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UAE advances 3 places, ranking 7th globally in 2024 World Competitiveness Report

18 Jun 2024

DUBAI, 18th June, 2024 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, stated that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and through the dedicated efforts of its people, continues to improve its standing each year, achieving higher ranks across various global competitiveness indicators.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, "In one of the most important global competitiveness reports issued by the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland, the UAE moved up three places, reaching seventh place globally. The UAE is also among the top ten globally in more than 90 key and sub-indicators in the 2024 World Competitiveness Report."

His Highness said, "Our thanks and appreciation go to all the teams in the government, economic, and development sectors who work with one spirit to achieve a single goal: the progress of the United Arab Emirates."

Building on last year’s achievement of entering the top 10, the UAE made a notable leap in the 2024 World Competitiveness report, advancing three positions to 7th place worldwide, ahead of Norway, Iceland, Japan, Canada and Finland.

The UAE performed exceptionally across various pillars of the report, ranking 2nd globally in Economic Performance, 4th in Government Efficiency, 10th in Business Efficiency.

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, stated, "The UAE’s continuous presence at the forefront of this significant report reflects its status as one of the world’s most competitive economies. The exceptional vision and wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, have made the UAE a pioneering developmental model adaptable to ongoing global changes. This demonstrates the efficiency of the UAE government system, the flexibility of its business environment, and the readiness of its infrastructure."

Commenting on the results, Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, praised the integration and governance of real-time data and statistics exchange between federal and local entities. Ahli said, "This achievement is due to dedicated teams committed to implementing the vision and directives of the government of the future, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership. These results reflect the solid principles of the competitiveness culture in the UAE.”

Top Rankings in Key Indicators

The World Competitiveness Report classifies the countries based on four main pillars and 20 sub-pillars encompassing 336 competitive indicators across various economic, administrative, and social fields, including government efficiency, education, and innovation. In this year’s report, the UAE advanced in all four main pillars.

The UAE ranked among the top 10 globally in over 90 key and sub-indicators. The UAE ranked 1st globally in 11 indicators including industrial disputes, labour force (%), employment (%), and household consumption expenditure- real growth.

The UAE secured 2nd place globally in 9 indicators, including tourism receipts, females in parliament, labour force growth, adaptably of government policy, and absence of bureaucracy.

The UAE ranked 3rd globally in 6 indicators including collected capital and property taxes, immigration laws, management of cities and percentage of government budget surplus.

The UAE also achieved 4th place in 12 indicators including consumer price inflation, long-term unemployment, international experience, overall productivity (ppp), labour regulation, and the balance of commercial services and employment in the public sector.

The UAE also achieved 5th place in 13 indicators including GDP (PPP) per capita, quality of air transportation, energy infrastructure, graduates in sciences, start-up procedures, unemployment legislation, foreign highly-skilled personnel, national culture, unemployment rate and tax evasion.

First published in 1989, the IMD World Competitiveness report is a comprehensive annual report and a global benchmark on the competitiveness of countries.

It offers insights into trends, benchmarking, and a wealth of statistics and survey data derived from extensive research. The report analyses and ranks countries based on their ability to manage competencies for sustainable long-term value creation.

The FCSC Hosts IMF for Workshop on Advanced Practices in Measuring Inflation and CPI Statistics

03 Jun 2024

In a strategic initiative to advance the UAE’s statistical capabilities, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) hosted an expert technical mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This mission conducted an advanced workshop focused on the application of the latest international practices and technologies in calculating inflation rates and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The workshop brought together leading experts in inflation statistics and CPI from local statistical centres across the UAE.

The objective was to integrate latest statistical tools, innovative data sources, and the use of scanner data to enhance the accuracy, timeliness, and comprehensiveness of national statistics. This initiative underscores the commitment to leveraging sophisticated statistical infrastructure to inform policy-making, strategic planning, and national development.

In its effort to continue adhering to the highest international standards and methodologies for statistical indicators, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre emphasised that fostering international cooperation is paramount, especially as the UAE prepares to serve as a member of the United Nations Statistical Commission from 2025 to 2028. The goal is to innovate and standardise national methodologies in partnership with local statistical centres, while enhancing the use of advanced technologies and modern practices in statistical data production. This strategic focus ensures that the UAE’s statistical outputs are both robust and globally competitive.

