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DATA FOR A BETTER FUTURE
The Ministry of Community Development announced the launch of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024, in cooperation with national statistics centers in all emirates of the country, in a comprehensive national initiative that will continue for a whole year. The survey covers about 19,000 households nationwide and aims to provide a series of data and indicators related to the economic and social lifestyles of families, in addition to studying the conditions and standards of living within the country, and the seasonal changes that families go through for their income and spending over a whole year. Leadership’s Vision Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development, said: "In accordance with the vision of the wise leadership, the UAE launched The National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, with the aim of moving from the concept of a good life to a comprehensive concept of integrated wellbeing," stressing the commitment of the Ministry of Community Development to continue improving the aspects of life for individuals and families through a scientific approach that seeks to progress development plans and programs and renewable services that touch the reality of the needs of Emirati families, which supports their cohesion and stability and protects their members within the framework of a sustainable development plan. Her Excellency pointed out that the survey on household income and expenditure represents a major step the importance that the Ministry and its partners are working on at a state level to feed the database of families, and this is integrated with the plans and initiatives that the Ministry is working on to serve the community in the UAE. For his part, His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, stressed that the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, places providing a decent life for Emirati families as a priority, and aims to enhance their quality of life and happiness, to ensure a decent and sustainable life and a bright future for all family members. His Excellency praised the efforts of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre from developing the "Household Income and Expenditure Survey" project and continuously stressing awareness from the beginning of the importance of this survey, which provides data and figures that constitute a reality of household income and expenditure levels in the country, which constitutes in its objectives a major step for decision-makers and officials to identify the data and indicators resulting from the survey, develop strategic development plans, in addition to implementing initiatives, whether social or economic, to improve all aspects of life for individuals and families, which would reflect positively on all components of these families, hence providing a decent quality of life that enhances their happiness. His Excellency highlighted that the Community Development Department in Abu Dhabi places great emphasis on the family, considering it the "foundation and nucleus" for a cohesive and interconnected society that contributes to the progress and prosperity of the emirate. This has led to the launch of the department’s "Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy," which is a comprehensive plan aimed at continuing to empower families and supporting their efforts in the emirate. This strategy encompasses children, youth, elderly citizens, residents, and all individuals, ensuring the provision of a nurturing and healthy environment for all families.
Quality of Life
Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in the Government of Dubai, said: "The UAE, under the leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, believes that enhancing the quality of life of families is a great priority, and is working to enhance and consolidate it for the benefit of achieving the gains of all its members." Her Excellency pointed out that the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024 represents a qualitative step to update data and information that will support decision-makers and officials in developing Strategic plans and qualitative initiatives that improve the lives of families in the UAE, indicating that the Community Development Authority is working to provide multiple social services and programs aimed at improving the lives of the individual and society, and strengthening family ties to build a cohesive society.
International standards
For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development, said that the data collection process is carried out according to specific international principles and standards, stressing that dealing with the data that will be collected through the survey will be confidential, and will be used for the purposes of research and statistical study.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi called on members of the community to cooperate fully to make this survey a success and support the planning process for the economic and social development of the UAE.
5 years
Her Excellency Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre stated that the United Arab Emirates is witnessing the implementation of a Family Income and Expenditure Survey every five years. Experts from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, in collaboration with national statistical centers, have developed an approved scientific design for the sample of households to be visited. Hanan Ahli added that the survey will provide outputs related to the economic and social levels of families, contributing to empowering and supporting decision-makers in the formulation of economic and social policies. It will also provide data and results that enhance all aspects of life for individuals and families in the country. She noted that the survey sample will cover all emirates in the country, involving approximately 19,000 households, and represents an advanced mechanism to survey aspects of consumer spending in areas such as housing, education, health, and more.
A Careful Approach
In the same context, Abdullah Gharib Al Qamzi, Acting Director General of the Statistics Center – Abu Dhabi, confirmed that the samples were designed according to a proportional distribution method based on the number of households in the emirate. This approach ensures the required level of accuracy through an integrated process conducted in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center and national statistical centers, using the latest scientific methods. Al Qamzi said: "The Household Income and Expenditure Survey is carried out periodically to provide data on household income and expenditure. According to demographic and family characteristics, studying the levels of income and expenditure of the family and the individual and showing its relationship to economic and social factors, in addition to the distribution of individuals and families according to income and expenditure groups, collecting the necessary data to support the relevant projects, and estimating the national accounts related to income and consumption.
