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DATA FOR A BETTER FUTURE
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority signs agreement with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority to support the UN World Data Forum 2018
DUBAI, 28th July, 2018 (WAM)
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) to build a strategic relationship to support the United Nations 2018 World Data Forum, to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates in October 2018. More than 1,500 leaders, decision makers, experts and specialists in the field of data and statistics from around the world will attend the event.
The MoU was signed by H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General, and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the UN World Data Forum 2018, and HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, in the presence of senior officials of both organisations.
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General, said: "Energy sustainability and efficiency improvement is one of the key sustainable development goals. Underlining its visionary leadership, the UAE has adopted a long-term strategy to promote this goal, and reduce that nation’s dependence on traditional energy sources. Our nation has taken concerted initiatives to diversify energy sources and increase the contribution of clean energy to the overall mix to ensure sustainability for our future generations. The availability of accurate statistical data and information will support the development of future scientific and knowledge plans that will drive the efforts of national institutions in this field."
"The MoU signed with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will integrate the efforts of national institutions to contribute international expertise and best practices in building national capacities in statistical fields. This will help provide data that serve the objectives of the national development agenda, and highlight the UAE’s leading position as one of the best countries in the world in the use of data and information to achieve sustainable development in all fields and sectors," he added.
"We are pleased to be the strategic partner of the UN World Data Forum, organised by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority. This underlines the position of the UAE as an ideal platform for hosting the biggest and most important conferences and forums, thanks to its robust infrastructure and capabilities to organise major events. The Forum will be an opportunity to discuss the growing importance of data for governments around the world and the need to develop ways for collecting and processing data to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. We are sponsoring this international forum because we believe in the important role data and statistics play in building smart cities and promoting the transformation towards a knowledge-based economy by encouraging creativity and innovation. This is achieved by utilising data to develop innovative solutions, smart applications, and value-added services. Through Digital DEWA, the digital arm of DEWA, we are redefining the concept of a utility to create a new digital future for Dubai. DEWA will disrupt the entire business of public utilities by becoming the world’s first digital utility using autonomous systems for renewable energy and its storage, expansion in Artificial Intelligence adoption, and digital services. Dubai will be the first city to provide AI-based electricity and water services. DEWA will launch a futuristic digital platform, a data hub named MORO, to improve the UAE’s digital capabilities to develop smart cities, provide state-of-the-art innovative solutions, and a successful model for Dubai and the world," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
Al Tayer appreciated the efforts of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority in preparing, managing and presenting the UAE’s bid dossier to host the UN World Data Forum 2018. He emphasised the importance of the forum’s topics, which focuses on sustainability. DEWA attaches great importance to supporting the UAE’s efforts in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030. DEWA is committed to adopting sustainability as a main priority for its strategic direction, plans and initiatives, to support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to provide 7% of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy by 2020, 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2050, and the Dubai Plan 2021, which aims to make Dubai a city that is sustainable with its resources and supported by environmental elements that are clean, healthy, sustainable.
The MoU provides for DEWA to share resources and expertise to contribute to the organising this important global gathering, which examines the impact of data and its role in achieving the goals of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, in a way that is commensurate with the distinctive position of the UAE and its role in stimulating international cooperation to achieve development goals at global levels. The two entities will review the UAE’s leading global experience in drawing on data to shape future policies and plans in many areas, including the energy sector. They will also highlight the most prominent national projects and achievements achieved by the nation to support the global commitment to promote energy sustainability.
The two organisations will also leverage the discussions and recommendations of the forum and benefit from international expertise to build the competencies of national talent, improve their skills and develop their expertise in statistical fields to deploy them in the development of plans, visions and common policies that serve the achievement of development goals at the local level, including the objectives of the National Agenda for Vision 2021 and the UAE Plan 2071.
The MoU will leverage the activities of the global forum, which is hosted by the UAE to consolidate its position and leading role in building bridges of cooperation and establishing effective partnerships for data exchange and promoting its optimal use to achieve the goals of sustainable development 2030.
The UN World Data Forum 2018 will provide an opportunity to network with organisations, companies, institutions, universities, as well as experts, specialists, and data workers from around the world.
The forum will be attended by leaders of data, and a large number of officials from government and business sectors, who will take part in specialized discussion sessions in establishing a scientific environment to enhance the contribution of data and statistics to achieving the goals of sustainable development 2030.
