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DATA FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Competed against Switzerland, Finland, Mexico and other bidding nations
Cape Town, SA, Dubai, UAE – January 18, 2017
The organizing committee of the UN World Data Forum announced today that the UAE is the destination of choice for the event’s second edition in 2018. Currently in session in Cape Town, South Africa and attended by over 1500 global data expert, the four-day knowledge event hosts scientists, government officials, private sector leaders and academics to share knowledge, ideas and best practices on gathering valuable data, and how data can support countries’ drive toward achieving UN Sustainable development goals.
Switzerland, Finland, Mexico, UAE and a number of countries applied to host the event’s second cycle in 2018. National bid teams presented the hosting files to UN officials for assessment and evaluation. The World Data Forum organizing committee decided, after careful assessment, that the UAE will be the hosting country of the event in 2018.
A team from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) managed UAE’s bid dossier for the forum. The bid file presented UAE’s capability to host and organize large-scale events of all sort of theme and subjects. Some of the key points highlighted in the bid file is the availability of an advanced infrastructure, a wide area of hotels and high-tech conference facilities that can accommodate the largest events and activities, and served by the world’s top talented event management companies and individuals. In addition to the fact that UAE is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.
"I am delighted and proud of this achievement,” said Her Excellency Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority. “I would like to congratulation the UAE leadership and people for this important accomplishment. Selecting the UAE asserts our leadership’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, and hosting the World Data Forum reconfirms the UAE’s growing role within the international community. We aspire that the World Data Forum to become a platform for a global roadmap for excellence in data management and utilization, and to serve the UAE and the entire international community."
"The FCSA team put great efforts into building and presenting a compelling bid file. We were competing against countries that have a long history in hosting highly attended international events. Thankfully, the FCSA team was successful in presenting UAE’s capability to host the World Data Forum, thanks to the nation’s excellent record of accomplishments in hosting similar events and forums that discuss innovation, data and knowledge. We look forward to hosting the World Data Forum in 2018, as it will take us closer to achieving UAE vision 2021 and the sustainable development goals," added Abdulla Lootah, director general of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority.
International Recognition:
Welcoming the announcement of the selection, various international officials congratulated the UAE on winning the hosting bid, and expressed their excitement on choosing the UAE as a location for the second edition of the World Data Forum in 2018.
We at the United Nations Statistics Division are looking forward to working with the colleagues from the United Arab Emirates to organize together an open and inclusive 2nd World Data Forum. This will be a unique opportunity to strengthen data and statistical systems for development not only at the national, but also at the regional and global level."said Mr. Stefan Schweinfest, Director, United Nations Statistics Division.
Dr Pali Lehohla, Statistician-General of the Republic of South Africa and Head of Statistics South Africa and host of the current World Data Forum 2017 stated "On behalf of Statistics South Africa, the host of the 1st UN World Data Forum, I would like to congratulate Director-General Mr Abdullah Lootah, as well as the Boards, Advisory Committees, and staff at Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and all statistics centres as well as the people of United Arab Emirates for being selected as the hosts of the 2nd UN World Data Forum. We look forward to continue the pursuit of prosperity for the planet and its people through the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda (Vision 2030) in your beautiful country during the 2nd UN World Data Forum. We applaud all those involved in bidding for hosting the Forum and wish to let you know that Statistics South Africa is available to assist wherever possible."
"Statistics Denmark is looking forward to participating in the 2nd World Data Forum in Dubai as the event will have a major impact on the region’s production of statistics and strengthen the UAE role in the global statistical community," said Mr. Jørgen Elmeskov, Director General, Statistics Denmark.
Pride and Excitement within the UAE data and statistics community:
His Excellency Ali Mohammad Hammad Al Shamsi as Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council said, "the UAE is always the pioneer in hosting leading global forums and events, especially ones that discuss knowledge and innovation; and for the UAE to win the hosting of UN Data Forum 2018, this is an important accomplishment for the development of statistics, open and big data fields in the UAE. Fields considered today as one of the most important foundations required for government policy and decision making."