Spending Patterns
Younus AlNasser is the Assistant Director General, Digital Dubai & CEO, Dubai Data Establishment, said: "The Household Income and Expenditure Survey is in line with the higher national trends that are inspired by the vision of ‘We the UAE 2031’, which stipulates the establishment of the most prosperous society on a global level. The survey also embodies the importance of relying on digital data to draw conclusions and make decisions that contribute to building a brighter future, achieving community happiness, and consolidating the UAE’s leading position in various relevant global indicators".
Dr. Hajar Saeed Al-Hubaishi, Executive Director of Ajman Statistics Center, said The Household Income and Expenditure Survey aims to calculate the average income and expenditure of the individual and family. This data is linked to multiple factors such as education, profession, and activities. economic, as well as demographic, social and economic aspects. The survey provides accurate indicators on the monthly income and expenditure of households and individuals and helps estimate the current demand for goods and services. It also makes it possible to predict the future needs of the population with regard to goods and services.
Community Well-Being
Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Shayeb Al-Naqbi, Director-General of the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development, pointed out that the data of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey provide the necessary indicators to assess the level of well-being of households and individuals. By knowing the characteristics of the housing inhabited by the family, the durable goods available to it, the expenses of families on various items of expenditure, and identifying the activities of the informal sector, such as the activity of agriculture within the family sector (self-production outside the establishments), and its importance to the national economy. Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Director of the Fujairah Statistics Centre, said that the household income and expenditure survey will meet the needs of the SNA of data necessary to prepare national accounts related to the final consumption of households, in addition to measuring the inflation rate, and calculating the quantities and values of consumption of goods and services to estimate the demand for them in the future."
The General Secretariat of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Councils for Sustainable Development Goals 2030 concluded a series of events organized in conjunction with the work of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28), which included the Sustainable Development Goals Forum, in addition to many developmental initiatives and programs aimed at strengthening international partnerships in confronting the effects of climate change, eradicating poverty and protecting the planet, which will positively reflect on societies of future generations.
The SDG’s Forum discussed a number of goals in its sessions, including the fourth goal "education" and its importance as one of the decisive factors in contributing to advancing climate action, the seventh goal "clean energy", and the thirteenth goal "climate action". The forum concluded with the speech of His Excellency Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of the World Council for the goal 11 "sustainable cities and communities".
The forum was attended by a group of experts on sustainable development goals in the UAE, and was attended by members of the global councils and a group of global specialists and advisers participating in COP28.
His Excellency, Abdulla Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, Chairman of the Emirates Competitiveness Council, and Vice-Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, stressed the UAE government’s constant endeavor to enhance and support international efforts to achieve the SDGs, and pointed to the country’s pioneering experience that has been continuous for many years in this field, the latest achievement of which was the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to invest $ 100 billion in financing climate action and renewable and clean energy. The UAE is committed to investing an additional $130 billion over the next seven years, reflecting the visions of the wise leadership and its tireless work to support global efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
H.E. Abdullah Lootah said that the world is facing great challenges in its march to implement the 2030 Agenda, in many areas including poverty, finance, climate change and others, and that the National Committee on SDG’s works to harness all available capabilities, and exchange information and experiences with stakeholders on the widest scale, to find practical solutions to reduce unprecedented climate change. He stressed the importance of youth participation in the success of efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals, and praised the active role of youth in COP28, which included the participation of the Young Leaders Program to achieve the sustainable development goals in more than 10 sessions, covering the topics of epidemics and health, women’s empowerment, financing and gender balance, among others.
Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, the United Nations Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, held a key session to discuss the importance of mobilizing financing and intensifying efforts to tackle poverty in a radical way. The SDG Youth Council actively participated in several conference sessions held in the Blue and Green Zones, with the presence and participation of government officials and decision-makers.
The General Secretariat of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals concluded its participation in the activities of the COP28 conference, by launching the second generation of sustainable buses in partnership with Emirates Transport, as part of the "Road to Sustainability" campaign.
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre organized an intensive national workshop on services trade statistics, in cooperation with experts from the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the United Nations Trade and Development Organization.
The workshop was attended by experts and specialists in national accounts and trade statistics from government agencies from all around the UAE, including the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, as well as statisticians and economists from local statistical centers in the country.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, stressed that the UAE, thanks to the vision of the wise leadership, continues to strengthen its international position in services trade, as it ranked 12th as the largest exporter of services in the world during 2022 according to the World Trade Organization, while the value of UAE services exports reached AED 567 billion, equivalent to $155 billion, according to the "Trade Profiles" report issued by the organization last October. This report provides key data on the trade of goods and commercial services for 197 countries worldwide.
His Excellency added that the new strategy for services exports recently adopted by the Cabinet will increase the contribution of this vital sector with promising potential to non-oil foreign trade and GDP of the UAE, as the UAE’s service exports are growing at rates faster than the global average, helping to solidify the UAE’s position as a global business hub with an increasingly advanced and high-value economy that relies on services.
