H.E. Abdulla Lootah, Director General of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, and his team for their constant support and their efforts to organise this event, which has made our stay in Dubai – the city of the future – all the more advantageous.”
The organising team presented visiting dignitaries with copies of ‘My Story’, the book authored by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai.
The UAE ranks among the world’s top 20 economies, and came in 16th place on the annual Ease of Doing Business Report, which tracks 190 countries around the world. The Emirates led the entire Arab region on the ranking for the seventh consecutive year. Furthermore, the UAE ranked among the international top 10 on four of the Report’s 10 categories, ranking first in the world in terms of ease of connecting to the electrical grid; third in terms of ease of securing construction permits; ninth in terms of enforcing contracts; and tenth in terms of ease of registering property.
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The emirate is hosting the event for 4 days, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance.
- The event is organised by the World Bank Group, with the support of the UAE’s Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA).
- H.E. Hessa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development: The UAE welcomes the findings of the Doing Business Report with an open mind, implementing them to rank among the top countries in the world on the index.
- H.E. Abdulla Lootah, FCSA Director General: The UAE uses the Report’s findings to launch projects and update legislations and procedures to be in line with reality and pave the way for a better future.
- H.E. Matthew Hawkins, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the UAE: The ease of doing business in the UAE is one of the leading factors that have made it an important business and commercial hub for our country.
Dubai, December 10, 2019
The third high-profile Doing Business Technical Deep Dive kicked off in Dubai today, hosted by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) in coordination with the Ministry of Finance.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance, the event addresses the World Bank’s Doing Business Report, bringing together a host of renowned policymakers and experts in economics and business to explore opportunities and exchange expertise.
The meeting is scheduled to take place over the course of four days, under the theme ‘Global Aspiration Towards Business Growth and Economic Prosperity”. It brings together more than 350 experts from 45 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Asia. The agenda includes several panel discussions, workshops, lectures, and field trips to explore best practices in government entities around the UAE that have earned high global rankings on the Doing Business Report.
In her opening speech, Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, said: “The UAE has established partnerships with the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation that have led to a host of successes and accomplishments across various sectors. Our cooperation to support competitiveness is one of our most successful; the UAE believes in the Doing Business Report, welcomes its findings with an open mind, and implements its recommendations to advance through the ranks and assume the top spots among the countries of the world on the index.”
“Our journey with competitiveness has had its fair share of challenges and successes that have propelled the UAE to the top ranks on numerous international competitiveness indexes,” H.E. added. “What the United Arab Emirates accomplished in the past few decades, and what it still plans to accomplish, will serve as a solid foundation upon which we can build a competitive knowledge economy driven by human skills, and capable of materialising the Fourth Industrial Revolution as on-the-ground projects and initiatives that serve to achieve the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan.”
“We are gathered here today to discuss the Doing Business Report, but there are other reports we need to focus on as well,” H.E. Hessa Buhumaid explained, citing the report titled ‘Women, Business, and the Law’ and the Human Capital Index. “With an abundance of reports available, governments now look to technical committees in the World Bank to listen to opinions and suggestions from relevant entities in their respective countries, and accept their feedback with an open mind.”
For his part, His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Director General of the FCSA, said: “We take international reports very seriously here in the UAE; we use them to launch projects and update legislations and procedures to be in line with reality and pave the way for a better future. We all have a common goal: to develop a single, unified approach for analysing and understanding the Doing Business Report and its projections for the upcoming years. We are here to exchange expertise and connect with experts and specialists.”
“I have no doubt that the World Bank team will be taking this opportunity to have a closer look at the countries covered by the report, and exploring ways for countries to work together and make the study more credible and pertinent,” H.E. Lootah concluded.
Meanwhile, H.E. Matthew Hawkins, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the UAE, said: “The ease of doing business in the UAE is one of the leading factors that have made it an important business and commercial hub for our country. The UAE’s success is our success; we are delighted to see the momentous leaps it has taken in the past decades on the Ease of Doing Business Report.”
Participants at the Doing Business Technical Deep Dive will explore the opportunities and challenges facing efforts to draft and improve business legislations and procedures, highlighting the various stages economic establishments go through from beginning their operations, to securing construction permits and electricity services, registering trademarks, applying for credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, cross-border trade, enforcing contracts, and conflict resolution.
Dubai, UAE, December 8, 2019
The World Bank Group, with the support of the United Arab Emirates Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) will host, from December 10 to December 13, 2019 in Dubai, the third Doing Business Technical Deep Dive, a Masterclass and a knowledge sharing platform on the reforms counted by the World Bank Group’s Doing Business report. The event will welcome participants from over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle-East and Oceania.
The Technical Deep Dive gathers reform experts and policy makers to discuss the methodology and indicators of the Doing Business report, share best practice on identifying bottlenecks to private sector development and enacting relevant reforms, participate in targeted capacity building and networking sessions and use those interactions to update their country reform action plans.
His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Director General of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), said: “Holding the third Doing Business Technical Deep Dive here in the UAE is a testament to the country’s success in firmly establishing itself as a destination of choice for business and economic leaders, partners, and organizations. It reflects the great confidence our partners at the World Bank and IFC have come to place in the UAE to host meetings of this high caliber. With prominent delegations of decision-makers and accomplished economics and business experts slated to attend, the much-anticipated event marks yet another milestone on the UAE’s journey to achieve the UAE Vision 2021 and implement the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
The 2020 Doing Business report, which was launched on October 24, 2019, shows that reform expertise is growing in the Middle-East and Africa regions. Economies in the Middle East and North Africa implemented a record 57 business-friendly reforms and hosted four of the countries that improved the most world-wide in the ease of doing business – Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Sub-Saharan African countries implemented a total of 73 reforms, with Nigeria and Togo making the list of the global top reforming countries while Mauritius ranked as 13th easiest place to do business in the world.
The UAE ranks 16th globally and is the highest-ranked economy in the Middle-East and North Africa region. The Technical Deep Dive will offer the opportunity to aspiring reformers from across the globe to learn from the UAE’s best practices and share their efforts aimed at narrowing the gap with top reforming economies in the world.
The Doing Business project provides objective measures of business regulations and their enforcement across 190 economies and selected cities at the subnational and regional level. Launched in 2002, it looks at domestic small and medium-size companies and measures the regulations applying to them through their life cycle.
International day of sign language
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, received, at his office at the Amiri Diwan, the members of the Higher Committee for Coordination of Statistical Work at the State level
Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development
Highlights of H.E Noor AlKhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development
Intro to UNCEBD Task Team Training Competencies Capacity Level
UN Regional Hub for BIG DATA in UAE WEBINAR SERIES
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