"The UAE proved its ability to host some of the world’s most important knowledge forums that gather the best expertise from around the globe. That is attributed to the ongoing policy adopted by the wise leadership in making science, knowledge and innovation as the basis of social, cultural and economic growth and development," said His Excellency Rashed Lahej Nasser Said Al Mansouri, Chairman of Statistics Centre-Abu Dhabi and Director General of Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Center (ADSIC)
"We are proud that we will be able to gather the world’s elite in data and statistics under one roof in the UAE in 2018. Hosting the World Data Forum will be a strong boost for the national agenda, as the event will assert the importance of producing accurate, up-to-date and detailed data on population, health, education, environment and other developmental pillars," said His Excellency Abdulla Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani – Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai.
"UAE’s hosting of the World Data Forum reflects the wise leadership’s direction and objective for the UAE to be the number one destination for the world’s best minds and expertise, especially in the fields of data and statistics," said his Excellency Sultan Bin Butti Al Muhairi, Secretary General, Sharjah Executive Council.
"We are proud that the UAE will host the UN World Data Forum in 2018. Being able to gather the world’s top experts in the field of data and statistics will add great value in addressing the challenges the world face in gathering accurate statistics, and we will be able to draw unified roadmaps and methodologies for global statistical standards," said His Excellency Engineer Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Ajman.
"This accomplishment is a step forward in development the statistical ecosystem and providing better data, which is what we constantly work on achieving here in the UAE. Being selected to host the World Data Forum is a great opportunity to support the sustainable development goals 2030, and can also help unify the language that statisticians and data scientists use to produce data," said His Excellency Humaid bin Rashid bin Humaid Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Um Al Quwain.
"The UN Data Forum is a global forum that specializes in data and statistics and the UAE hosting is in 2018 is a great undertaking that will call for the collaboration of all related entities in the UAE to produce a great event, with positive and beneficial outcomes," His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Fujairah Emiri Court.
"We are delighted that the UAE will host another global forum on data and invite the worlds’ best data practitioners to the country. This event is a global platform aimed for sharing ideas and proposing innovative initiatives in the field of data management, and confirms data’s vital role in dealing with developmental challenges, and how to utilize this data to fulfil future vision and produce an integrated framework of recommendation, for the purpose of excelling in the field of data," said his Excellency Dr Mohammed Abdullatif Khalifa, Secretary General, Executive Council, Ras Al Khaima.
"I am fully confident that the UN World Data Forum 2018 which the UAE will host for the first time, and FCSA will support in organizing, will wittiness exceptional collaboration between some of the world’s statistical offices and work on the continuous enhancement of global statistical frameworks, and devising practical solutions for all the challenges statisticians face. We hope, through this forum, that we will be able to launch new pioneering ideas that can help in the production, publishing and utilization of data in a way that can serve national plans and visions. We would also like to reassure that the Statistical Center- Abu Dhabi is committed via all its resources to the forum success in the UAE in 2018," said His Excellency Butti Ahmed Mohamed Bin Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi.
"The UN World Data Forum is a unique collaboration opportunity for data producers and practitioners, and can serve a great platform to launch new initiatives that can provide better data on health, education, income and other data sets that are critical for successful and sustainable development," said His Excellency Aref Obaid Al Muhairi, Executive Director, Dubai Statistics Center.
"We are delighted that the UAE will be hosting UN World Data Forum as it will be a new milestone in the UAE’s journey to a knowledge based economy. Data is one of the most important pillars needed for a successful developmental strategy, which is based on capacity building and intellectual capital," said His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani, Director General of the Sharjah Statistics Centre.
"We look forward to participate in this important global event which places the UAE on the global data and statistics map. We congratulate the UAE and its people for this accomplishment and we are fully committed to play our role to support this forum and all international forums held in the UAE," said Dr Ibrahim Saad, General Manager, Fujairah Statistics Center.
UAE ranked first in Arab world for 3rd year in row in Ease of Doing Business: World Bank report 2016
- First regionally in the general classification and the number of documented improvements.
- First regionally in six out of ten categories.
- First globally in the category of the impact of non- payment of taxes, which does not affect business.
- Second globally in the category of the process of construction permits.
- Fourth globally in the category of electricity delivery.
The UAE was ranked first regionally and 16th globally, maintaining its lead among the top 20 competitive economies in the world, according to the recent version of the Global Competitiveness Report 2016 issued by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in Switzerland.