Smart Dubai, FCSA enhance cooperation for UN World Data Forum 2018
- The two sides signed an MoU to showcase Smart Dubai’s world-class initiatives
- Lootah: The partnership agreement reflects our commitment to work together to support the vision of the UAE
- Al Nasser: Dubai has the most comprehensive and ambitious data initiative worldwide
Dubai, June 27, 2018
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Smart Dubai, to enhance cooperation for supporting the 2nd United Nations World Data Forum 2018. The forum will be held in the UAE in October, with more than 1500 experts in the field of data and statistics from different countries of the world expected to attend.
The partnership agreement aims at uniting efforts to contribute to the success of the world’s largest data event, and to use it as a platform to review the qualitative accomplishments achieved by UAE institutions and government entities by employing modern technologies to support the development and prosperity of the community.
The agreement was signed at the headquarters of the Federal Authority for Competitiveness and Statistics in Dubai by H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General, and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the UN World Data Forum 2018, along with HE Younus Al Nasser, Assistant Director General, Smart Dubai, and CEO, Dubai Data Establishment, in the presence of the accompanying delegates from both entities.
"The combination of efforts and effective cooperation among all parties will have a significant impact on the success of hosting the United Nations World Data Forum 2018, consolidating the UAE’s leading position as a global destination for world-class events," said H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah. “This agreement with Smart Dubai underlines our commitment to uniting efforts with various government entities to translate our wise leadership’s vision in achieving the goals of sustainable development according to data-driven plans and strategies.”
"The forum will provide a unique opportunity to utilize experiences, review best practices, exchange ideas and discuss the latest technologies related to statistical fields. This provides an ideal platform to review the achievements of Dubai in its quest to be the smartest city in the world, based on the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, by developing holistic solutions that will drive sustainable development and support the well-being of society."
H.E. Younus Al Naser said: “"Our leadership’s vision has elevated our role to a global level, and any initiative we develop has an impact on global trends. This applies to “Dubai Data”, one of the most comprehensive and ambitious initiatives in the world. Our leadership sees data as the oil for the future, which makes Dubai the perfect venue for hosting the 2018 UN World Data Forum. The forum will provide an opportunity to inform the world of what we have achieved in a record time in terms of data as a tool to empower the future, as well as the opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas with the global experts participating in the event. "
"The partnership agreement is part of our keenness to translate the national plans, including the UAE 2071 Centennial Plan, due to the strategic role that the data will play in transforming our country to be the best in the world. We will use our expertise to ensure the event’s success, which is an accomplishment to our country, complementing its pursuit of a knowledge-based economy.” H.E. added. “While the world is still exploring the future potential of data, we will showcase our achievements such as the Dubai Pulse, which is a world-first, being a future tool for building effective – and user-friendly human experience. "
The agreement stipulates the consolidation of visions and strategies, developing practical approaches aimed at building and exchanging experiences and enhancing technical capacities. It aims at achieving mutual goals, visions, policies, plans and strategic programs to develop a smart statistical system that will serve as an example for the world, and provide information and knowledge to meet the needs of both entities while supporting sustainable development plans at all levels.
- Real GDP 2017 generates 0.8% growth and 2.5% growth for non-oil sectors in 2017
- Current GDP for 2017 achieves 7.2%
Dubai, UAE – 12 June 2018
UAE to welcome over 1,500 data experts from around the world in October
Dubai, June 9, 2018
UAE First Regionally and Seventh Globally, According to IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 20182018
Mohammad Bin Rashid: Our competitiveness journey is an accelerating one, and it only makes us more determined to reach the highest ranks
UAE is number one globally in 23 indicators including “Government Decisions” and “International Talent”
- UAE is the only country in the region to be among the top 10 in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2018
- UAE maintained its leadership in the region and moved up three ranks from 2017’s position
- UAE moved up 21 positions in 7 years from 2011 till 2018
- Mohammad Bin Rashid: We have the determination, we have the talent, and we have the resources. Being Number One suits our nation
- Mohammad Bin Rashid: UAE’s experience is a regional one that led to a top global rank. An experience of determination and success that is open for all the Arab nations. We will continue in enhancing our business environment, our infrastructure and our resources, because we want a better life for our people and all the residents in the UAE.
