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DATA FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Dubai, October 19, 2018
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) hosted the meetings of the UN Global Working Group (GWG) on Big Data across an entire day. The meetings explored the five key pillars of utilising Big Data to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN’s 2030 Agenda.
H.E. Abdullah Lootah, FCSA Director General and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the UN World Data Forum 2018, opened the meetings, which discussed ways to improve the quality of statistics, strategies for addressing challenges in the Big Data sector, and mechanisms to consolidate partnerships with leading statistics entities from around the world, as well as data developers and experts on Big Data.
Ms. Heather Savory, Co-Chair of the UN Big Data Group and Director-General of Data Capacity at the National Statistical Office of the United Kingdom, said: “I would like to begin by thanking the UAE for hosting these meetings, which provide an international platform and ideal environment that enhances cooperation and partnership among all sorts of institutions and organisations. We are waiting to catalyse research and development efforts to provide secure services and applications, which, in turn, can be used to implement various projects in collaboration with leading tech companies and academic institutions. We look forward to exploring the best practices that enable the international statistics community to embrace modern technologies, improve the collection of data and utilise them to drive development and achieve SDGs locally and internationally.”
Meanwhile, Niels Ploug, Co-Chair of the UN Big Data Group and Director of the Department of Social Statistics of the Statistics Office of Denmark, said: “Independent official statistics serve both governments and the private sector, providing data about economic, social and environmental sectors. With that in mind, technology and data can help outline a clear image of the challenges that lie ahead for our society. Meeting here in Dubai is ideal to address our ability to utilise these resources and we look forward to partnering with the private sector to access its data and develop wider-reaching services.”
Mohamed Hassan Ahli, Executive Director of the National Statistics and Data Sector at the FCSA, said: “The UAE is hosting GWG’s Open Day meetings, in line with the directives of our wise leadership in supporting and encouraging innovation, benefiting from the data revolution and harnessing advanced technology to achieve strategic objectives and sustainable development plans locally, regionally and internationally.”
“Big Data is the cornerstone of optimising the use of artificial intelligence to employ cutting-edge technology in forecasting the future,” Ahli added. “Such forecasts are a key pillar of data-driven strategic planning, which is used across all UAE Government entities. These meetings will undoubtedly offer an opportunity to introduce international best practices in data and statistics across economic, social, environmental, health and educational spheres.”
The GWG meeting agenda included over five sessions showcasing the most prominent experiences and expertise in harnessing Big Data to achieve SDGs.
Session 1 highlighted the developments of the GWG’s Global Platform for Big Data and its contributions to producing official statistics. It also underlined new platforms for reliable methodologies and algorithms and monitoring of Earth’s data, e.g. Earth Observation Data, to collect and analyse data and integrate AI and machine learning applications.
Exploring agriculture and crop statistics, Session 2 shed light on the experiences of Canada, Colombia and the World Food Programme through satellite imagery data. Session 3, meanwhile, focused on assessing the movement of individuals and groups through analysing data collected from mobile electronic devices and methods of utilising such data to derive statistics on tourism, migration, daily commute and refugee movements.
Session 4 dealt with price fluctuations and their impact on the future forecast of commodity prices and spending behaviours through collecting data from bar codes, as well as from store and market reports. This while Session 5 addressed the challenges of Big Data and privacy, showcasing best practices in protecting personal data and making relevant decisions.
Around the end of the sessions, members of the GWG proposed key learnings and takeaways, which included: The need for statistics offices to modernise in order to benefit from the Big Data revolution; the necessity of optimising the insights that can be gathered from satellite imagery; tapping into machine learning and artificial intelligence; benefitting from the insight provided by data sources and technologies to improve the quality and relevance of official statistics and enable better decision-making for policymakers in the UAE and abroad.
The session underlined the importance of collaboration among the global community to achieve sustainable development in this new digital economy. This includes organising major events, such as the GWG ensure that knowledge is shared among statistics offices across the globe. The main objective from this type of event is to ensure that this is done in an open, transparent and collaborative manner. In addition to enhancing official statistics, Big Data also has great potential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty and hunger, ensure quality education, better healthcare and more equality, all the while addressing climate change and ensuring a better future for everyone.
The UN Global World Group for Big Data comprises 22 member countries, including the UAE, represented by the FCSA, which strives to develop national competencies and seek out the latest international technologies and experiences in government Big Data programmes and initiatives. Furthermore, the GWG aims to identify international best practices and innovation-driven initiatives in terms of official statistics, particularly the applications of Big Data.
The GWG also includes nine members of international entities, including Eurostat, the GCC Statistical Center, the International Telecommunication Union, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the United Nations Statistics Division, and the World Bank.
Dubai, October 8, 2018
The Ministry of Interior has signed a partnership agreement with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) to enhance bilateral collaboration and coordination in the lead-up to the second edition of the UN World Data Forum, set to be held in Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah on October 22-24, 2018.
The Forum brings together high-ranking officials, prominent decision makers, and more than 1,500 experts and specialists in data and statistics from all around the world. The partnership agreement allows the Ministry of Interior to showcase the latest successes achieved in the police and security sector through a data-centred approach.
The agreement was signed at the Ministry’s headquarters by His Excellency Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Shafar, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, and H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General and Chairman of the Forum’s Organising Committee, in the presence of Brigadier General Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmuj Al Dhaheri, Acting Secretary-General of the Office of the Minister of Interior, and a number of FCSA officials.