His Excellency Mohammad Hassan, Executive Director of Statistics and Data Science Sector at the FCSC, stated: "Our successful partnership with the International Monetary Fund underscores our unwavering commitment to establishing a world-class statistical system. By leveraging global expertise and applying top standards and practices, we aim to enhance the efficiency and capabilities of the UAE’s national statistical system. Additionally, we embrace the latest technologies in data science and artificial intelligence to produce unified Emirati statistics that align with the visionary leadership and strategic goals of the country”.

Ms. Fayeqa Abdulla, Director of Economic Statistics at the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, highlighted the importance of continuously investing in developing statistical capabilities to keep pace with global advancements in utilizing modern techniques in data science for collecting, analyzing, and producing official statistics in the UAE, in collaboration with local statistical centers.

This workshop builds on the momentum of a recent national workshop hosted by the FCSC on measuring and calculating trade-in-services indicators, conducted in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund and esteemed international organizations such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

This initiative reflects the UAE’s unwavering dedication to forging robust partnerships and engaging with international and regional organizations. By actively promoting knowledge and experience exchange, the UAE aims to adopt best practices in digital transformation and ensure the application of global standards in data collection and statistical methodologies.

National Committee on SDGs Discusses Enhancing Partnerships with International Organisations and Government Officials

28 May 2024

The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) discussed strengthening global partnerships and cooperation to achieve development goals in meetings with representatives of international organisations and government officials from several countries. These discussions were part of the committee’s delegation’s participation in the ninth annual UN Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI Forum), which recently took place in New York.

The theme for the STI Forum 2024 was: ‘Science, technology, and innovation for reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions’. The forum served as a vital platform for global leaders, decision-makers, and experts to exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for cooperation and effective partnerships.

The forum aimed to unify efforts and develop relevant scientific and innovative technologies in pursuit of achieving SDGs, while highlighting the crucial role of science and technology in building a prosperous future and confronting global challenges effectively.

His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Chairman of the National Committee on SDGs, emphasised the significance of international forums in fostering meaningful cooperation between organisations and governments. He noted that the forum presented an invaluable opportunity to exchange visions and share ideas, thereby accelerating the achievement of development goals.

Lootah stated that the UAE has achieved tangible milestones by employing technology and innovation tools, integrating them into its public policies and future strategies to advance the process of achieving sustainable development goals. He underscored the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, considering it a primary pillar in its future directions and visions. This commitment is pursued through innovative methodologies, clear visions, and strategic plans aimed at benefiting society.

During the participation in the STI Forum, the UAE delegation held several meetings with ministers, officials of international organisations, experts, specialists and representatives of parties concerned with the SDGs globally.

During a meeting with H.E. Jelena Begović, Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation of Serbia, the UAE delegation reviewed the pioneering role of the UAE in supporting the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, as well as innovative transformational projects across various sectors such as development, investment, and education. The attendees stressed the importance of scientific research in the progress of countries and societies, as well as in achieving SDGs. They also emphasised the necessity of enabling researchers to access sources of funding for scientific research.

The delegation also met with H.E. Pedro Conceição, Director of the Human Development Report Office at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), during which the two sides discussed the significance of exchanging global knowledge and expertise for development and prosperity, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence mechanisms and solutions, as well as in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The attendees emphasised the importance of strengthening efforts to achieve SDGs to ensure the advancement of human development and enhance the quality of life in societies.

The National Committee on SDGs discussed with H.E. Juan José Martínez Badillo, Chief of United Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), New York office, the development of effective models to enhance areas such as foreign investment and food security in countries with economies similar to the UAE. They also emphasised the importance of intensifying efforts and coordination with relevant entities in these countries to provide necessary data and statistics for implementing innovative solutions and high-impact initiatives to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs globally.

At a meeting with H.E. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the delegation reviewed the ‘Global Digital Rights Charter’, which is concerned with bridging the digital divide worldwide and ensuring an open, free, and secure digital future for all, as it leverages scientific and technological developments to identify and address global challenges effectively.

The STI Forum centred its discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals, whose progress will be assessed during the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, scheduled from July 8 to 17, 2024. Particularly, attention will be given to Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 13, 16, and 17.

During the forum sessions, speakers underscored the importance of utilising tools and mechanisms, including scientific research and its applications, to establish a strong foundation. They emphasised the need to support, enhance, and accelerate mechanisms for implementing effective measures at both national and international levels, thereby advancing sustainable development goals and fostering societal prosperity.