The report is one of the most important global competitiveness reports, which monitors annual performance and competitiveness of the economies of countries in terms of strength, weakness, impact on quality of life, prosperity and well-being of people.
Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, said that the UAE positions itself on the world stage, thanks to the efforts of the federal and local taskforces who are working as one team under one vision for 2021, and others in this respect.
She added that these taskforces work in accordance with the plans and strategy and subject to continuous evaluation and development in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world by 2021 with the advent of the golden jubilee on the establishment of the Union.
This year’s report surveys the economies of 138 countries rated through 114 performance indexes and in 12 basic axis, including institutions, infrastructure, education, health, innovation, efficiency of the labour market and other topics. Evaluation is based on statistics and data from participating countries in the report in terms of opinion polls and surveys on executives and major investors in those countries.
The UAE was ranked in the first 10 positions globally in three basic themes in the report. It is also among the best 20 countries globally in half of these axes. The UAE came in third place globally in the axis of efficient goods market, which is the sign of success of the diversification policy of the economy in the state, clarity of vision and strategic plans on the performance and efficiency of the business market.
It also came in fourth place globally in the infrastructure hub. This is an indication of activity in infrastructure projects across the country and its role in supporting the UAE economy in all areas and sectors, making it an attractive environment for investment and business at the regional and global level.
High-performance and efficient government institutions
At the level of indicators, the UAE was ranked among the 20 countries globally in 76 out of 114 indicators evaluated in this report. Regarding the institutions, the UAE was ranked first globally in the absence of the impact of crime and violence at work index, and second place globally in the people’s trust in the leadership and lack of wasteful government spending indexes.
The UAE was ranked in the third place globally in the efficient government index. This reflects the success of the leadership strategy and steps taken toward achieving the high performance and efficiency in the government work at the federal and local levels to ensure the happiness of citizens and residents and well-being on the territory of the state.
World-class infrastructure
On the infrastructure, the UAE has won the first place globally in the road quality index and second place globally in the airport infrastructure and means of air transport quality index. It also came in the third place globally in the seaport infrastructure quality and rate of mobile phone subscriptions per 100 users indexes. The UAE was ranked in the fourth place in the global index of quality of infrastructure and fifth in the index of number of airline seats available for each million passengers a week.
This performance reflects the huge investments made by the state to develop and improve the infrastructure in terms of extending road network, building new airports and the expansion of existing airports, the development of seaports and plans to link the UAE rail network within the Union Railway project.
Mature and sophisticated markets
In tribute to the development of the UAE market at various levels, the report reveals the UAE has been ranked in many of the first places in each of goods market efficiency and the labor market efficiency indexes. The UAE was ranked first globally in the lack of impact of taxes on investment index. And the second place globally on the lack of the tax impact on the labour market and the ability of the state to attract international skills indexes. The UAE also came third place in the global index of lack of tariff barriers and the ability of the state to retain the World skills.
Technological development and innovation
On the readiness of the technology sector, the maturity of the business sector, and higher education and training areas, the UAE has achieved the first position globally in the index of the government spending on new technologies” and the second place globally in the index of provision of specialised trade zones (free zones), and the third place in the global index of foreign direct investment and technology transfer to the state. The state was also ranked fourth globally in the index of the Internet connection to the schools and fifth place in the global index of availability of scientists and engineers in the state.
The Global Competitiveness Report issued by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in Switzerland, is one of the world’s most important reports and issued since 1971, and aims to help countries around the world to identify the obstacles to sustainable economic growth and development of strategies to reduce poverty and increase prosperity. It assesses the countries abilities to provide high levels of prosperity and well-being of their citizens. The report also provides a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and challenges facing the economies of countries.
Federal Competitiveness & Statistics Authority Launch “Emaratiyah… UAE’s Inspiring Women” Book A book that tells the success stories of inspiring Emirati women achievers who had a valuable contribution to the progress and development of the nation
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman of the Federal Competitiveness & Statistics Authority (FCSA) unveiled “Emaratiyah … UAE’s Inspiring Women”, a special edition book that documents the journey of 24 inspiring Emirati women who contributed to the development of the UAE and prospered in different domains of life such as economic, cultural, scientific and social. The featured women personalities in the book attended the launch event that took place in Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel in Dubai today, along with the independent judging panel that worked on the selection criteria, media representative and FCSA team members who worked on the production of the book project.