The agreement is in line with both entities’ efforts to promote cooperation among institutions across the UAE to better serve the community and establish the UAE as an example to be emulated around the region and the world, all the while highlighting the country’s credentials as a prime destination for major international conferences and events.
H.E. Lt. General Al Shafar noted that signing this partnership agreement with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority reiterates the Ministry’s commitment to supporting events and initiatives revolving around statistics in general, and the activities of the UN World Data Forum 2018, in particular, which is a notable event for the international statistics sector.
The Lt. General went on to note that the Ministry, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Interior, is committed to building excellent relationships with entities across the UAE and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise among them. This, in turn, catalyses sustainable development, ensures safety and security, and helps provide advanced services.
For his part, H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah said: “We are happy to be collaborating with the Ministry of Interior to harmonise all efforts and ensure the UN World Data Forum 2018, held in the UAE, is a resounding success. This partnership also echoes our dedication to strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders across the UAE to ensure sustainable development, secure the country’s spot at the top of international competitiveness indexes, and highlight its role in fostering collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
“This partnership is an important step forward; it supports all the efforts to create a massive, centralised database for the UAE – the first of its kind in the world – firmly establishing the country as a global leader in embracing data as a key ingredient in sustainable development,” H.E. Lootah added. “It allows us to benefit from expertise, explore best practices, build national capacities, and utilise advanced technologies to mine accurate data and use it as a foundation upon which to build a better future for coming generations.”
The agreement stipulates that the two parties are to cooperate and provide all resources necessary to support the world-leading Forum that examines the role of data in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. The two entities will also benefit from the Forum’s discussions and takeaways to empower national talents and hone their statistical skills. Held under the aegis of the United Nations, the World Data Forum brings together prominent data producers and consumers to launch initiatives that improve available data on health, education, income, the environment, and climate, among other areas of interest for sustainable development.
Dubai, October 3, 2018
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) organised a panel discussion titled “Data and Artificial Intelligence: An Active Role in Building the World’s Future” as part of the “Data for a Better Future for Humanity” series in the lead-up to the second UN World Data Forum, set to be held in Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah on October 22-24, 2018.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the Forum brings together high-ranking officials, prominent decision makers, and more than 1,500 experts and specialists in data and statistics from all around the world.
Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, attended the session, along with H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General and Chairman of the Forum’s Organising Committee; while H.E. Ohood Ali Abdullah Al Shuhail, Director-General of Ajman Digital Government; and Eng. Bashar Kilani, Region Executive, IBM Middle East, participated in an interactive discussion with officials from statistics centres, universities and youth councils around the UAE, debating how data affects the use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly with regards to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) locally and internationally.
H.E. Sarah Al Amiri asserted that the UAE, guided by the forward-thinking vision of its wise leadership, has espoused a proactive approach, tailored to the requirements of the Government of the Future and rooted in data as a fundamental component in decision making. This is in line with the UAE’s quest to establish its lead in various sectors and find solutions for all challenges, particularly those with direct impact on the lives of individuals and society.
“Data is the cornerstone of knowledge; and knowledge is the driving force behind positive change,” H.E. added. “With that in mind, the optimal utilisation of data and scientific research will play a key role in establishing a developed ecosystem that embraces advanced science and technology to upgrade key services and provide a better life and brighter future for all members of the community.”
“We, at the Office of the Minister of State for Advanced Science, prioritise data, research and statistics, which, we believe, play an immense role in ensuring the optimal use of advanced science and research, as per the objectives of the National Advanced Sciences Agenda 2031,” H.E. Al Amiri noted. “The Agenda seeks to establish a conducive environment to help achieve the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan, by placing science and technology at the disposal of sectors and establishing a comprehensive database to help identify the most important challenges and create solutions to address them.”
The Minister of State for Advanced Science concluded by asserting the importance of promoting scientific research, guiding the youth, and empowering them to remain aware of advanced sciences in order to ultimately build a generation of distinguished Emirati scientists and achieve further success to reflect the best possible image of UAE youth.
For her part, H.E. Ohood Ali Abdullah Al Shuhail said: “The Ajman Government is working to build a robust database in collaboration with all Government entities and according to the Ajman 2021 vision, which, in turn, aims to achieve the UAE leadership’s vision to build a better future for our societies and coming generations.”
“Processing data through advanced technologies is fundamental for adopting artificial intelligence,” H.E. Al Shuhail continued. “With that in mind, we consider the community to be a key partner in supporting Government entities by providing the necessary data to upgrade Government operations, while the private sector’s cooperation is paramount to build a comprehensive data ecosystem that facilitates forecasting future challenges and formulating adequate solutions for them.”
“Having realised the importance of these advanced technologies early on, the UAE appointed a Minister of State for Advanced Science to the Federal Government and proceeded to work on a National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence that echoes the 2021 Advanced Science Strategy and intersects with four of its main themes in nine key sectors,” H.E. explained.
Al Shuhail noted that the Ajman Digital Government emphasises developing technological skills among young generations and to that end, it has launched a series of initiatives, collaborating with Sandooq Al Watan and other entities to launch “Emirati Coder” to train 260 students in programming and robotics. The Ajman Digital Government also collaborated with Dark Matter Group’s educational arm, Ajyal Talent Management, to introduce four new courses to the curriculum at Ajman Academy as a prelude to implementing them in schools across the emirate.