Dubai, UAE – 23 May 2018
The United Arab Emirates came in first rank regionally and seventh rank globally in global competitiveness. That is according to the latest edition of the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2018, published by the Swiss based Insatiate of Management Development (IMD) that was unveiled today. According to the report, the UAE out-performed advanced economies such as Sweden, Norway and Canada and has jumped 21 ranks between the years 2011 and 2018.
According to the report, the UAE came first globally in various indicators such as “Government Decisions”, “Public-Private Partnerships”, “Employment” and “International Talent”. The UAE also came second globally in “Business Efficiency” factor, and third globally in “Diversification of Economy”, “City Management” indicators, forth in “Energy infrastructure” and “Development and Application of Technology” indicators.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai stated that the UAE’s experience is a regional one that led to a top global rank. An experience of determination and success that is open for all the Arab nations. We will continue in enhancing our business environment, our infrastructure and our resources, because we want a better life for our people and all the residents in the UAE.
His Highness added that UAE’s competitiveness journey is an accelerating one, and it only makes us more determined to reach the highest ranks, stressing that we will continue in the competitiveness race and we will not settling for anything less than being number one globally. His Highness concluded by saying” We have the determination, we have the talent, and we have the resources. Being Number One suits our nation.
Emirati Leadership
The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2018 is comprised of four key factors, 20 sub factors and 340 indicators that cover all the major areas of a nations competitiveness in social, administrative, business economic topics that also include government efficiency, education and innovation. In the Economic Factor, the UAE moved from fifth globally in 2017, to third globally in 2018. It also retained its fourth global rank in the government efficiency factor.
On an indicator level, UAE held a number of advanced position in various indicators such as International Trade (1st globally), Employment (3rd globally), and International Investment (10th globally). UAE also achieved high ranks in a number of indictors such as first globally in Employment as a percentage of population, 3rd globally in Diversification of Economy, 5th globally and Export Growth and 6th globally in Youth Unemployment (lack of). The UAE also achieved number one in Quality of Air Transportation and Public-Private Partnerships. The UAE also came 2nd globally in Cyber Security, 3rd globally in Management of Cities, Maintenance and Development and 4th globally in Energy Infrastructure and Application and Development of Technology.
Government and Business Environment
In the Government Effeminacy factor, UAE maintained its 4th rank globally as well as achieved the No 1 rank globally in eight indicators, such as “Government Decisions”, “Immigration laws”, 2nd globally in “Adaptability of Government Policy” and “Lack of Bureaucracy”, 3rd in “Ease of Doing Business” and 4th globally in “Labor regulations”.
As for the Business Efficiency, UAE kept its 2nd rank globally and achieved the first rank globally in 7 of its indicators such as “Overall productivity”, “Industrial Disputes (Lack of)”, “Labor force percentage of total population”, “International Experience” and “Attitudes Towards Globalization”. UAE also came 2nd globally in “Entrepreneurship”, “Digital Transformation”, “Changing Market Conditions” and “Agility of Companies”. The UAE achieved 3rd globally in “Opportunities and Threats” and 5th globally in Use of big data and analytics.”
Commenting on this year’s performance, Her Excellency Reem bin Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State of International Corporation and Chairwoman of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, said: “Under the guidance and direction of the UAE wise leadership, which is built on the continued and sustainable investment in human development and national talent, adoption of innovation and the non-stop development and improvement for the UAE economy; UAE has proven the effectiveness of its comprehensive developmental strategy that its government entities is implementing.”
“We wish to congratulate the UAE leadership and people for this great achievement and comment the collaborative efforts of all the local and federal government entities that worked hand in hand, in support of UAE international competitiveness and the progress it made this year,” added Her Excellency.
Malik Radwan Al Madani, Director of Competitiveness Strategy Deferment at the FCSA added that “No single entity alone can enhance competitiveness performance. It is the result of a collaborative effort between all the relevant local and federal government entities, through the commitment in the constant improvement of performance, the launch of impactful programs and initiatives that aim to extend services to businesses and individuals, thus, moving the nation’s competitiveness scale and contributing to the countries journey to become one of the best countries in the world by the year 2021.”