Her Excellency, Hanan Ahli, Manager Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, said that organizing the workshop comes as part of the joint efforts of the Centre, the World Trade Organization, ministries and government entities. These efforts aim to ensure alignment in the methodologies of collecting data related to services trade with the best practices and international standards. This is done to improve the business environment and achieve sustainable economic growth.
1,600 contestants representing 400 teams of young talents specialized in the fields of artificial intelligence and data science from the UAE and around the world participated in the activities of the United Nations Datathon 2023 platform, which was held in the UAE under the auspices of the United Nations, in the presence of data science specialists from the most prominent universities in the Arab region and the world.
Datathon 2023 is a participatory platform that supports and motivates young talents, organized in partnership between the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office, the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), and the Federal Youth Authority, with the support of academic institutions in the country.
The platform aims to enhance the leadership of the United Arab Emirates globally in the fields of artificial intelligence applications and data science, and to raise awareness of the importance of this sector in shaping future pathways.
Her Excellency Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre said that the UN Datathon serves as a platform for exploring and developing advanced solutions and innovative projects based on the outputs of the rapid evolution of emerging technologies. These can be employed to address various challenges in current and future vital sectors.
Her Excellency emphasized that the UN Datathon encompasses various domains of emerging and advanced technology, spanning data analysis, big data, artificial intelligence, smart conversational robots, blockchain, metaverse, augmented reality, 3D and 4D printing technology, along with several other emerging technologies. The aim is to harness the innovations of youth in these fields to contribute to building more advanced and prosperous societies. H.E. Mohammed Hassan, the Executive Director of the National Statistics and Data Science Sector at FCSC, asserted that the UN Datathon platform will strengthen communication among the youth of the UAE and their counterparts worldwide. It will provide a supportive environment for participants to develop solutions that address the challenges and rapidly changing dynamics in various fields. This, in turn, contributes to supporting efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.
His Excellency stated that participants in the United Nations Datathon 2023 will have the opportunity to engage in numerous sessions designed in an interactive and stimulating format, enabling them to unleash their creativity and enhance a culture of teamwork and collaborative work aimed at maximizing the utilization of available resources.
It is worth mentioning that the Open Data Datathon is one of the global initiatives organized in the UAE, in conjunction with the main event organized in the Republic of Uruguay, under the auspices of the United Nations, and the UAE represents an accredited regional platform for organizing data for the Middle East and North Africa region, with the aim of facilitating the entry of participants in the global competition.
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre announced the launch of the Statistics Youth Council, as part of its initiatives aimed at empowering youth in the fields of statistics, and enhancing their role in developing innovative ideas and experiences, through a platform for exchanging knowledge, expertise and successful experiences; whilst also providing an opportunity for youth to contribute to the development of statistical methodologies, and forming the features of a unified national statistical system that contributes to supporting the development process of the UAE and enhancing its leadership and competitiveness globally.
The Statistics Youth Council members consists of 14 Emirati youths made up from different statistical centers at the federal and local levels across the country. The formation of the Council was announced, in the presence of His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, Her Excellency Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, His Excellency Abdullah Al Qemzi, Acting Director General of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, and a number of officials and young members of the new Council.
H.E. Mubarak Al Nakhi stressed that the establishment of the Statistics Youth Council, initiated by FCSC, to include representatives of youth from different local statistical centers in the UAE, reflects the wise leadership’s commitment to enhancing governmental integration in shaping future paths. It embodies their directives on the importance of investing in the capabilities of young national talents, building their capacities and skills, and encouraging their active contribution to the development of various government sectors.
H.E. Al Nakhi stated that the Statistics Youth Council will contribute to transforming the energy and creativity of young Emirati talents into ideas and projects that enhance the role of the statistical community in leading initiatives aimed at serving the society of the United Arab Emirates.
Hanan Ahli: Enabling young cadres to develop methodologies and innovate solutions to the challenges of the statistical sector
For her part, Her Excellency Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, stressed the importance of the role of the Council in supporting the UAE government’s directions to enhance the role of youth in various fields, and in enabling young cadres to work on developing statistical methodologies and innovating solutions to the challenges of the statistical sector in the country.
H.E. Hanan Ahli said that the council will provide a platform and an open space to build the capacities of young people, and provide them with the necessary skills and tools in the fields of statistical analysis, data and reports, and understanding changes in the economy and society at the local and regional levels. and international.
