Hamdan bin Mohammed:

• The 50-Year Charter is a key driver of new developmental strides

• The implementation progress is promising and I have full confidence in our team’s ability to make the charter’s articles a reality

• We must continue to work together to maintain the momentum

• Further creativity and efforts will push us to make more qualitative shifts

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 30 June 2019: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, emphasised the importance of combining all efforts to achieve the goals set in Dubai’s 50-Year Charter, in line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance life in Dubai at all levels.

“I am personally overseeing the process to ensure the charter articles are implemented to the fullest. We are making promising progress, and we call on all concerned authorities, to whom we are grateful, to maintain this momentum and utilise all their creative capabilities to achieve our goal of sustaining Dubai’s growth and the wellbeing of its residents,” HH said.

The announcement came during an Executive Council meeting, headed by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan, at the Emirates Towers. The meeting discussed a number of subjects in the presence of H.H. Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and First Deputy Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, who viewed the progress made in the 50-Year Charter implementation plan and relevant next steps.

H.H. the Crown Prince added: “The Charter is a fundamental pillar of Dubai’s development process and key driver of its future transformation, as it will enable it to keep pace with global developments and maintain a sustainable economy to assure a better tomorrow for future generations. Therefore, close and continuous monitoring of the progress made in implementing the relevant plans is a top priority during this critical stage.”

Sheikh Hamdan continued: “We must continue working together as one team to ensure that we achieve our vision to enhance Dubai’s global status, and boost happiness levels and quality of life. I am fully confident that our team will succeed in achieving the goals set out in the Charter, and with further efforts and creativity, we will make qualitative shifts in our development process to reshape Dubai as per the vision that H.H Sheikh Mohammed envisaged with the Charter.”

 

 

Dubai Silk Road

During the meeting, His Highness was briefed on the progress made regarding the Dubai Silk Road strategy and relevant outputs, which the Port, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) is responsible for implementing. With the launch of the strategy, which will enhance freight transport and logistics services in Dubai, the government was able to identify promising growth opportunities. These can help establish Dubai as a regional hub for freight transport and logistics services. The results achieved included securing a smoother flow of cargo between airports, ports and free zones in Dubai and other emirates by streamlining procedures and reducing costs, as well as expanding the scope of Dubai’s logistics services globally.

Next steps in the strategy’s implementation programme are promoting Dubai as trade hub regionally, strengthening trade relations with traders and freight transport agencies, streamlining procedures and reducing costs.

Drawing A Geo-economic Road Map for Dubai

The programme, which Dubai Free Zones Council is responsible of implementing, resulted in the launch of several initiatives, including an evaluation of all Dubai’s specialised economic and free zones to enhance integration between them and add value in the Emirate, as well as identify expansion opportunities and introduce new promising sectors to boost Dubai’s competitiveness and economic diversity.

The initiatives launched as part of the programme included the expansion plan of Dubai International Financial Zone (DIFC), Dubai Blink, the world's first B2B smart commerce platform, and the Virtual Freight & Logistics Corridor.

The next phase will include the launch of an initiative to bolster the competitiveness of enterprises based in free and specialised zones and operating in foreign markets, as well as the preparation of a geo-economic map outlining free zones in Dubai until 2030 and relevant expansion opportunities.

Establishment of the First Virtual Commercial Zone

His Highness reviewed the results of applying the 50-Year Charter’s article which included the establishment of first virtual commercial zone, implemented by the Department of Economic Development (Dubai Economy)in collaboration with the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA). This resulted in identifying the targeted sectors, activities and companies for trading in the virtual zone, setting controls and mechanisms to issue commercial licenses and other obligations and privileges, and using financial, legal and IT pillars to build an integrated strategythat will help in creating e-commerce platform in compliance with the highest standards.

In the upcoming phase, Dubai Economy willundertake to complete the design of the digital identity infrastructure, develop a general framework that sets out the individual responsibilities of each partner, and a mechanism to ensure compliance by Dubai Digital ID holders and virtual companies with local and international laws, and build a common platform for communication between all partners to exchange information. DAFZA will undertake the construction of the commercial platform.

Developing a Central Educational File for Each Citizen

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) presented the results achieved, which included the completion of the UAE's human development strategy, the monitoring of existing data and the entities it administers, identification of data gaps and work requirements for the next phase, and the identification and design of the UAE’s Human Capital Index database.

The next phase will witness several steps, including benefiting from the results of the pilot phase and designing and developing the project's e-platform.

A Doctor for Each Citizen

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) presented the results achieved, which included the study of the best global models applied for the provision of telemedicine services, including legislative frameworks and models of service delivery and financing, while developing the legislative framework and the service delivery model.

The upcoming phase will witness several steps, including the study, evaluation and adoption of appropriate funding options for appropriate business models aimed at providing telemedicine services. This will include an appropriate insurance coverage, study, evaluation and adoption of an adequate 'Stimulus Package' to attract the largest number of health facilities to provide telemedicine services in compliance with the business model, and develop the adopted Interactive Technical System using the Video Conferencing System and other smart applications.

Transforming Universities into Free Economic and Creative Zones

His Highness recognised the achievements of the sixth article on the 50-Year Charter - the transformation of universities into free economic and creative zones, which is the responsibility of Dubai Future Foundation, supported by Dubai Free Zones Council, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, public and private universities, Commission for Academic Accreditation, Sandooq Al Watan, Expo Live funds, and other investors.