Meanwhile, Eng. Bashar Kilani began by identifying artificial intelligence as a concept, which consists of using machines to simulate human intellect, noting that the first recorded implementations of this advanced technology emerged in the 1950s and 1960s in the form of devices that analyse voices and images. With the data revolution, these technologies made their way to other areas, such as analysis, machine learning and reading.
“The successful implementation of these future technologies relies on accurate data to support decision making,” Kilani said. “Data plays a pivotal role in improving performance and customer satisfaction, increasing companies’ bottom lines, and helping employees hone their professional skills by automating repetitive tasks and allowing them to shift their focus on more important duties.”
Kilani noted that the emergence of these advanced technologies will create new jobs on the market, where two-thirds of jobs in the future are expected to be completely new, while automation and robots will take over 80% of human tasks. The IBM Region Executive cited examples where this is already happening, such as in bank transactions, self-driving vehicles and drones.
“Data is the oil of the future, and we are on the cusp of great growth in the sector and the proliferation of related professions, such as data scientist. There will be increasing demand for data scientists in engineering, data scientists in medicine, etc.” Kilani concluded. “The UAE will lead the way in utilising this data to improve performance across key sectors and maintain the UAE’s steady rise on international competitiveness indexes.”
The UN World Data Forum 2018 is the most important international gathering of data and statistics in the world. It contributes to the establishment of a scientific incubator environment to enhance the role of data and statistics in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, namely food security, health and learning.
Taking place over the course of three days, the UN World Data Forum receives support from major strategic partners, namely: The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFA); the Ministry of Interior (MOI); GCC Statistical Center (GCC-STAT); the Smart Dubai Office (SDO); Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA); Dubai Statistics Center (DSC); DP World; Abu Dhabi Ports; Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi; Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD); Fujairah Statistics Centre; and the General Secretariat of the Executive Council in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain.
Dubai, September 29, 2018
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) organised a panel discussion on “Future Food Security and the Importance of Data in Addressing Food Challenges”, part of the “Data for a Better Future for Humanity” in the lead-up to the UN World Data Forum 2018, set to be held in Dubai on October 22-24.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the Forum brings together high-ranking officials, prominent decision makers, and more than 1,500 experts and specialists in data and statistics from all around the world.
His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General and Chairman of the Forum’s Organising Committee, attended the workshop, along with a number of senior officials, including Essa Abdulrahman Al Hashemi, Head of the Food Security Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future; and Eng Mohammed Ahmed Al-Dhanhani, Director of the Development and Health Department at the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment; in addition to executives from statistics centres across the country and several of the FCSA’s strategic partners.
“This workshop is the first in a series of seminars that introduce members of the community to the importance of data and information, and its role in the development of high quality-services that meet their aspirations and improve their quality of life,” said H.E. Lootah. “It also offers a platform for proposals and initiatives that can be presented to participants at the second UN World Data Forum, which is set to be hosted in Dubai next month and will further cement the UAE’s reputation as a massive database and a global leader in embracing innovation and data to achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
For his part, Essa Abdulrahman Al Hashemi introduced the concept of food security and the UAE’s initiatives in this regard. The UAE realised early on the importance of providing safe and healthy food supplies at reasonable prices, Al Hashemi asserted, citing the projects launched by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, that have guaranteed the country’s impressive score on the Global Food Security Index today. Most notable among these projects were establishing a national food security office in Abu Dhabi and approving a national strategy and system to stock strategic food supplies.
Al-Hashemi went on to affirm that data is a key pillar in the UAE’s ambitious plan to claim the top spot on the Global Food Security Index through initiatives and projects that will incentivise the private sector and entrepreneurs to invest in agricultural projects and embrace the latest technologies in this field.
Statistics and data are at the core of any effective food security system, Al Hashemi reiterated, noting their value and role in developing efficient mechanisms to ensure sustainability and continuous improvement. The most vital of these statistics cover domestic consumption, food waste, regular and groundwater resources and ways to manage them, and crops and ways to cultivate them using modern technology.
The discussion went on to highlight the importance of keeping up with scientific innovations within the food supply chain strategy, such as genome science, water-saving and capturing techniques that use humidity, and improved seeds that increase agricultural output and food production.
On a related note, Eng. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Dhanhani underlined the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders to enhance data collection, as this will help ensure accurate nation-wide statistics. Al-Dhanhani pointed to the announcement of the Strategy for Food Diversity, which includes partners and entities working within a unified system that aims to establish a more effective mechanism to provide accurate statistical data and information. He also stressed the importance of utilising modern technology, which will also contribute to the provision of accurate data. This technology includes Blockchain which provides real data and indicators on the volume of food consumption, accelerates the process of food import and export and completes financial transactions to ensure the availability of food products in the event of natural disasters.
Al-Dhanhani added that the availability of data is one of the best ways to overcome the challenges to achieve diversity by providing indicators on the size of food production in the country, through identifying the appropriate crops to grow and their level of water consumption. This ensures the conservation of groundwater reserves and the development of the agricultural sector through better adoption. It also balances water consumption according to weather conditions, monitors consumption processes and ensures the development of agricultural, fisheries and animal sectors. The discussion was followed by interactive dialogue and a question and answer session.
The UN World Data Forum 2018 is the most important international gathering of data and statistics in the world. It contributes to the establishment of a scientific incubator environment to enhance the role of data and statistics in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, namely food security, health and learning.