The launch of the Statistical Youth Council is part of the government initiatives aimed at supporting the efforts to implement the pillars and targets of the UAE Centennial 2071. This vision, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai (may God protect him), represents a comprehensive and long-term national vision for the next five decades. It focuses on enhancing the role of youth in building a more sustainable future, creating an incubating environment for generating innovative and creative ideas, and ensuring a better future for the coming generations.
In its third meeting, held at the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, the Higher Committee for Coordination of Statistical Work discussed the latest developments in the UAE’s nomination to the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC), a number of topics related to statistical projects in the country, and ways to enhance coordination and integration between statistical centers at the federal and local levels, in order to enhance the leadership and competitiveness of the UAE government in various fields.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Statistics, H.E. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, Abdulla Gharib Al Qemzi, Acting Director General of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Director of the Fujairah Statistics Center, and Najwa Yaqoub, Executive Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Center for Statistics and Studies.
The meeting came as a continuation of a series of follow-up meetings on joint statistical projects and initiatives on a country level, which aims to enhance cooperation between statistical authorities, coordinate national statistical work and implement strategies that serve the integration of government work in the country.
Dubai, Nov. 2 (WAM) — The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) has launched an initiative to build the capabilities of its employees in the fields of programming, data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, through a digital training platform that provides interactive courses and workshops, in partnership with the global platform "Data Camp" specialized in training and capacity building in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence.
The launch of the capacity development initiative "Grow@FCSC", was featured as part of the “Project Showcase" segment for UAE Codes 2023. This day was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as an annual national occasion to celebrate the community of programmers in the country on October 29 of each year.
H.E. Mohamed Hassan, Executive Director of the Statistics and Data Science Sector at the FCSC, stressed the Centre’s keenness to build the capabilities of the employees on a sustainable basis, ensuring that they keep pace with the most prominent technological developments in the fields of data science, artificial intelligence, and advanced technological solutions, in a way that enhances their capabilities and benefit from the program.
His Excellency said that the platform was developed by specialists in the fields of learning, training, institutional business intelligence and data science, pointing out that the capacity development initiative "Grow@FCSC" represents a virtual training camp centered on data science that can be accessed through participation in webinars, to enhance learning levels, and keep up-to-date with the latest developments in institutional business intelligence and data science.
The training program adopts a unique model that combines courses, workshops, and competitions which enables participants to acquire the skills and experience required to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements in data science and artificial intelligence. The participants of the program receive experience in the tracks they successfully complete, which include data engineering, business analysis, statistics and advanced modeling, machine learning skills, reporting and programming basics, and data processing and analysis. The program engages them with interactive experiences to enable the participent to acquire advanced skills in the use of tables and coding tools, taking advantage of advanced technology tools and solutions.
It is noteworthy that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, directed the adoption of October 29 of each year, as a day of programming bearing the slogan "UAE Codes", to upgrade the capabilities of talents and pioneering minds and qualify them in the fields of programming and the use of modern technology. Dedicating a day for programming reflects the UAE government’s efforts to enhance the process of development and comprehensive digital transformation, and supports the efforts of the National Program for Coders to help talented people master and excel in the programming field, and motivate them to be ready to deal with the requirements of the future with high efficiency.
Data and technology experts applaud the launch of the global platform for big data for sustainable development goals in the United Arab Emirates.
Several high-ranking officials and experts from government and private sectors, as well as those working in the information and communications technology sector in the country, have commended the importance of the launch of the United Nations platform for big data for sustainable development goals. This launch took place at Expo Dubai 2020 and was attended by more than 86 international experts in 16 sessions. It was witnessed by high-ranking government officials in the country, United Nations officials, and big data experts from more than 22 countries around the world, in addition to top executives from various international and national companies, as well as academics and students.
Regarding the importance of the forum, Dr. Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, Secretary-General of the Ajman Executive Council, emphasized that the Government of Ajman, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, is eager to learn about distinguished practices and pioneering experiences to stay updated with developments and propose innovative solutions in the field of big data. Big data has revolutionized the world of statistics and its future globally.
His Excellency Ahmed Mahmoud Fikri, Director-General of SCAD, stressed the importance of participation and cooperation in global events and conferences related to big data and artificial intelligence technologies, especially those related to achieving sustainable development goals. He highlighted the global and regional significance of this forum, held in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The week serves as a platform bringing together experts, decision-makers, government officials, and business leaders from the region and around the world to exchange experiences and discuss best practices.
Eng. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Deputy Director-General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority for the Information and Digital Government Sector, stated that the launch of the United Nations Big Data Platform for Sustainable Development Goals in the UAE marks a significant qualitative leap in the country’s strategic role in all areas related to digital transformation, particularly in the big data sector. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) is pleased to participate in this forum due to its substantial value and impact in utilizing data to achieve sustainable development goals for the benefit of humanity.