The programme involves the development of a university education model that is adopted and implemented by all universities and academic institutions by establishing academic incubators that promote SMEs. This will be through the provision of interactive laboratories that adopt different scientific theories, academic tools and techniques, creative design methodologies for innovative solutions to address strategic challenges, and teach designingconsidering the economic feasibility and sustainability in the local market after the students’ graduation. The programme also includes the provision of channels of communication with the economic and creative zones surrounding universities, academic institutions, the government, semi-governmental and private sectors, and civil society as well as the adoption of a system of funding for future projects to support students during projects establishment. It will also cover the provision of opportunities for adoption after successfully completing the design and testing processes, and a variety of incentives for students participating and contributing to ensure strong turnout and sustainable progress.

Dubai Future presented the results achieved during six months, which included the announcement of the academic incubator project, highlighting the student's learning path, from enrolling to acquiring training skills until they reach the formal registration stage, developing a strategic plan and model for an innovative academic incubator. Other results achieved include developing corporate identity and marketing tools, setting and preparing curricula, academic content, operating regulations for curriculum management and accelerators at universities, signing a cooperation agreement between the American University in Dubai and the TECOM Group to provide the necessary services and licenses for students. Dubai Future also highlighted achievements such as signing an agreement with the Academic Accreditation Section of the Ministry of Higher Education on the mechanism of academic material adoption at universities, identifying funding requirements, and studying the mechanism of project adoption and finance with both private and government sectors.

The pilot phase is being announced by identifying a number of selected universities that will implement the curriculum in the academic year 2019/2020 starting from September 2019 (the first phase), identifying and adopting cooperation frameworks, work areas and services provided with all relevant entities to create a suitable environment for universities. The phase also includes strengthening the 'Stimulus Packages' with each university as well as coordination with the KHDA to prepare for a guidance programme to introduce students to the incubators project. The phase also includes identification of the final list of funding donors for the various phases of the project.

The next phase will include steps such as ensuring the provision of financial support and grants by the funding partners, signing cooperation agreements with all universities and related entities (Phase I), and announcing the results of the first phase of the initiative and attracting universities and other funding entities.

Dubai Digital Complex

During the meeting, HH Sheikh Mohammed adopted the Dubai Digital Complex Strategy, leading from the 50-Year Charter, and developed based on the importance of the digital sector as a fundamental pillar to address the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and to enhance the leadership of Dubai and support its strategic role globally.

The Strategy draws on future technology domains led by the Fourth Industrial Revolution achievements, which will help launch and bolster new technological capabilities such as artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G wireless network technologies, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, nanotechnologies, biotechnology, quantum computing, Blockchain technology, and eTwinning.

The Dubai Digital Complex is located in the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority. It stretches over 150,000 square metres, with an investment cost of AED 1.4 billion. It will provide 71,000 square metres of office space, 25,000 square metres of retail space, 46,000 square metres of residential units, and diverse lifestyle amenities, such as F&B outlets, health and fitness centres, running and cycling trails, shopping malls, etc. The Complex is expected to attract 7,000 residents and workers, as well as 800 companies and 800 entrepreneurs.

The Dubai Digital Complex aims to create an attractive environment for high-tech companies, operating in the digital sector. It will provide 60 smart services, with investments of AED 100 million. This is in line with HH Sheikh Mohammed's vision of transforming Dubai into the smartest city in the world, as part of enhancing the smart management of environmental practices, and delivering smart services for companies operating within the Complex.

The Dubai Digital Complex will feature the Dubai Tech Centre for Entrepreneurship (DIETC), wholly owned by Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority. DIETC, the largest business technology centre in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, hosts the Dubai Smart City Accelerator, in collaboration with six strategic partners: Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du), Smart Dubai Office, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Visa, Orange Business Services, and Rochester Institute of Technology New York.

Self-sufficiency in Water, Food and Energy in 10% of Citizen Homes

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), responsible for self-sufficiency in terms of water, food and energy in 10% of citizen homes, reviewedthe achievements accomplished. This includes Dubai Municipality providing the aquaponic and hydroponic plants in the Emirate and the launch of a project to install photovoltaic solar panels. Other accomplishments include replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs, and providing and install water-saving devices in target homes. The next phase will witness the completion of communication work and field surveys, supplying 10% of citizen homes, and the completion of retrofitting jobs (solar panels, energy-saving LED bulbs, water-saving devices).

Establish Cooperative Companies for Citizens

The Community Development Authority (CDA), responsible for establishing cooperative companies for citizens in the fields of health, education, food, etc., reviewed the programme's outputs and achievement rates, including the completion of identifying target sectors that are useful for the Emiratis to contribute in, and identifying the available investment opportunities. Other outputs include identifying optimal financing mechanisms for Emiratis, selecting the most attractive company that can develop and grow the list of options for cooperative companies, launching a detailed feasibility study, preparing all necessary frameworks and work mechanisms, announcing the cooperative company, and opening doors to Emirati investment and participation.

Annual Growth in Philanthropy

To realise Article Nine of the Charter, which promises increasing philanthropic initiatives as an equal percentage of Dubai’s annual economic growth, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) delivered results pertaining to progress made across a number of philanthropic projects.

These include the ‘Mudun Al Khair’ initiative, launched in partnership with Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, Refugee Smart Learning App, identifying local requirements of development projects, developing an incentives package to enhance CSR efforts made by Dubai-based companies, and qualifying youth in third-world countries in cooperation with leading world organisations.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had summarised his future vision for the Emirate of Dubai in a document ’50-Year Charter’, comprising 9 articles, which serve as a sustainable and renewable work plan to enhance all aspects of life in Dubai through new projects launched every year.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed assigned Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the duties of overseeing the implementation of the Charter in collaboration with competent authorities and submitting periodic reports to the Dubai Executive Council on the implementation progress.