Her Excellency Al Hashimi welcomed the attending audience with a special keynote, and extended congratulations to the leadership of the UAE headed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE president, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and their highnesses the Rulers and Crown Princes of the Emirates on the occasion of the Emirati Women’s Day.
Her Excellency Al Hashimi also extended congratulations to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
Minister Al Hashimi expressed her excitement and privilege to take part of this special day dedicated to celebrate the great accomplishments, achievements and contributions of Emirati women.
In her address, Her Excellency stressed that women empowerment has always been one of the key indicators of a nation’s social and economic progress and development. She also highlighted that societies simply cannot sustain a comprehensive development agenda without the full and active participation of women in the community. Her Excellency also indicated that the role of the Emirati women has rapidly expanded and evolved since the establishment of the union and Emirati women contributions and clear marks are visible on all aspects of UAE life.
Quoting His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum note on how UAE enables its society via the empowerment of women, Her Excellency asserted that Emirati women’s journey towards success and prosperity in the UAE was inked by the principles laid by the country’s leadership; underlined by true belief and conviction of the significant importance of women’s role as a key partner in building the future of the country.
Abdulla Lootah, Director General of the FCSA pointed out that the FCSA produced that book following direct instructions of Her Excellency Al Hashimi and in recognition and appreciation of the role of the Emirati women in supporting the UAE’s competitiveness in both individual and institutional levels. The book documents the journey of a group of inspiring Emirati women that contributed to the development of the nation and progress in so many different fields and domains such as economic, social, cultural, scientific and entertainment, and achieved ranks and accomplishments that are in par with the most advanced nations in the world.
The UAE Women’s Day is a celebration of the mother, sister and wife. A celebration of women who gave birth and fondle sponsored and carried the worries of the nation, taking responsibility and excelled in giving back to her family, society and country. These are some of the achievements translated in numbers and statistics:
- There are 8 ministers in current UAE cabinet. Making up 27.5% of ministerial roles.
- Emirati women is currently leading the Federal National Council, the country’s highest legislative authority, along with the occupancy of 9 seats on the council, making its 22.5% of women representation one of the highest in parliamentary bodies in the region.
- There are over 23000 registered businesswomen in the UAE running investment worth AED 42 billion.
- Since joining the labor force, women participation increased by 400%
- Women make up 66% of the public sector workers, with 30% in leadership roles and 15% in technical and academic roles. Also, 44% of leadership roles in Federal entities are taken by women.
- Women in the UAE make up 65% of total higher education graduates, and they have been active participants in previously male-denominated roles such as judiciary, aviation, military and defense and law enforcement.
Dr. Belhoul: Developing an Integrated Educational Ecosystem Supports UAE’s Competitiveness
His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of State for Higher Education, and during a visit to the headquarters of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority in Dubai, stated that the development of the educational ecosystem in the UAE is an ongoing process that is driven by the changes the world is witnessing on the global arena today.
His Excellency also praised the efforts of the FCSA in providing counsel, advice and recommendations aimed at improving the international rankings by providing educational statistical data required according to international standards. The FCSA team presented to the minister a special report and an analysis of a number of global competitiveness and statistical indicators that are related to higher education, as well an analysis of the performance of the UAE in these global reports.
His Excellency directed the FCSA team to continue the collaboration efforts with all federal and local educational institutions, he also stressed that all educational institutions should prioritize the process of provisioning information and statistical data that reflects the performance and development of the educational system in the UAE.
His Excellency also highlighted the importance of developing the educational sector via the training and building the capacity of UAE national talent, and how that consequently can have a positive impact on improving national competitiveness.
The minster indicated that education and building UAE talents is in-line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President and his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The UAE leadership’s vision that aspires for the UAE economy to be driven by innovation, creativity and knowledge. His Excellency also pointed out that the nation has full confidence in the capabilities of every Emirati man and woman, as national talent is the true wealth of the nation.
Abdullah Lootah, Director General of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority added: "Due to its strategic significance and importance, the FCSA has always worked very closely with officials in the education sector across the UAE. Such collaboration has a direct impact on the country’s performance in competitiveness reports and indicators. The visit of His Excellency Dr. Al Falasi to the FCSA and his direction for further engagement and joint collaboration is a testament to the deep belief in the role of education as one of the most important pillars that support the country’s global competitiveness drive.”