His Excellency Younus Al Nasser, Assistant Director-General at Digital Dubai and CEO of Dubai Data Establishment, emphasized the effective contribution of public and private sector data to accelerate the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By collaborating and analyzing available data from cities, use cases can be identified that not only stimulate economic growth but also have a positive impact on people and the environment.
Her Excellency Thuraya Al Hashimi, Executive Director of the Digital Data Enabling Sector at FCSC, attributed the success of the UAE in hosting the regional headquarters to the collective efforts of the center’s team and the support of its government and national statistical center partners in the country. They have worked closely with the scientific community, researchers, and statisticians, all of whom have commended the UAE’s efforts in keeping pace with global developments and advancing new methodologies and frameworks to link various big data systems while adapting to changes in the global statistical system. This effort also supports global initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development goals.
Eng. Anwar Mohammed Al-Shammari, Executive Director of the Geospatial Information Governance Sector at the Federal Center for Geographical Information, stressed the importance of promoting and developing the big data sector and industry in the country. This sector plays a strategic role in the country’s journey toward digital transformation and enhances the role of data in supporting efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, particularly in the spatial data sector.
Dr. Hajar Al Hubaishi, Executive Director of Ajman Statistics and Competitiveness Center, underlined the significance of building strategic partnerships and exchanging experiences to promote access to a knowledge-based economy, aligning with the strategic goal of the country.
Dina Fares, Acting Director General of Ajman Digital Government, emphasized that the launch of the platform represents a significant qualitative leap in the strategic role played by the UAE in the big data sector and in achieving sustainable development goals.
Among private sector participants, Samer Assem, General Manager of Al Mazrouei & Partners, highlighted that big data has become an essential tool for the success of businesses in various industries, especially those relying on digital infrastructure for manufacturing, sales, or distribution.
Eng. Waleed Al-Nokrashy, CEO of UAE Digital Lab, specializing in digital transformation, emphasized that the advanced infrastructure of the UAE makes it a focal point for international companies specialized in data, creating an inspiring environment for smart societies.
The forum witnessed the development of strategic partnerships and received substantial support from local and international entities in the public and private sectors, both locally and globally.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy: The UAE has placed sustainable development at the heart of its strategies since its establishment to ensure prosperity and development
Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chair of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, Her Excellency Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, affirmed that the government of the United Arab Emirates adopts the Sustainable Development Goals and supports the United Nations’ vision in accelerating the achievement of these goals for the betterment of societies and people.
This came on the occasion of holding the first meetings of the Committee for the year 2022 within the agenda Global Sustainable Development Goals Week, held from From 15 to 19 January, at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Her Excellency said that under the directions of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan president of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Nahyan Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander for the armed forces, the UAE is keen to maintain its advanced position and to Remains the global leader in launching the most important programs and initiatives that support communities humanity around the world, and playing a leading and active role in achieving development goals sustainable, based on an innovative scientific methodology based on Visions & Plans A knowledge-based strategy based on factual and accurate data and statistics reflects the reality of the world."
The Chairperson of the Committee stressed that the UAE has put sustainable development in the core of its plans and strategies since its establishment, to ensure the prosperity and development of the country and its citizens. Noting the importance of joint work between all federal and local government entities, and effective coordination between the government and private sectors and strengthening partnership with the community to achieve the objectives of the agenda in the country.
Her Excellency said: "There is not much time left for the deadline, international communities must focus on action and implementation by 2030. The challenges facing the world are growing in magnitude and complexity, it has therefore become vital to adopt immediate solutions that mitigate obstacles relatively smaller, enabling individuals and organizations to operate efficiently and effectively with the biggest and most complex challenges in the medium and long term."
Her Excellency commended the committee members for their dedicated efforts in advancing diverse social, economic, and environmental initiatives both within the country and internationally. She emphasized that the Sustainable Development Goals are more than just a global approach or an international agenda; they are a humanitarian mission aimed at enhancing societies and the well-being of individuals, who are the foundation of developmental endeavors in communities. The Sustainable Development Goals play a significant and pivotal role within Expo 2020, offering an unprecedented opportunity to spearhead global efforts towards ensuring a sustainable future, fostering positive transformations, and envisioning new horizons in the field of sustainability, not only within the UAE but also on a global scale.
His Excellency Abdullah Lootah: "The year 2022 is very important in the UAE’s journey to achieve sustainability goals, as it coincides with the beginning of the country’s march towards the next fifty years"
The meeting was chaired by H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, chaired the first meeting in 2022, which witnessed the attendance of Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for Centres and Health Clinics in the Ministry of Health and Prevention; Hanan Mansour Ahli, Acting Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, and members of the National Committee on SDGs. A number of sessions, presentations and discussions were held, reviewing various initiatives and steps taken by the Committee during the past year, and discussed strategies and priorities for the next stage, including efforts and plans to promote the achievement of development goals in the nation.