The forum, held at the invitation of H.E. Paula Narváez, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), was overseen by the United Nations joint working group dedicated to science, technology, and innovation for the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Within the «Sustainability Journeys». Afforestation Week launched in Dubai schools

24 May 2024

General Secretariat of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals organized a new trip as part of the "Sustainability Trips" campaign, which was launched last year as part of the "Sustainability Initiatives" in support of the Year of Sustainability, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, under the slogan "Today for Tomorrow", as part of the UAE government’s efforts to enhance community awareness of sustainability and the importance of achieving it, and to support the country’s achievements and successes in the 17 goals. Global to ensure the prosperity and quality of life of society.

The General Secretariat of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, in cooperation with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and Dubai Municipality, and with the participation of Dubai schools, launched the "Afforestation Week" campaign, which will continue until May 28, by planting seedlings in Dubai schools organized by Dubai Municipality.

Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals, stressed that the sustainability travel initiatives are continuing to implement their strategy and achieve their goals in the UAE. It will contribute to the integration of our joint efforts at the state level, to motivate community members to adopt a conscious and sustainable lifestyle, for a brighter and more prosperous future.

Aisha Abdulla Meeran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, said: "We are delighted to participate in this wonderful initiative, in collaboration with our colleagues from supporting institutions and the educational community in Dubai, and we encourage educational institutions in Dubai to join such pioneering initiatives, which contribute to raising awareness among our students and society about sustainability and ways to preserve the environment in the UAE in order to ensure a prosperous future for future generations."

Initiative In the same context, Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: "The initiative reflects Dubai Municipality’s strategic efforts to preserve natural resources and expand cultivated green spaces, by following the best international standards and practices, which contribute to enhancing the sustainability of the environmental system in Dubai, improving air and soil quality, in addition to beautifying the city, while providing the best levels of quality of life for its residents, in a way that supports the municipality’s objectives in building a sustainable system for the environment and resources. Naturalism makes Dubai more attractive and sustainable every day."

He added: "Dubai Municipality has played an effective role in the cultivation and afforestation work over the past years, as it planted 170,339 trees in 2021 to reach 185,000 trees by the end of last year, which is a reflection of its intensive efforts to increase the per capita share of green spaces in balance with the population growth and urban expansion of the emirate."

It is worth noting that the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals was formed with the aim of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, aligning the UAE’s priorities with the UN goals, and exchanging experiences with local and international partners, to expand the circle of active participants in the implementation of the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

The National Committee on SDGs Discusses UAE’s Efforts in Monitoring Indicators for Achieving Development Goals

06 May 2024

The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasised the need to intensify efforts and accelerate implementation to achieve the desired progress in the 2030 sustainable development agenda nationally. This entails closely monitoring progress regarding the 17 goals 231 indicators, capitalising on opportunities, and fostering cooperation between the government and private sectors.

The committee also discussed its mandate and responsibilities, highlighting its crucial role in translating the UAE’s directives and bolstering its involvement in international endeavours towards achieving global sustainable development goals.

This came during the inaugural meeting of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals under its new formation, led by His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, Chairman of the National Committee on SDGs.

The Committee’s members include HE Brigadier General Dr. Rashid Al Dakhri, Deputy Director of the General Department of Strategy and Performance Development at the Ministry of Interior; HE Maria Hanif Al-Qassim, Assistant Undersecretary for the Policy and Economic Studies at the Ministry of Economy; HE Hassan Obaid Al Mheiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Planning and Educational Services Sector at the Ministry of Education; HE Ahmed Al Nasser, Assistant Undersecretary of National Human Resources Development at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation; HE Dr Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention; HE Nasser Ismail, Assistant Undersecretary of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Community Development; HE Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoudi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; HE Hanan Mansour Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC); HE Nawal Alhanaee, Director of Future Energy Department at the Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure; HE Rashid Al Humairi, Director of the Department of Development and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Shatha AlHashmi, Advisor at the Government Experience Exchange Office, Committee Rapporteur.

The National Committee for SDGs undertakes several main tasks, including: coordinating with relevant entities to align and review national policies, strategies, and targets with the sustainable development goals; building and strengthening national capabilities to achieve sustainable development goals and addressing challenges through partnerships locally and globally; preparing national reports on the country’s progress and efforts to achieve SDGs; and coordinating with authorities to compile and publish related data on SDGs at the UAE level.

Abdulla Lootah emphasised that the UAE’s leadership prioritises the attainment of sustainable development goals, adopting a vision centred on accelerating their achievement and enhancing international participation in these endeavours. He noted that the announcement made by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE in 2024, as an extension of the Year of Sustainability declared in 2023, reaffirms the UAE’s steadfast commitment in this area.