Global Rankings
In an analysis prepared by the Competitiveness Strategy at the FCSA showed that this year’s top 10 position was highlighted by extensive movement between competing economies. Most prominently, was the United States of America taking over Hong Kong as the Number 1 most competitive country. Hong Kong moved to 2nd followed by Singapore which moved up to number 3. The Netherlands captured the 4th place moving ahead of Switzerland that moved back to 5th and Denmark to the 6th place. UAE moved up to 7th place ahead of Norway, 8th, Sweden 9th and Canada 10th.
The IMD World Competitiveness Center, a research group at IMD business school in Switzerland, has published the rankings every year since 1989. This year 63 countries are ranked.
Al Mheiri: Data is key for UAE’s Future Food Security Strategy
Dubai, UAE, 28 February 2018
During her tour of the headquarters of Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), H.E. Maryam bint Mohammed Saeed Al Mheiri, Minister of State for Future Food Security underscored the importance of cooperation and identifying areas of collaboration between the two entities. The minister met with FCSA team and was briefed on the authority’s mandate and scope of responsibilities in managing global UAE competitiveness efforts, statistics and data portfolio and the realization of sustainable development goals.
Additionally, FCSA Team presented an overview of statistical indicators related to food security and discussed strategic aspects of statistical work, means of collecting data and making it accessible to stakeholders, particularly joint projects between FCSA and government entities, as well as the private sector.
During the meeting, the minister indicated the importance of collaboration with FCSA on the Minister’s initiatives and future projects, as well as FCSA’s role in supporting such programs through FCSA’s expertise in both statistics and competitiveness.
H.E. Al Mheiri said that she looks forward to further cooperation and future joint projects with the FCSA, specifically taking advantage of the entity’s expertise in the field of researches and knowledge products to support UAE’s Future Food Security portfolio.
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General, said: “FCSA is keen to support federal and local government authorities in the field of statistics, data and global competitiveness ranking. FCSA’s expertise and competencies are all set to be at the disposal of H.E. the Minister and her team with the aim to achieve the desired goals and support UAE’s strategy to achieve food security,” he emphasized.
Following the meeting, Al Mheiri was taken on a tour of FCSA office and was briefed on the services and facilities highlighting the distinctive architectural design of FCSA headquarters and its impact on employees, inducing a creative work environment that stimulates productivity and innovation.
- Partnerships that enhance competitiveness and commercial rule of law will underpin investment opportunities in Dubai and UAE
- Business environment and investors power reflect positively on UAE’s rank in competitiveness reports
Dubai, UAE- 26 February 2018
Mark Beer, OBE, Chief Executive of the Dispute Resolution Authority (DRA) at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and an accompanying delegation of senior executives, consultants and financial analysts, visited the FCSA to discuss mutual areas of cooperation between the two entities.
Both teams discussed various topics related to the investment environment in UAE, attending to investors’ interests and attracting development projects that contribute to the sustainability of UAE economic sectors.
“We are glad to have had the opportunity to understand FCSA’s role in boosting its competitiveness in global reports and indicators”, said Mr. Beer. He also hailed FCSA’s interest in collaborating with stakeholders who can influence UAE’s ranking and performance in competitiveness reports, and all the current effort being exerted to maintain an attractive investment environment in the UAE.
“In addition to contributing to UAE’s future plans to become a knowledge-based economy, it is very important that investors have access to accurate data and statistics that reflect market conditions”, said Mr. Beer.
H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General, addressed the visiting delegation by underlining that the meeting was fruitful and valuable while stressing the importance of partnerships and cooperation in issues of mutual interest.
He also featured the role of the DRA in protecting investors. He affirmed: “Indeed, the DRA is keen to attend to the interests of the investment environment in the Emirate of Dubai and the implications of such an environment on the financial sector in UAE as a whole, which could reflect positively on the country’s performance in global competitiveness rankings.”
Noteworthy, FCSA is so dedicated to promoting joint cooperation with various authorities and institutions in both public and private sectors. By the end of 2017, FCSA hosted more than 60 official delegations and visits at its headquarters, that is receiving more than one official visit per week from various local and out of the country entities. Indeed, FCSA believes in the importance of participatory work aiming at achieving joint interests and future visions for a knowledge-based society which is supported by accurate and transparent statistics and data based on innovation.
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."