Abdullah Lootah stated that 2022 marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This coincides with the commencement of the nation’s journey towards the next fifty years, during which various initiatives and programs will be launched to support the vision of the wise leadership in realizing the pillars of the UAE Centennial 2071. This effort aligns with global sustainability priorities and has been recognized by the United Nations as a "decade of work" dedicated to achieving these goals.
Hanan Ahli: New plans, ideas and initiatives reflect positively on the process of achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
H.E. Hanan Mansour Ahli, Acting Director of the Federal Competitiveness Statistics Centre, remarked that the committee members and their dedicated teams demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges posed by the global landscape, be it the lingering impacts of the "Covid-19" pandemic or the fluctuations in climate and geopolitical dynamics, they successfully developed plans, ideas, initiatives, and proposals for the year 2022. These discussions and deliberations exemplified a shared spirit of integration, consensus, and unwavering determination to propel the UAE forward.
Hanan Ahli further emphasized, "The UAE has made significant strides in the realm of sustainable development, receiving accolades from major international institutions that meticulously assess the country’s performance across a wide array of competitive indicators tied to sustainable development. The UAE proudly claimed the top global ranking in 97 of these indicators linked to Sustainable Development Goals and secured a position among the top ten on a global scale in 268 other indicators. To reinforce our leadership position both regionally and internationally, it becomes imperative to redouble government efforts in the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, fostering collaborations between the public and private sectors is vital to advance these objectives, making sustainable development an overarching societal priority in the UAE."
She noted, "The comprehensive data supplied by government agencies plays a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s endeavors to realize the Sustainable Development Goals. It aids in the development of innovative initiatives and informed decision-making based on precise and accurate data." Hanan Ahli emphasized the significance of harnessing the global platform provided by Expo 2020 and the array of international events and activities it hosts. These events offer a unique opportunity to showcase the UAE’s successful experiences in achieving these goals on a global stage.
Projects Fast and high-impact companies.
During the meeting, committee members reached a consensus on the paramount importance of prioritizing planning and executing projects and initiatives that are characterized by their swiftness and ease of implementation, while also ensuring they yield substantial and clearly visible impacts. They underscored the significance of collaborative efforts among the government agencies involved in the Committee to reinforce the nation’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the most prominent efforts and initiatives undertaken at both national and international levels. It was noted that the global partnerships established by the UAE have played a crucial role in assisting countries and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This support included providing medical and food assistance to various parts of the world, aligning with the objectives of Sustainable Development, such as eradicating hunger, combating poverty, and ensuring access to sound healthcare, among other vital goals.
The National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, established in 2017, is dedicated to the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This committee plays a pivotal role in aligning the UAE’s national development priorities with the UN’s developmental goals, facilitating information-sharing among stakeholders, and supporting the integrated implementation of these developmental objectives. Comprising of 17 members, its mission is to provide essential support for goal implementation, monitor progress, and engage stakeholders in the collective efforts to achieve these objectives. Additionally, the committee collaborates in aligning sustainable development goals with the UAE’s national agenda, including the National Wellbeing Strategy, and works in coordination with the youth, the private sector, and knowledge institutions to ensure the effective implementation of these vital development goals.
Dubai (Union) – The Higher Committee for Coordinating Statistical Work at the national level had its fourth meeting at the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre in Dubai; where they discussed the National Statistics Strategy plan, as part of its efforts to enhance continuous assessments of new emerging needs and improve the efficiency of the statistical system to serve development programs at both the national and international levels. The meeting was attended by H.E. Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Statistics and Community Development, H.E. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre and Chairman of the Committee, H.E. Abdullah Gharib AlQemzi, Acting Director General of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, H.E. Younus Al Nasser, Assistant Director General, Digital Dubai & CEO, Dubai Data Establishment, Dr. Hajar Al Hubaishi, Executive Director of Ajman Statistics Center, Najwa Yaqoub, Executive Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Center for Statistics and Studies, and H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Director of Fujairah Statistics Center. H.E. Hanan Ahli, emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between the statistical entities in the country through the exchange of knowledge and experiences and unifying standards of statistical processes. She pointed out that the upcoming action plan will prioritize designing the future statistical system and ways to improve the competitiveness of the UAE in global reports and indicators. She highlighted the importance of focusing on technical areas with a high impact on the national statistical strategy. The Committee stressed the importance of the participation of the UAE delegation in the fifty-fifth session of the United Nations Statistical Commission, in coordination with the Office of the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the United Nations, as the meetings of the Committee represent an ideal opportunity to build channels of communication and fruitful cooperation with international statistical authorities. It is worth mentioning that the Higher Committee for Coordinating Statistical Work was established at the national level in 2016 as a national initiative aimed at enhancing partnership opportunities, developing mechanisms for joint work, intensifying coordination among statistical entities in areas of statistical work development, and designing policies and implementing strategies based on data supporting decision-making processes.