Lootah stated that since its formation, the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals has consistently aligned with the country’s directives and national initiatives aimed at realising the SDGs. Additionally, it has actively contributed to enhancing the UAE’s involvement and leadership in supporting international initiatives towards these objectives. He emphasised the significance of the committee’s efforts in expanding project initiatives, launching new programmes, and intensifying actions to monitor progress in achieving development goals at the national level, thereby accelerating their fulfilment across various sectors.

During the meeting, the members of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals discussed the role of the Committee’s General Secretariat and the responsibilities of its members. They received an update on the progress of the UAE in achieving the SDGs and discussed the Committee members’ role in advancing these goals and accelerating the pace of work towards their achievement.

The meeting reviewed the efforts of the General Secretariat since the committee’s new formation, including its organisation of introductory and technical meetings in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre. These meetings focused on discussing the national Data plan for SDGs and reviewing the achievements of ministries and government entities in implementing their indicators.

The attendees discussed the outcomes of the progress report on the adoption of the national plan for sustainable development data, as well as the mechanisms for monitoring goal achievement and conducting periodic reviews with technical work teams to assess progress levels. They also addressed the key initiatives launched and facilitated by the General Secretariat of the National Committee.

Additionally, the meeting reviewed the outcomes of the SDGs in Action Forum, held as part of the World Governments Summit activities, the SDG Young Leaders Programme, and the UAE’s participation in two Voluntary National Reviews assessing global sustainable development goal achievement levels. They also discussed the readiness to submit the voluntary review in 2026 and preparations to participate in the Science, Technology and Innovation Forum for SDGs and the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in the United Nations.

The National Committee on SDGs was established to implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals at the national level. Its objectives include aligning the UAE’s priorities with those of the United Nations, as well as facilitating the exchange of experiences among local and international stakeholders and partners. This aims to broaden the pool of active participants in implementing the United Nations’ agenda for SDGs.

The UAE Joins United Nations Statistical Commission As Member

05 May 2024

The United Nations has selected the UAE as a member of the Statistical Commission, one of the eight technical committees affiliated with the Organization’s Economic and Social Council, for its next session from 2025 to 2028. This membership marks a significant milestone for the country, being the first of its kind since the Commission’s founding in 1946.

The country’s selection for membership in the United Nations Statistical Commission aligns with efforts to enhance the UAE’s participation in international initiatives. It also provides an international platform for sharing the UAE’s advanced models, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of statistical analysis worldwide. Additionally, it supports the establishment of digital platforms for data exchange.

The Statistical Commission, composed of 24 countries elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council, stands as the apex of the global statistical system. Serving as the primary entity uniting senior statisticians and experts, it holds responsibility for decision-making regarding international statistical activities, as well as for developing statistical standards and ensuring their implementation on both national and international levels.

H.E. Hanan Mansour Ahli, Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), affirmed that the UAE’s election to membership in the United Nations Statistical Commission reflects the nation’s leadership in digitalising the statistical system and its prominent global standing. This achievement underscores the wise leadership’s commitment to bolstering the country’s active involvement in enhancing government operations overall, as well as strengthening the statistical sector’s capabilities both nationally and internationally.

Hanan Ahli highlighted that the statistical system in the UAE, supported by local statistical centres, harnesses technology, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence techniques. This transformation has evolved the system from a mere collector of information and data to an integrated platform supporting strategic planning and nurturing innovative solutions to address future challenges. This process relies on a scientific and practical methodology in data analysis.

She pointed out that the UAE’s membership in the United Nations Statistical Commission will serve as a crucial platform for sharing distinguished Emirati experiences and exchanging statistical knowledge with countries possessing exemplary expertise in this domain.

Mohammed Hassan, Executive Director of the Statistics and Data Science Sector at FCSC, emphasised that the UAE’s election as the only Gulf country to the United Nations Statistical Commission reflects its effective role in developing solutions for utilising data to support the achievement of global sustainable development goals. This is evidenced by its embrace of the UN’s Regional Hub for Big Data for Sustainable Development platform, which aims to enhance the capabilities of the statistical community in the Middle East and North Africa region and leverage big data and artificial intelligence techniques to advance the statistics sector.

The UAE’s membership in the United Nations Statistical Commission supports its contribution to leading global statistical thought. It enables effective participation in decision-making for global statistical activities, fosters the development of statistical standards, concepts, and methods, and offers opportunities to learn about the best international statistical practices, standards, and methodologies. Moreover, it facilitates the adoption and adaptation of best practices developed by countries worldwide in the field of statistics, in collaboration with international organisations.