During the meeting, the FCSA team presented methodology analysis of competitiveness reports monitored by FCSA, followed by a discussion on how the quality of education-related data can have an impact on the ranking of the UAE in such reports. For example, the Global Competitiveness Report by the World Economic Forum (Davos), includes education as a key indicator under the ‘basic requirements’ and ‘efficiency enhancers’ stages of economic development. This means that nations aiming to shift from the ‘basic requirement’ and ‘efficiency enhancers’ stages and onto the ‘innovation and business sophistication’ stage, must have a globally recognized, strongly established and highly efficient higher education institutions.
The FCSA also monitors other competitiveness reports that measure the competitiveness of the education sector, such as the Annual Competitiveness Yearbook published by the Institute of Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, the Global Innovation Index by INSEAD Institute and the Human Development Report by the United Nations. In these reports, education related pillars and indicators have a direct impact on the overall outcome of the findings and overall country ranking and scores.
Mr Lootah concluded: "Moving up the ranking in some of the global competitiveness reports and indicators reports is only the beginning for us. We aspire to become among the top a global players in the most significant reports and indicators. And we can only achieve that through successful joint cooperation and effective collaboration with all federal and local government agencies, specifically in matters related to building and maintaining an advanced statistical database that is current, accurate and up to the required global standards"
| Indicator | Report | UAE Global Rank |
|
Quality of the education system |
Global Competitiveness Report (WEF) | 12 |
|
Quality of management school |
Global Competitiveness Report (WEF) | 20 |
|
University education |
World Competitiveness Yearbook (IMD) | 20 |
|
Management education |
World Competitiveness Yearbook (IMD) | 21 |
Table 1: UAE global ranking in higher education related competitiveness indicators
“President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a Federal Decree No. (6) for the year 2015 establishing the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) under the UAE Cabinet.
The new Authority, to be based in the emirate of Dubai, effectively replaces the National Bureau of Statistics and the Emirates Competitiveness Council by integrating the functions of both the entities.
As per the decree, the Authority will work to strengthen the UAE’s position across all global competitiveness indicators as well as promote sustainable development, in addition to serving as the apex body that organises and manages the statistics and competitiveness sectors.
The Authority is also mandated to build an integrated national statistical system. The establishment of the FCSA supports the goals of the UAE Vision 2021, a strategic roadmap to make the UAE among the best countries in the world by 2021.
Functions of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority Aiming to support the UAE’s competitiveness indicators, the new Authority will undertake a wide array of functions to achieve its goals.
The functions of the Authority include proposing policies, strategies and plans for statistics and competitiveness in coordination with the government and the related entities, as well as evaluating international best practices in all areas of the statistics and competitiveness sectors.
The FCSA will also work to promote a culture of competitiveness, and provide training and support to all government entities for the advancement of statistics and competitive operations.
It will act as an incubator for promoting best and specialized national skills in the UAE, in addition to preparing and implementing a unified statistical system for various sectors in the country.
The Authority will also represent the nation at various international forums in the field of statistics and competitiveness. Enhancing coordination with local entities FCSA is entrusted with a bigger vision and wider tasks to make significant positive changes in strategies to strengthen the efforts of the UAE to increase its competitiveness, especially through information and data revolution.
As per the decree, the Authority is the first and only official reference for all matters related to competitiveness for global reports and surveys.
It will be also a source of official statistics regarding the nation. The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority also will serve as the main link between all the federal and local governments, as well as private sector and international organisations in all matters related to the competitiveness and statistics.
The new Federal decree also nullifies the Federal Law No. 9 of 2009 concerning the National Bureau of Statistics, and eliminates all regulations contrary to or inconsistent with its provisions.
The federal decree will be published in the official newspapers, and shall be effective from the day following the date of publishing. The UAE Cabinet also issued a decree appointing Reem Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Minister of State, as Chairperson of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority.
The board will include representatives from the Executive Councils of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Al Diwan Al Amiri in Fujairah.
“
Dubai, Wellington- 7 August 2019
In the recent official visit to the head office located in New Zealand’s capital Willington, the senior management of the New Zealand’s G2G Know-How Foundation welcomed H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Director-General of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA).