In recognition of Inventing the Geospatial Data Hub for SDGs
Dubai, UAE- 6th February 2020:
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) succeeded in putting firm hands on the “Excellence in GIS Implementation (EGI) Award” in the category of GIS Sustainable Development. FCSA received the award during its participation in the “GOVWORX’20” Conference recently organized in Dubai by "GISTEC" Company.
The award is granted to federal and local government authorities to recognize their contributions to implementing geographic information systems (GIS). FCSA received the award in a credit of the efforts exerted to develop the "Geospatial Data Hub for the Sustainable Development Goals”, which is part of the “Geospatial Statistical System” initiative launched to expand the scope of implementing the geographic information, and achieving the optimal use of the geographic planning in statistics, surveying, measuring indicators, and monitoring the UAE progress is the area of sustainable development.
H.E. Mohamed Hasan, Executive Director of the National Statistics and Data Sector at FCSA, availed this opportunity to highlight the FCSA commitment and relentless efforts exerted to the most advanced technologies in the area data sciences to ensure getting accurate information. He pointed out that this achievement is the result of fruitful and active partnerships between FCSA and several federal and local government authorities in the UAE.
“We are proud of this remarkable achievement made by FCSA. It is my pleasure to extend my appreciation to the team who invented, developed, and accomplished the geospatial data project for the sustainable development goals,” he added.
Noteworthy, the “Geospatial Statistical Systems” cover three underpinning pillars. The first pillar deals with the single map, which is the fundamental pillar for survey planning and conducting geographical analyses. In addition to the single map, there is the national map of the seven emirates, designed to present the demographic data, and community facilities in the health and education sectors.
The second pillar addressed the issue of empowering the national geographic statistics, including national administrative statistics data and the national survey data. Such data take advantage of the demographic data sets and community facilities to enrich data and support statistical analysis.
The third pillar covers the Geospatial Data Hub for the Sustainable Development Goals, with sights set to make the FCSA’s statistical indicators public. The hub established by the FCSA has been linked to the UN Stats Open SDG Data Hub, which is designed to monitor and record the countries’ progress in achieving the SDGs through the feature of synchronizing and sharing the data provided by the FCSA’s hub.
Since its birth in 2007, the annual Excellence in GIS Implementation (EGI) Award has become the most prestigious award in MENA and India in the area of GIS. It is given to authorities and organizations which excel in using GIS implementations and earn the highest scores as per the criteria set by the EGI independent jury.
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 (FCSC) has launched a mural in the form of a huge map showing the development of the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade over the 50 years of the Union’s life and the great growth achieved by foreign trade through successive leaps over half a century.
The mural shows the increase in the country’s foreign trade from AED 1.14 billion in 1971 to exceed AED 1.4 trillion in 2020. Despite the repercussions of Covid-19, which cast a shadow on international trade and world economies, the UAE’s foreign trade exceeded AED 1.28 trillion during the first nine months of this year, with a growth of 26.5% compared to the last period of 2020, representing a jump in growth compared to the rest of the region and the world.
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said: "Foreign trade is a major lever for the growth of the national economy, and the growth and development witnessed by the UAE’s foreign trade during the fiftieth march reflects the interest of the vision and directives of the wise leadership in giving the economy and trade great importance and the UAE’s prominent position on the global trade map. The country trades with 239 global markets. His Excellency added that the continuous development witnessed by the country’s foreign trade reflects the directions recently announced by the UAE government to contribute to achieving new leaps in the country’s trade performance during the next phase, and innovative initiatives and flexible government strategies play an important role in enhancing the performance of the country’s foreign trade, such as the 10×10 program for export development, expanding comprehensive economic agreements with a number of target global markets, and continuously opening new commercial markets for the country’s commercial activities to continue foreign trade without The state’s oil performance will be positive during the next fifty years.
Hanan Ahli, Acting Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, said that the unprecedented growth achieved by the UAE in all vital sectors during the fifty years of the country’s life is the best evidence of the insightful vision of the wise leadership and the sustainable development approach that the country has planned for itself since the beginning of the Union. For the past 50 years, it has carved out a place for itself on the map of the world’s leading players in foreign trade.