The country’s membership amplifies efforts to showcase the UAE’s achievements in developing the statistics and data sector, share its distinguished Emirati experience in this field, and raise awareness of the role of artificial intelligence solutions, laws, and legislation in advancing statistical work for future endeavours.

National Committee on SDGs Organizes ‘Road to Sustainability’ in Collaboration with Furjan Dubai, Careem Bike, and Carrefour

04 Apr 2024

The UAE’s National Committee on SDGs organized a new round of the ‘Road to Sustainability’ campaign, which was initially launched last year. This initiative is part of the broader efforts to support the ‘Year of Sustainability’ guidelines announced by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Under the slogan ‘Today for Tomorrow,’ the campaign aims to enhance community awareness about sustainability and its significance, as well as to bolster the country’s achievements in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year’s campaign, held in collaboration with "Furjan Dubai," "Careem Bike," and "Carrefour," was launched at the Al Khawaneej Jogging Track in Dubai. Representatives from "Careem Bike" and "Carrefour," along with members of the UAE’s National Committee on SDGs and several members of the UAE community, participated in the event. "Careem Bike" provided free bicycles to the participants, while "Carrefour" supplied environmentally friendly gifts.

His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange and Chair of the UAE’s National Committee on SDGs, stated: "The campaign embodies the UAE government’s commitment to encouraging individuals to embrace a sustainable lifestyle, which contributes to creating a better world for future generations. The National Committee on SDGs aims to achieve the UN’s sustainable development goals by fostering long-term partnerships with voluntary community institutions in the country, thereby advancing the goals in the UAE and worldwide."

Alia Al Shamlan, Founder and Director General of the "Furjan Dubai", expressed pride in participating in the "Road to Sustainability" campaign. She emphasized Furjan Dubai’s dedication, since its establishment in 2021, to actively engage and enhance human and social interaction among members of the UAE community through initiatives supporting sustainability.

Sami Amin, Senior Director of Operations at Careem, commented: "We are pleased to contribute to the Year of Sustainability initiatives and enhance the public’s experience of the ‘Road to Sustainability’ by providing free bicycles from Careem. Since its launch in February 2020, Careem has helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 3,750 tons, equivalent to the emissions of 1,051 vehicles annually, thereby supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals, particularly Goal 7, which ensures access to clean energy at affordable prices."

Amin added: "Careem Bike, launched in 2020, has become the largest bicycle sharing program in the region, with over 217 bicycle parking stations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The service has become the preferred choice for sustainable transportation and recreation among residents and tourists, thanks to its affordability and accessibility."

Bernardo Perloiro, Chief Operating Officer – GCC at Majid Al Futtaim – Retail, remarked: "We are pleased to collaborate with the UAE’s National Committee on SDGs to raise awareness among the UAE community. At Majid Al Futtaim, we consistently seek to contribute to events aligned with our sustainability strategies, aiming to become Net Positive in water and carbon by 2040."

It is noteworthy that the UAE’s National Committee on SDGs was established to implement the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, align the UAE’s priorities with the UN’s goals, and exchange experiences with partners locally and internationally to broaden the circle of active participants in the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UAE to host UN Datathon

08 Dec 2023

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.

Launching the Statistics Youth Council to empower UAE youth and enhance their role in developing the field of statistics

07 Dec 2023

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.

«Statistical Work» reviews the latest developments in the UAE’s nomination for the UN Statistical Committee

06 Dec 2023

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.

Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre builds the capabilities of its employees in the fields of programming and data science

02 Nov 2023

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.

National SDGs launches “Studio 2030” podcast to enhance community awareness

09 Oct 2023

Dubai, Oct. 9 — The National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals (NSGs), in partnership with the Bostirti Institute and the Global Council on Sustainable Development Goal 13, has launched the first-of-its-kind Studio 2030 podcast that provides content on sustainability in Arabic, aimed at members of the community.

The podcast aims to provide rich content on sustainability, to keep pace with the more severe impacts of climate change, environmental, social and economic challenges in the Middle East and North Africa, and seeks to raise community awareness of the climate and sustainability challenges associated with the global sustainable development goals, by introducing them in a simplified manner, which contributes to enhancing community participation in building the future.