The UN World Data Forum 2018 takes place October 22-24 at Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Events Centre, Dubai, supported by a number of strategic partners, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of the Interior, the GCC Statistical Centre, Dubai Statistics Authority, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DP World, Abu Dhabi Ports, Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development, Ras Al Khaimah Statistics Centre, Ajman Centre for Statistics and Competitiveness, the General Secretariat of the Executive Council in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain, the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi, Dubai Media Incorporated, Emirates Airline, World Government Summit, Smart Solutions & Services Authority, EDIC Geospatial Services, and Habtoor City.
Dubai, September 11, 2018
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) held a meeting for heads of communication from government entities and private-sector strategic partners at its headquarters, where it showcased the progress made in preparing for the second UN World Data Forum, set to be held in Dubai in October with more than 1,500 data experts in attendance.
His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the UN World Data Forum 2018, kicked off the meeting by outlining the vision and objectives behind the UAE’s hosting of the UN event. H.E. Lootah welcomed the attending officials – the heads of communication from the Ministry of Interior and statistics centres in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, in addition to the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Umm Al Quwain, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the Smart Dubai Office (SDO) and Abu Dhabi Ports.
Participants stressed the necessity of unifying the messages coming from the various entities and aligning them with the Forum’s objectives. They went on to call for greater cooperation between heads of communication and the organising teams to ensure media coverage that is on par with the Forum’s international status and prestige, and that underlines a set of clear and concise messages on the importance of data and its role in policy- and decision-making.
The UN World Data Forum is the most prominent event of its kind in the world with a primary focus on data and statistics. With its specialised discussion panels, the event presents a platform for exploring and enhancing the role of data and statistics in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) 2030 – most notably, food security, health and education.
The three-day Forum will be held on October 22-24, 2018, at Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah, with support from major strategic partners, namely: The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFA); the Ministry of Interior (MOI); GCC Statistical Center (GCC-STAT); the Smart Dubai Office (SDO); Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA); Dubai Statistics Center (DSC); DP World; Abu Dhabi Ports; Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi; Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD); Fujairah Statistics Centre; and the General Secretariat of the Executive Council in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain.
Dubai, September 8, 2018
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) has signed strategic partnership agreements with statistics centres across emirates to coordinate efforts to support the UN World Data Forum 2018, set to be held in Dubai on October 22-24, 2018.
Now in its second edition, the Forum will welcome 1,500 prominent experts in the field of data and statistics from around the world, to showcase the UAE’s pioneering experience in collecting, analysing and benefiting from big data.
The agreements were signed at the FCSA headquarters in Dubai by representatives from the various statistics centres, including Statistics Centre − Abu Dhabi (SCAD); Dubai Statistic Center; the Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development; and the Ajman Statistics and Competitiveness Centre.
His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the UN World Data Forum 2018, said: “The Authority is committed to fostering cooperation and consolidating all efforts to ensure a successful second edition for the UN World Data Forum. Furthermore, we are working to develop efficient systems for statistics in the UAE and highlight the achievements registered in the sector. These partnerships we are forging with statistics centres across the country will help introduce all of us to international success stories and best practices in statistics and data, which, in turn, will help us position the UAE as a leading international hub for knowledge.”
For his part, H.E. Rashid Lahej Nasser Saeed Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Forum’s importance lies in providing an ideal platform for sharing experiences and identifying best practices in the statistics sector; it offers an opportunity to showcase the UAE’s experience in harnessing advanced technologies and channelling them towards building national capacities and honing statistical skillsets. All of this will ultimately serve the government’s plans to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promote the welfare of the community, and ensure a better future for our coming generations.”
H.E. Arif Al Muhairi, Executive Director of Dubai Statistics Center (DSC), added: “The UN World Data Forum is a global event that will be hosted this year by the UAE. We are proud of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and its commendable efforts to win the bid and host the Forum. With this strategic partnership now in place, we will be sparing no effort to support the Authority and ensure success of the event, which we are honoured to be part of, and especially that it will now carry the name of the UAE.”
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development, underlined the importance of the Forum, saying: “The UN World Data Forum is an ideal platform for sharing experiences, transferring knowledge and building partnerships to enhance data at the regional and global levels. The Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development is taking part in the event to assert its commitment to partnership and cooperation with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, as well as to ensuring that the Forum comes out with innovative results that positively influence the future of the data sector.”
Meanwhile, H.E. Dr Hajar Saeed Al Hubaishi, Executive Director of Ajman Statistics and Competitiveness Centre, revealed that the Centre will be launching a number of data-related initiatives, projects and workshops, noting: “Hosting the second edition of the Forum adds to the UAE’s commendable track record of achievements on a regional and international level. Several developed European nations came forward to host the major event – countries such as Finland and Switzerland. Nevertheless, the United Nations selected the UAE to be the host, which reflects the Emirates’ dedication to excellence; and the bid submitted by the FCSA undoubtedly played a major role in securing the nomination.”
On a similar note, Dr Ibrahim Saad, Director of the Fujairah Statistics Center, said: “The success of the UAE’s bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2018 asserts its advanced position and high competitiveness in terms of hosting international conferences. It also highlights the growing importance of data for governments around the world, which calls for further developing data collection and processing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Reiterating the significance of these agreements, Dr Ibrahim Akum, Director of Center for Statistics and Studies in Ras Al Khaimah, said: “The UN World Data Forum is growing all the more significant seeing as we live in the era of the digital revolution. Statistics – and data, in general – has become a focal point of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and a catalyst to the transformations taking place around the world. Those with an interest in statistics and data will be setting their sights on the UAE to discover the latest development in the data sector, set to be revealed at the prominent international event where local and international speakers will mingle with pioneers in statistics and data.”