Dubai, the United Arab Emirates- 16th February 2020
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) participates in the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 (GWFD 2020) scheduled to be held today under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during 16-17 February 2020 under the theme “The Power of Influence”.
As per the forum agenda, FCSA is participating in several main sessions, in addition to introducing an innovative digital interactive screen designed to display the most recent facts and figures on the UAE journey in empowering women, and its achievements in the most important global competitiveness reports and indicators on women empowerment and gender balance.
FCSA would also introduce a special report on the role of women in development in partnership with the Dubai Women Establishment, National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, and the Arab Youth Center.
On its participation in GWFD 2020, H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director-General stated: “FCSA is proud to actively participate in GWFD 2020 by contributing to the main agenda and providing the essential support to this important global event. GWFD 2020 is a platform to document the UAE sustained achievements in realizing gender balance and women empowerment in all areas.”
“FCSA would make sure to shed light on the UAE notable achievements in areas of laws, procedural improvements and the results achieved due to accurate and updated data, and their repercussions on the most important global competitiveness reports and indicators,” H.E. Lootah added.
Plenary Sessions
H.E. Hanan Ahli, Executive Director of the Competitiveness and SDGs Sector at FCSA, said: “FCSA would showcase its experience in several dossiers on women’s empowerment and their relationship to achieving SDGs 2030 through supporting decision-makers. Such support is realized by providing and making the accurate and up-to-date data accessible to them, and introducing legislative and procedural improvements to laws on women and their role in society, as well as the economic and knowledge development processes.”
H.E. Ahli stated: “FCSA aims through its participation in GWFD 2020 to showcase the adopted best practices in UAE which in total designed to achieve sustainable development. We would also present UAE’s success stories in harnessing the competitiveness strategy to achieve humanitarian goals, in addition to the most important lessons learned in producing and making data on women’s empowerment accessible to the public.”
An Interactive and Figure-Based Screen Highlighting Emirati Women Leadership
As part of the its input to the forum, FCSA plans to reveal an interactive display screen to all visitors and guests to view the recent data, statistics, and indicators of global competitiveness achieved by UAE in addition to all that related to supporting and enhancing women’s leadership, pioneering and social role in UAE. This data is displayed in a unique interactive visual style which facilitate displaying and explaining the data and indicators smoothly and simply.”
Noteworthy, the second edition of GWFD2020 would tackle several thematic subjects that present diverse insights and international experiences from around the world. Part of the prominent dossiers that would be addressed is the role of women in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and their contribution to achieving SDGs and the innovation industry. GWFD 2020 agenda would also address other several topics, namely peace and prosperity, the role of governments in developing strategies to ensure gender balance, and harnessing modern technology to achieve this balance and the most effective empowerment in all areas.
The Ministry of Community Development announced the launch of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024, in cooperation with national statistics centers in all emirates of the country, in a comprehensive national initiative that will continue for a whole year. The survey covers about 19,000 households nationwide and aims to provide a series of data and indicators related to the economic and social lifestyles of families, in addition to studying the conditions and standards of living within the country, and the seasonal changes that families go through for their income and spending over a whole year. Leadership’s Vision Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development, said: "In accordance with the vision of the wise leadership, the UAE launched The National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, with the aim of moving from the concept of a good life to a comprehensive concept of integrated wellbeing," stressing the commitment of the Ministry of Community Development to continue improving the aspects of life for individuals and families through a scientific approach that seeks to progress development plans and programs and renewable services that touch the reality of the needs of Emirati families, which supports their cohesion and stability and protects their members within the framework of a sustainable development plan. Her Excellency pointed out that the survey on household income and expenditure represents a major step the importance that the Ministry and its partners are working on at a state level to feed the database of families, and this is integrated with the plans and initiatives that the Ministry is working on to serve the community in the UAE. For his part, His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, stressed that the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, places providing a decent life for Emirati families as a priority, and aims to enhance their quality of life and happiness, to ensure a decent and sustainable life and a bright future for all family members. His Excellency praised the efforts of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre from developing the "Household Income and Expenditure Survey" project and continuously stressing awareness from the beginning of the importance of this survey, which provides data and figures that constitute a reality of household income and expenditure levels in the country, which constitutes in its objectives a major step for decision-makers and officials to identify the data and indicators resulting from the survey, develop strategic development plans, in addition to implementing initiatives, whether social or economic, to improve all aspects of life for individuals and families, which would reflect positively on all components of these families, hence providing a decent quality of life that enhances their happiness. His Excellency highlighted that the Community Development Department in Abu Dhabi places great emphasis on the family, considering it the "foundation and nucleus" for a cohesive and interconnected society that contributes to the progress and prosperity of the emirate. This has led to the launch of the department’s "Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy," which is a comprehensive plan aimed at continuing to empower families and supporting their efforts in the emirate. This strategy encompasses children, youth, elderly citizens, residents, and all individuals, ensuring the provision of a nurturing and healthy environment for all families.