G2G Know-How is a public foundation that reports to the New Zealand government. It dedicates all its efforts in developing innovative government solutions through exchange of ideas and experiences with the most significant experts from the public and private sectors from around the world.
H.E. Lootah’s visit to New Zealand G2G Know-How came as part of his tour of New Zealand’s government, semi-government and private institutions this week. During the meetings held at its premises, the G2G Know-How teams briefed H.E Lootah on their wide range of activities and successful experiences in areas of developing innovative government projects.
FCSA’s Director-General and New Zealand’s task forces discussed FCSA’s initiatives that are channeled towards developing the UAE’s National Statistical System for improving the Competitiveness Strategy and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The G2G Know-How officials introduced the foundation’s methodology in collaboratively developing initiatives of various government entities in New Zealand. Their process includes identifying challenges, defining development goals, drawing up a master plan to develop and implement solutions, identifying partnerships with experienced foreign governments, and examining and analyzing results.
On his visit to the G2G Know-How Foundation, H.E. Lootah stated, “New Zealand is featured by the foremost global competitiveness reports and indicators as one of the most developed countries. It is an exciting opportunity for the UAE to be G2G Know-How Foundation’s first-ever international co-operation experience. Learning from this experience inspires us to further excellent the efficiency and effectiveness of UAE’s National Teams and the innovative services offered to individuals and institutions in our homeland.”
A meeting was held between H.E. Lootah and Mr. Malcolm Miller, Executive Director of the G2G Know-How Foundation and former New Zealand Ambassador to UAE. Mr. Miller availed this opportunity to appreciate the active collaboration between New Zealand and the UAE’s public institutions. He noted the similarity and convergence of government visions on various aspects of government initiatives, including establishing an innovation culture, the role of accurate and up-to-date data in supporting decisions and placing sustainability as part of the government priorities in all areas and sectors.
FCSA’s – Director General’s visit to New Zealand included visiting several semi-government and private institutions specializing in the field of data such as the Data Ventures of the New Zealand Statistics Center and the head office of Creative Company. Data Ventures is a global provider of specialized and innovative services and products of data-driven insight while Creative Company is a private company that aims to build and promote innovation and creativity culture across the government and private institutions through the development of individual and institutional skills of work teams.
H.E. Lootah concluded his statement by saying: “Our visit to the capital of New Zealand was very successful. I am happy with the results of the meetings held with all the institutions. It has been agreed to intensify bilateral efforts by organizing more activities, exchanging experiences and launching projects and initiatives in various specialties and fields of common interest, particularly in fields of developing Statistical Activities, Management of Competitive Strategy and Governance of initiatives dedicated to achieving SDGs.”
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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.
During FCSA Participation in the Biggest Global Conference for Geospatial Systems Users held in San Diego
Dubai, 30th July 2019
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) has concluded participation at the Esri User Conference-2019, the largest international gathering of experts and users of geospatial information systems (GIS) and solutions and digital geospatial platforms, held at the San Diego Convention Centre in San Diego, California.
During the days of the conference, UAE was so keen to shed a spotlight on its latest efforts and achievements it realized in the practices and applications of modern technology in general, and GIS technologies in particular in support of its journey to achieve the agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
H.E. Mohamed Hassan, Executive Director of Statistics Sector at FCSA, headed the FCSA official delegation. He delivered a specialized presentation as part of the main agenda of the conference organized by Esri, the world leader in GIS technologies. The session was attended by an international audience of specialists, experts and users of GIS from around the world.
During the session, H.E. Mohamed Hassan put on display the UAE page available on the UN Sustainability Information Platform, which has more than 26 specialized contents. These contents include summaries of significant sustainability initiatives, in addition to data and studies, most importantly, the part on documenting and showcasing UAE’s sustainability initiatives.
Commenting on the documentation processes, H.E. Hassan stated: “UAE singled itself out by being the first in the world to add such a documentary part to its initiatives. This part turned out to be a knowledge center accessible to the public and features the achievements and successes of UAE institutions and how they were successful in addressing several subjects and issues related to sustainability.”