H.E. Humaid Rashid Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Umm Al Quwain, said: “We are proud to be coordinating and joining hands with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and offering our support to ensure success and excellence in organising this global Forum. We are confident that the event will, without doubt, serve as a prominent platform to share insight into practical ways for optimising data, as well as the best ways to collect and analyse it.”
The agreements signed between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and statistics centres in all seven emirates seek to strengthen partnerships among all signatories to gather support for the UN World Data Forum 2018, and then benefit from its outcomes and takeaways in various sectors.
Dubai, September 3 2018
The UAE’s National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which includes 17 federal entities, recently held its third meeting for 2018, primarily discussing preparations for the upcoming second edition of the UN World Data Forum, set to be held in Dubai on October 22-24, 2018.
The meeting was attended by Her Excellency Hessa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, and H.E. Jameela Al Muhairi, Minister of State for Public Education, both of whom applauded the Committee for its efforts and preparations for the Forum, stressing the necessity of ensuring governance when implementing SDGs and of harmonising efforts among Committee members, as per the directives of the UAE’s leadership. Their Excellencies reiterated their support for the member entities’ efforts to provide the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) with accurate and current data.
“This Committee was formed in 2017, and in its one year and eight months of existence, it has registered outstanding achievements,” said H.E. Buhumaid, expressing her delight at the fact that the representatives of the 17 member entities are young Emiratis with great enthusiasm to serve their country.
For her part, H.E. Al Muhairi said: “We all work together to promote our country and continuously enhance its international standing in terms of sustainable development, and the UN World Data Forum presents an ideal platform to showcase our national achievements. The UAE has progressed from 77th place to 60th on the SDG Index; this is testament to the exceptional leadership of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Thanking Their Excellencies the Ministers for their attendance and contribution to the meeting, H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the UN World Data Forum 2018, said: “Our work with the member entities of the Committee centres around the National Agenda’s metrics, which, in turn, offer the necessary support to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Furthermore, we concentrate on data and statistics, which are essential for driving success at the Government level till 2021 and beyond.”
The 17 Committee members were thoroughly introduced to the upcoming UN World Data Forum (www.unwdf.ae) set to be held in the UAE under the theme “Better Data for Better Generations”. The event will be hosting more than 80 sessions that feature over 100 speakers from all around the world.
The team organising the Forum reiterated its potential as a platform for forging international partnerships and closer relations with the private sector – a key step for implementing SDGs. The meeting then moved on to a case study on DP World and its progress in achieving SDGs locally, regionally and internationally.
On the same note, the team outlined the progress made with regards to the Global Leadership Councils for SDGs initiative, announced at the World Government Summit, where work is underway to expand these Councils.
The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals holds periodic meetings at the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority’s headquarters in Dubai.
The UAE delegation participating in the Knowledge Lab at the UAE Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 showcased the nation’s vision and pioneering role in supporting global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The delegation also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering international dialogue and building strategic partnerships that contribute to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The sessions featured pioneering national experiences, innovative solutions, and forward-looking visions for the post-2030 era, reflecting the UAE’s continued commitment to supporting global initiatives aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.
Participation came as part of a series of dialogue sessions organized by the Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, in collaboration with the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals. The sessions were held during the “SDGs and Beyond: Future Society for Life Week “at the Knowledge Lab.”
The UAE delegation included a distinguished group of representatives from the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and was led by H.E. Hessa bent Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority and Vice Chair of the Global Council on SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The delegation also included teams from the Government Experience Exchange Office and the General Secretariat of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, both responsible for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Among the members were H.E. Hamoud Al Junaibi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent and Vice Chair of the Global Council on SDG 2 (Zero Hunger); H.E. Eng. Marwan Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality and Vice Chair of the Global Council on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); and H.E. Mohammed Alshamsi, Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Vice Chair of the Global Council on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Hessa Buhumaid: Achieving Sustainability Requires Joint International Efforts
H.E. Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid emphasized that the UAE’s participation in this global event reflects the country’s deep commitment to the spirit of collaboration and collective action, and its firm belief that achieving sustainability is only possible through united international efforts.
She added: “By sharing our national experiences and achievements in community development and individual empowerment, we seek to contribute positively to the global dialogue and to serve as an inspiration for nations striving toward a more just, inclusive, and sustainable shared future.”
H.E. Abdulla Lootah: Genuine Partnerships Turn Global Goals into Real Impact for Communities
H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, said: “The UAE’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka reflects our continued leadership in building genuine partnerships that translate global goals into tangible realities with a positive impact on people’s lives.”
He added: “Through the Government Experience Exchange Programme, we present pioneering national models that demonstrate that innovation and partnerships are the true drivers for building a more sustainable future. The UAE government continues to strengthen international cooperation and embed sustainable development as a constant approach to shaping a better future for coming generations, guided by the leadership’s vision in this field, as reflected in the Expo Dubai 2020 theme: ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.’”