Quality of Life
Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in the Government of Dubai, said: "The UAE, under the leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, believes that enhancing the quality of life of families is a great priority, and is working to enhance and consolidate it for the benefit of achieving the gains of all its members." Her Excellency pointed out that the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024 represents a qualitative step to update data and information that will support decision-makers and officials in developing Strategic plans and qualitative initiatives that improve the lives of families in the UAE, indicating that the Community Development Authority is working to provide multiple social services and programs aimed at improving the lives of the individual and society, and strengthening family ties to build a cohesive society.
International standards
For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development, said that the data collection process is carried out according to specific international principles and standards, stressing that dealing with the data that will be collected through the survey will be confidential, and will be used for the purposes of research and statistical study.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi called on members of the community to cooperate fully to make this survey a success and support the planning process for the economic and social development of the UAE.
5 years
Her Excellency Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre stated that the United Arab Emirates is witnessing the implementation of a Family Income and Expenditure Survey every five years. Experts from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, in collaboration with national statistical centers, have developed an approved scientific design for the sample of households to be visited. Hanan Ahli added that the survey will provide outputs related to the economic and social levels of families, contributing to empowering and supporting decision-makers in the formulation of economic and social policies. It will also provide data and results that enhance all aspects of life for individuals and families in the country. She noted that the survey sample will cover all emirates in the country, involving approximately 19,000 households, and represents an advanced mechanism to survey aspects of consumer spending in areas such as housing, education, health, and more.
A Careful Approach
In the same context, Abdullah Gharib Al Qamzi, Acting Director General of the Statistics Center – Abu Dhabi, confirmed that the samples were designed according to a proportional distribution method based on the number of households in the emirate. This approach ensures the required level of accuracy through an integrated process conducted in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center and national statistical centers, using the latest scientific methods. Al Qamzi said: "The Household Income and Expenditure Survey is carried out periodically to provide data on household income and expenditure. According to demographic and family characteristics, studying the levels of income and expenditure of the family and the individual and showing its relationship to economic and social factors, in addition to the distribution of individuals and families according to income and expenditure groups, collecting the necessary data to support the relevant projects, and estimating the national accounts related to income and consumption.
Spending Patterns
Younus AlNasser is the Assistant Director General, Digital Dubai & CEO, Dubai Data Establishment, said: "The Household Income and Expenditure Survey is in line with the higher national trends that are inspired by the vision of ‘We the UAE 2031’, which stipulates the establishment of the most prosperous society on a global level. The survey also embodies the importance of relying on digital data to draw conclusions and make decisions that contribute to building a brighter future, achieving community happiness, and consolidating the UAE’s leading position in various relevant global indicators".
Dr. Hajar Saeed Al-Hubaishi, Executive Director of Ajman Statistics Center, said The Household Income and Expenditure Survey aims to calculate the average income and expenditure of the individual and family. This data is linked to multiple factors such as education, profession, and activities. economic, as well as demographic, social and economic aspects. The survey provides accurate indicators on the monthly income and expenditure of households and individuals and helps estimate the current demand for goods and services. It also makes it possible to predict the future needs of the population with regard to goods and services.
Community Well-Being
Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Shayeb Al-Naqbi, Director-General of the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development, pointed out that the data of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey provide the necessary indicators to assess the level of well-being of households and individuals. By knowing the characteristics of the housing inhabited by the family, the durable goods available to it, the expenses of families on various items of expenditure, and identifying the activities of the informal sector, such as the activity of agriculture within the family sector (self-production outside the establishments), and its importance to the national economy. Dr. Ibrahim Saad, Director of the Fujairah Statistics Centre, said that the household income and expenditure survey will meet the needs of the SNA of data necessary to prepare national accounts related to the final consumption of households, in addition to measuring the inflation rate, and calculating the quantities and values of consumption of goods and services to estimate the demand for them in the future."
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