She pointed out that the UAE leads the world in many indicators related to trade, ranking first globally in the growth index of trade services exports and the trade budget index "% of GDP", according to the Global Competitiveness Yearbook 2021 report issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), in addition to occupying the leading position regionally in many global competitiveness indicators related to trade. She added that the mural on the growth of foreign trade over 50 years, which was erected FCSC, reflects our absolute belief in the importance of documented data over 50 years in highlighting the sustainable development witnessed by the country in all vital sectors, including the foreign trade sector. It is noteworthy that the mural documents foreign trade data in a timeline that extends for fifty years, based on the data archive of FCSC, and sheds light on the volume of the UAE’s trade with the countries of the world and the most important goods exchanged with them.
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center has also launched an interactive digital map for non-oil global trade data for the United Arab Emirates. Through it, all non-oil foreign trade data is reviewed, and the total trade, imports, exports, and re-exports details can be determined over time periods defined by the map user. The data can also be sorted by country or group of countries, and trade volume is displayed in UAE Dirhams or US Dollars, making it easier for trade enthusiasts and researchers to access the latest and most accurate non-oil trade data for the UAE with the world.
Over the past fifty years, the UAE has laid a solid foundation for building a diversified and sustainable economy, and after the discovery of oil in the fifties of the last century, the UAE succeeded in radically changing the structure of economic life in the country, while continuing its efforts to move to a knowledge-based economy by encouraging innovation and strengthening the regulatory framework for key economic sectors.
In the soon-to-be-released UAE Figures 2020 report, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre reveals the most prominent facts and figures that reflect the growth recorded in the country’s economy over 50 years, on the occasion of the celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of the Union.
The report reveals a significant leap in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), increasing from AED 58.3 billion in 1975 to over AED 1.3 trillion in 2020. Additionally, the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP grew from 43% in 1975 to 83% in 2020.
The report also indicates a rise in the total volume of the country’s foreign trade, growing from AED 11.5 billion in 1975 to AED 1.4 trillion in 2020. The value of foreign direct investments into the country increased by 82%, reaching approximately AED 73 billion in 2020 compared to the AED 40 billion recorded in 2005.
The value of foreign direct investments exported from the country also surged from AED 14 billion in 2005 to AED 69.5 billion in 2020.
Furthermore, the report highlights an increase in government spending in the country, rising from AED 1.258 billion in 1975 to AED 442.386 billion in 2019.
The tourism sector in the country has witnessed an exceptional success story, making it one of the world’s leading destinations in terms of growth and the ability to attract tourists from various corners of the globe. It has also firmly established its position as one of the main contributors to the national economy.
The number of hotel facilities surged from 64 in 1978, housing 5,379 rooms, to 1,089 hotel facilities with 180,257 rooms in 2020.
The operational capacity of the country’s hotel facilities has evolved over the years. In 1979, approximately 392,000 guests stayed with a total of 1.02 million nights. In 2020, this number grew to over 14.88 million guests with a total of 54.3 million nights.
In 2020, total hotel revenues exceeded AED 16.6 billion, marking a significant increase compared to 2005 when revenues were AED 1.5 billion.
Electricity and Water:
The UAE has been diligent in keeping pace with the increasing demand for electricity and water in the country, considering the population growth and economic and commercial activities. Sustainable solutions for renewable energy have been adopted.
The capacity of electricity-generating stations in the UAE has grown from 482 megawatts in 1975 to approximately 35,000 megawatts in 2020. The electricity generated witnessed a substantial increase, exceeding 137,000 gigawatt-hours in 2020, compared to 1,467 gigawatt-hours in 1975.
Furthermore, the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy stations experienced significant growth in 2020 compared to 2009, rising from 6 gigawatt-hours in 2009 to 5,476 gigawatt-hours in 2020. The total installed capacity of renewable energy stations was 10 megawatts in 2009, and it leaped to 2,289 megawatts in 2020, a remarkable increase of 22,698 percent.
The report also highlights an increase in the amount of desalinated water produced in 2020, reaching 2 billion cubic meters, a substantial increase compared to 1983 when it was 256 million cubic meters. The number of wastewater treatment plants in the country reached 125 in 2020, a 145% increase from 2011 when there were only 51 plants. Additionally, the quantity of treated wastewater in 2020 reached 769 million cubic meters, a 55% increase compared to 2011 when it was 498 million cubic meters.
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