Partnerships Creating Global Impact in Support of SDG 17
The sessions reflected the objectives of the Government Experience Exchange Programme and embodied the overarching theme of Expo Osaka 2025: “Shaping the Future Society for Our Lives.” They emphasized the importance of global cooperation in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of human capital, sustainability, and innovation in government services.
Aligned with the UAE’s established vision of leveraging international partnerships as a driving force for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the Government Experience Exchange Office and the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals organized a series of dialogues and events. These initiatives reflected the UAE’s commitment to advancing SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and reinforcing a multilateral approach to cooperation.
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National Initiatives and International Partnerships
Through the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals platform, the UAE showcased a range of successful national initiatives and international partnerships that have demonstrated tangible impact across various countries by exchanging expertise, sharing knowledge, and adopting innovative models in governance and development.
The meetings brought together a distinguished group of decision-makers and experts from governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society, alongside delegations from countries participating in the Government Experience Exchange Programme, including Oman, Montenegro, Serbia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malta, and Japan.
The sessions organized by the Government Experience Exchange Programme under the titles “Government Experience Exchange Programme in the Field: Success Stories Driving Global Impact” and “UAE Knowledge Labs – Accelerating Innovation in Government Services” highlighted that the UAE’s experience in building partnerships serves as a global model for translating international cooperation into tangible outcomes. These efforts support the achievement of the UN 2030 Agenda and create new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Together for Impact
The General Secretariat of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals organized a session titled “Together for Impact: Advancing Government Partnerships to Achieve SDG 17,” which highlighted the pivotal role of SDG 17 in accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The session also served as a continuation of the outcomes of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum, which called for fair, innovative, and coordinated action to achieve comprehensive development worldwide.
Beyond 2030
The session titled “XDGs 2045: Charting the Future of Global Development” featured a global dialogue on the future of development beyond 2030. The discussion focused on the role of bold policies, inclusive leadership, and innovative partnerships in shaping a new development agenda. The session drew on the UAE’s initiative, “XDGs 2045,” launched in 2023 at the World Governments Summit, highlighting how global goals can be translated into tangible national impact and how cross-border solutions can be shared to support the building of a fairer and more sustainable future for generations to come.
This approach is based on the UAE’s strong commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development. Through its active participation in platforms such as the Global Councils on Sustainable Development Goals, the UAE has highlighted impactful initiatives and successful partnerships that are being scaled and implemented worldwide, providing a space for exchanging knowledge and experiences and showcasing practical solutions that create tangible impact in communities around the world.
It is worth noting that the series of meetings and sessions organized by the Government Experience Exchange Office and the General Secretariate of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals at the UAE Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 reflect the UAE government’s efforts to transfer best governmental practices and expertise to friendly and sister countries, while enhancing international cooperation in the fields of government modernization, future foresight, and supporting the development journey.
Hanan Ahli: The wise leadership has laid the foundations of an advanced statistical system that translates its vision for the future.
Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi: Statistics are a tool for development and a voice of progress and prosperity.
Abdulla Gharib Alqemzi: Integration is the cornerstone for building a unified national data system.
Younus Al Nasser: Accurate data is the true engine for shaping a prosperous future.
Hajar Saeed Al-Hubaishi: Integration in data production tells the UAE’s success story in a single language.
Humaid Rashid Al Shamsi: Data is a fundamental pillar for planning and development.
Humaid Rashid Al Shamsi: Data is a fundamental pillar for planning and development.
Ibrahim Saad Mohammed: Unifying statistical efforts is an investment in a prosperous future.
Dubai, 19 October 2025: The United Arab Emirates, represented by the National Bureau of Statistics, chaired by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre and including local statistical centres and executive councils, joins countries around the world in celebrating World Statistics Day, which falls on 20 October. The day has been observed every five years since its declaration by the United Nations in 2010. It aims to highlight the importance of statistical data in development and decision-making, and its essential role in tracking countries’ progress toward their goals.
The UAE’s statistical system celebrates this global occasion in its fourth edition since its launch in 2010, under the theme: “Accurate Statistics and Reliable Data: Driving Change and Shaping a Better Future for All.” The celebration builds on a rich legacy of qualitative achievements in the UAE’s statistical journey, alongside an ambitious vision for the future, paving the way for a new decade of statistical transformation. With this shift, the national statistical system is moving from a focus on censuses and fieldwork toward proactive analysis and impact creation, solidifying the UAE’s leadership as a country that shapes the future through data.
On this occasion, H.E. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, said: “We join countries around the world in celebrating World Statistics Day, which reflects the important and active role of statistical agencies in supporting development pathways and data-driven decision-making, while confidently and innovatively anticipating the future.”
She added: “The UAE’s statistical system is undergoing a new phase of transformation, in which we harness advanced technology, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence techniques to move from the concept of data collection to an integrated system that supports strategic planning and the formulation of future policies, based on a sophisticated scientific approach to data analysis and utilization.” Hanan Ahli continued:: “Statistics in the UAE go beyond numbers to become the language of the future, reflecting our reality and guiding our development journey. By unifying efforts at both the federal and local levels to disseminate the UAE’s unified data, we strengthen the country’s position as a global model for data accuracy and quality, supported by the wise leadership and in active partnership with statistical centers.”
On his part, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development – Sharjah, said: “Statistics are a tool for development and a voice of progress and prosperity. Through unified and collaborative efforts, we turn data into insight, and insight into action., and decisions into a better reality for the nation’s people.”