Studio 2030 podcast will be presented by Ibrahim Al-Zoubi, President of the Global Council for Sustainable Development Goals No. 13 (Climate Change Action), and the podcast will be broadcast across various platforms such as YouTube, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Podio, Spotify, and Anghami Podcast.

H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, said The Chairman of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals said that active community participation in supporting governments’ efforts to achieve the global sustainable development goals is a key factor to accelerate the achievement of sustainability goals, and to consolidate their culture and practices as an approach to community life, pointing out that the podcast "Studio 2030" will work to enhance and build community awareness, and provide members of Arabic-speaking communities with a new perspective focused on achieving sustainability, and continuous work to address the major global challenges that we will witness in the future.

He said that the initiative of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals to launch this platform distinguished in its content and the way it presents global sustainability challenges, comes as part of the government’s efforts to support the country’s initiatives, enhance its leading global role in shaping the future, and participate in leading the global pace seeking to achieve the global sustainable development goals.

Ibrahim Al Zoubi, President of the Global Council for Sustainable Development Goals on SDG 13 (Climate Change Action), said: "Studio 2030 podcast will present the latest developments and solutions related to the SDGs and their impact. to the world and the Middle East and Africa region in particular, and will reveal the most prominent solutions and aspects of cooperation between all segments of society to achieve these goals." "I am honored to host the most prominent minds and guests who will enrich the discussion and share their practical experiences."

Through its platform, Studio 2030 podcast brings together experts, innovators and thinkers to talk about the Sustainable Development Goals, and in each episode, its followers will discover new ideas, challenges and innovative solutions to build a more sustainable and inclusive future, in addition to the latest trends in sustainable development and its links to daily life.

The podcast series will address key global and regional trends, showcase their potential impact on the MENA region and emerging markets, and provide actionable guidance, while Studio 2030 will introduce the community to how to implement the SDGs locally, ongoing initiatives, innovative solutions and emerging technologies that allow countries to overcome challenges. The

UAE’s National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals was formed in January 2017 and chaired by H.E. Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center is the secretariat of the committee, which includes the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and 13 federal government entities. The Committee aligns the SDGs with national priorities, supports the implementation of the SDGs, and collaborates with local and international partners to expand the circle of active participants in the implementation of the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

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Reduce duplication and support mechanisms for integration and coordination between federal and local data-producing entities.

Enhance community trust in published national data and statistics.

Raise statistical awareness among individuals in society through interactive visual content.

إبـــــراز قـــــوة أرقـــــام الإمـــــارات المـــــوحدة، لدعـــــم مسيـــــرتنــــــا في التنــــــافسيــــــة العــــــالميــــــة.

ضمــــــان أعــلى درجــــــات الشـــــفـــــافيــــة والــــــدقــــة في إنتــــــاج لبيــــانــــــات الـــــــوطنيــــــة.

تعـــــزيـــــــز ثقـــــــة المجتمــــــع فـــــي البيـــــــانــــــات والإحصــــــاءات الــــــوطنيـــــــة المنشـــــــورة.

نشـــــــر الـــــــوعي الإحصـــــــائي بيـــــــن أفــــــراد المـــــــجتمع عبـــــــر محتــــــوى مـــــــرئي تفــــــــاعلي.

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“RASMI” Initiative

The “RASMI” accreditation mark aims to:

Highlight the strength of the Unified UAE Numbers to support the UAE’s global competitiveness journey.

Ensure the highest levels of transparency and accuracy in producing national data.

Reduce duplication and support mechanisms for integration and coordination between federal and local data-producing entities.

Enhance community trust in published national data and statistics.

Raise statistical awareness among individuals in society through interactive visual content.

مبــــــادرة "رســـــــمي"

تهـــدف علامــــة اعتمــــاد "رســــمي" لـ:

إبـــــراز قـــــوة أرقـــــام الإمـــــارات المـــــوحدة، لدعـــــم مسيـــــرتنــــــا في التنــــــافسيــــــة العــــــالميــــــة.

ضمــــــان أعــلى درجــــــات الشـــــفـــــافيــــة والــــــدقــــة في إنتــــــاج لبيــــانــــــات الـــــــوطنيــــــة.

تعـــــزيـــــــز ثقـــــــة المجتمــــــع فـــــي البيـــــــانــــــات والإحصــــــاءات الــــــوطنيـــــــة المنشـــــــورة.

نشـــــــر الـــــــوعي الإحصـــــــائي بيـــــــن أفــــــراد المـــــــجتمع عبـــــــر محتــــــوى مـــــــرئي تفــــــــاعلي.