He also pointed out: “UAE is among the very first States to take the positive initiative to link sustainable development initiatives to the Global Esri Geospatial Platform. The information on several key sustainability initiatives could be displayed and updated in real-time on this platform. For example, presenting information on external assistance provided by UAE to many countries around the world to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life via the UN Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform which is based on Esri technology. Indeed, it has become the most important international platform showcasing the achievements of the world’s nations in the field of SDGs 2030.”
“UAE’s presence in these global platforms confirms the commitment of all federal and local government institutions, the private sector, and the society as a whole to harness the latest technologies and innovations to boost the achievements of UAE in the field of SDGs, and not only at the level of the State but regionally and globally,” Hassan commented on the UAE’s participation in this global conference.
He went on to say: “These platforms adopt cutting-edge technologies of artificial intelligence, machine learning and linking satellite images with numbers and ground-based data. All of these factors serve our best interests to deliver high accuracy results, as well as saving time, efforts, and money.”
Noteworthy, members of the UAE delegation took part in various sessions and bilateral meetings that tackled the most recent developments in the fields of statistics, data, and geospatial systems. They were also briefed about specific leading international experiences, such as the feature of the Automatic Data Update developed by the USA Census Bureau and has already been adopted to implement its ongoing Census Project 2020.
H.E. Mohamed Hassan concluded his statement by saying: “Such global participations of the FCSA teams support the UAE’s efforts exerted to keep pace with the 17 SDGs. This is achieved by providing perfect data tools that facilitate planning, monitoring, following up the progress in realizing SDGs and reporting the progress achieved to the UN Statistics Division. Definitely, cooperation between FCSA, The UAE National Committee on SDGs and Esri in the field of e-linkage of the FCSA systems with the UN platform will boost its capacities and promote its planning capabilities in the future with sights set to further support the sustainability dossier at the national and global levels, as well as the achievement of the agenda of SDGs 2030.”
Abdullah Lootah: Local Government Entities Play a Key Role in Supporting the National Strategy for Global Competitiveness
Dubai, 22 July 2019
The High Level Committee for Competitiveness, a specialized committee to monitor competitiveness at the federal and local levels in the UAE, held its first meeting for 2019 at the head office of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) in Dubai. The meeting was attended by members of the committee, including the Ministry of Interior, the Abu Dhabi Competitiveness Office in the Department of Economic Development- Abu Dhabi, Dubai Competitiveness Office, Ajman Statistics and Competitiveness Center, Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development, the Executive Council of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and the Municipality of Dibba Al Fujairah.
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Director-General of FCSA and Chairman of the High Level Committee for Competitiveness, chaired the meeting. He welcomed the members of the committee and emphasized on the vital role played by local entities in supporting the UAE’s competitiveness strategy. He also highlighted their essential role in raising awareness among the employees of the federal and local authorities on the concept of competitiveness.
"Our experience in working on the global competitiveness strategy which the UAE had launched in the last ten years proved that continuous cooperation among all federal and local government entities along with the private sector is essential to further improve the performance of the UAE on the global competitiveness indices," Lootah said.
He highlighted: "Through this committee, we will constantly cooperate with all our local partners to spread the culture of competitiveness as a way of thinking, and as a means of promoting the outstanding performance of the government to provide government services to individuals and institutions efficiently and according to the highest global standards."
In the meeting, the UAE’s competitiveness strategy was thoroughly reviewed, with much focus laid on the most important milestones achieved during the last ten years. . Attendees also tackled the details of several current and future projects and initiatives. The meeting highlighted the initiatives of "Ease of Doing Business in Local Emirates" in (Abu Dhabi and Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah), developed in coordination between the World Bank, FCSA and the relevant authorities in the three emirates.
In the meeting, the UAE’s competitiveness strategy was thoroughly reviewed, with much focus laid on the most important milestones achieved during the last ten years. . Attendees also tackled the details of several current and future projects and initiatives. The meeting highlighted the initiatives of "Ease of Doing Business in Local Emirates" in (Abu Dhabi and Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah), developed in coordination between the World Bank, FCSA and the relevant authorities in the three emirates.
Members of the committee emphasized the need to develop a shared vision for improving the UAE’s performance in several high-priority indicators in vital sectors. They also underlined the need to remain updated on the latest competitiveness reports, as well as the most recent laws and procedures that will serve the best interest of all emirates in their current and future competitiveness projects.
SDGs Talk with HE Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State
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