H.E. Abdulla Gharib Alqemzi, Director General of the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, said: “Statistical integration between federal and local entities is a fundamental pillar for building a unified national statistical system that accurately reflects the UAE’s developmental reality and enables decision-makers to gain evidence-based insights.”
He added: “With the transition toward an AI-enhanced government, we are working together to develop an intelligent system that links data to policies, transforming numbers into forward-looking insights that contribute to building a more prosperous and sustainable future, embodying our wise leadership’s vision of fostering a knowledge-based economy and establishing the UAE as a pioneer in anticipating and shaping the future.”
H.E. Younus Al Nasser, CEO of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment – Digital Dubai, said: “This year’s celebration of World Statistics Day comes with a different character, as it does not merely remind us of the importance of numbers, but celebrates an era in which statistics transform from measurement tools into instruments for foresight and decision-making.”
He added: “In the UAE, federal and local efforts have been unified within a comprehensive national system that speaks in a single language about the reality of development, presenting the world with a model for transforming data into knowledge and knowledge into tangible impact in people’s lives. Today, statistics have become a living language that tells the story of a nation advancing through accurate data and ambitious visions.”
H.E. Dr. Hajar Saeed Al-Hubaishi, Director General of the Ajman Statistics Centre, said: “Every Emirati statistical figure carries a success story behind it. Through our effective national integration in data production, we ensure that the UAE’s success story is told in a single, accurate, and clear language to the entire world.”
H.E. Humaid Rashid Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Executive Council – Umm Al Quwain, said: “World Statistics Day reminds us that data is the fundamental pillar for planning and development. In collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics, we enhance the quality of our figures and data and unify the UAE’s statistical message.”
H.E. Najwa Yacoub, Executive Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Statistics Centre, said: “When efforts are integrated at both the local and federal levels, statistics transform into a cohesive and effective national system that accurately reflects the UAE’s achievements and documents its journey toward global leadership.”
H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Saad Mohammed, Director General of the Fujairah Statistics Centre, said: “Unifying our statistical efforts across the UAE is our investment in a prosperous future. Every accurate piece of information contributes to building more efficient policies and more sustainable development, reflecting the aspirations of our wise leadership.”
Statistics in the UAE: Decades of Achievements
Since its inception with the formation of the Union, the UAE’s statistical work has recorded numerous qualitative achievements in building an advanced statistical system that keeps pace with the latest global standards. The first decade of this journey, from 1971 to 1981, marked the beginning of the need to establish a planning and statistical system to support the construction of the new state. This period witnessed the establishment of the federal planning structure, the formulation of an initial vision for the UAE’s developmental policies, and the launch of the first general census of population and establishments nationwide in 1975.
The second decade of the UAE’s statistical journey, from 1982 to 1991, focused on transforming oil revenues into measurable indicators within development plans. This was achieved by providing comprehensive databases for urban and economic planning, issuing annual reports and development-supporting studies, and expanding the implementation of federal census programs in 1980 and 1985.
During the third decade, from 1992 to 2001, the UAE adopted the approach of “comprehensive and balanced development” and regional planning across the seven emirates to enhance transparency and evaluate developmental performance. During this period, the country also participated regionally in several meetings, including those of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).
Institutionalizing Statistics
The fourth decade, from 2002 to 2011, marked the true beginning of institutionalizing statistical work in the UAE and linking federal development plans with economic policies. This was achieved through updating the methods of presenting and publishing statistical and economic data and establishing the Supreme Committee for Coordinating Joint Statistical Work at the national level for the first time. These efforts helped enhance global competitiveness indicators based on statistics and data. During this period, the UAE also made its first representation at the United Nations Statistical Commission meetings in 2011.
Decade of Culmination and Leadership
Upon reaching its fifth decade in 2012, extending to the present, the UAE’s statistical system crowned its journey with numerous fruitful initiatives and achievements. This period marked a turning point in the country’s statistical history and the beginning of a new era of statistical transformation, during which the national statistical system shifted from censuses and fieldwork to proactive analysis and impact creation. This transformation solidifies the UAE’s leadership as a country that shapes the future through data, positioning statistics as a central pillar in achieving the nation’s development journey under the “We the UAE 2031” vision, leading up to the UAE Centennial 2071.
During its fifth decade, the UAE also joined the United Nations Statistical Commission for the 2025–2028 term, supporting its contribution to leading global statistical thinking and actively participating in decisions regarding international statistical activities. During this period, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, launched the “Unified UAE Numbers” project, one of the national initiatives aimed at developing and enhancing the national statistical system and supporting the country’s progress across various economic, demographic, social, and environmental sectors. Additionally, the UAE government launched the Data Index, designed according to best practices and global standards in statistics and data management, with the aim of enhancing governmental performance efficiency and measuring progress in national data governance. The UAE also hosts the regional headquarters of the United Nations Big Data Platform for Sustainable Development.
A New Phase
As it enters its sixth decade of statistical excellence, the UAE continues its journey of innovation and leadership, guided by a vision that transforms data into foresight and progress.. The wise leadership has laid the foundations for an integrated national statistical system at all levels, ushering in a new phase that leverages intelligent analysis, predictive models, and artificial intelligence technologies to transform data into forward-looking knowledge that shapes decision-making and guides the future.
Majed Al Mesmar: These achievements reflect the UAE’s steady progress towards global leadership.
Hanan Ahli: The results reflect the UAE’s leading position in digital transformation regionally and globally.
The UAE has ranked 9th globally and 1st in the region in the World Digital Competitiveness Report 2025 issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland. The ranking strengthens the UAE’s position among the world’s top 10 digital performers, reaffirming its regional leadership and outperforming several advanced global economies. It also underscores the UAE’s ability to keep pace with rapid technological shifts and to build a fully integrated digital development model driven by innovation, artificial intelligence, and human capital.
His Excellency Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) stated that “The UAE ranking 9th globally in the 2025 Digital Competitiveness Report is a testament to the efficiency of its digital ecosystem and the maturity of its technological infrastructure across both government and economic sectors. It further highlights the UAE’s position as a global role model in building a comprehensive, resilient, and secure digital infrastructure capable of accelerating innovation and promoting the UAE’s economic competitiveness.”
“In our view, this is the result of the integrated institutional collaboration between public and private sector entities working together to enhance digital performance and sustain progress. This achievement reflects the UAE’s steadfast path toward global leadership, where digital transformation has become a national way of life; enhancing wellbeing and driving sustainable economic growth,” H.E. added.
Hanan Ahli: Results reflect the UAE’s forward-looking vision
Her Excellency Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), stated that the UAE’s ratings in the World Digital Competitiveness Report highlight the exceptional progress in digital transformation both regionally and globally. “The UAE’s success reflects the effectiveness of national strategies and policies aimed at building a sustainable, knowledge-based economy by empowering national talents, enhancing technical skills, and preparing future generations to thrive in the digital era,” H.E. noted. “These results further strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading global model in digital transformation, fostering a knowledge-driven environment, creatingsustainable opportunities for future generations andbuilding a society grounded in innovation, knowledgeand future sciences,” she added.
Global Leadership in Key Indicators
The UAE ranked 1st globally in key indicators, including internet usage, high-speed connectivity, venture capital availability, public-private partnerships, and digital skills. It also ranked 1st globally in attracting international students and global expertise. In addition, the UAE ranked among the world’s top 5 in 15 indicators and top 10 in 22 indicators, reflecting the depth and inclusiveness of its digital advancement across all sectors.
Sustained Growth in Digital Competitiveness
“The report revealed that the UAE advanced to 9th place globally, up from 18th in the first edition of the report in 2017, marking a consistent upward trajectory in digital competitiveness and highlighting the maturity of its national digital environment and proactive policy framework.”The UAE also maintained its leading regional position, remaining the only country in the Middle East among the global top 10 in digital competitiveness.
Future-Ready and Tech-Driven
According to the report, the UAE ranked 5th globally in Future Readiness, reflecting its high capacity to adopt emerging technologies and develop advanced digital ecosystems. It also ranked 6th globally in the Technology pillar, supported by robust digital infrastructure and extensive investments in advanced technologies and government digital services. In the Knowledge pillar, the UAE ranked 12th globally, underscoring the strength of its education system and national talent development initiatives.
Despite global economic and geopolitical shifts and disruptions to technology supply chains, the report noted that the UAE successfully sustained its digital momentum; reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most resilient and innovation-friendly digital economies.
For the first time, the report included data on artificial intelligence patents and private-sector investments in AI, in which the UAE ranked 1st regionally, reflecting the ambitions of its National AI Strategy 2031 and its commitment to a knowledge-driven, innovation-based economy.
These results align with the UAE’s strategic national visions, including the UAE Centennial 2071, the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, and the Digital Government Strategy, along with key national initiatives such as 1 Million Arab Coders, Advanced Research Laboratories, and National Talent Upskilling Programs.
A Global Model for Digital Transformation
The UAE’s ongoing development reaffirms its position as a world leader in digital transformation and future economy, embodying the wise leadership’s vision to build a competitive, innovation-driven, and knowledge-based national ecosystem that fosters sustainable growth and empowers future-ready generations.
The UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025 hosted the Economic Data Retreat, a specialised strategic retreat which aims to formulate advanced national approaches to managing economic data, as well as enhancing the UAE’s readiness to keep up with rapid global shifts in AI, digital transformation and big data.
The retreat, which hosted three different sessions, brought together ministers and heads of economic, regulatory, financial and tech entities, as well as representatives of Digital Transformation Councils from across the UAE.
Strategic importance
The Economic Data Retreat is strategically timed to underscore the importance of creating a smart, integrated ecosystem of national data, capable of keeping up with global shifts and enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness in digital economy, investment and data-driven planning. The retreat is a key step toward establishing the UAE’s leadership in adopting smart policies, utilising data as a strategic decision-making tool, achieving sustainable development and enhancing the nation’s future readiness.
Unified procurement of big data
The first session titled ‘The Unified Procurement of Big Data: Standardising Federal and Local Contracts’, was led by His Excellency Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs.
The session discussed the pivotal role of big data in supporting policies and decision making, and highlighted the need to increase the efficiency of the government data procurement system to improve data quality and accuracy, facilitate secure data exchange among entities and ensure its effective utilisation to support future plans and national policies.
Participants emphasised that launching a unified national model to coordinate government procurement of big data is a strategic step toward identifying federal and local data needs, and unifying procurement efforts on a national level, leading to reduced costs, increased efficiency and accelerated data access.
His Excellency Mohamed Al Hussaini explained that the UAE government, guided by its leadership, is prioritising big data as a cornerstone of the nation’s competitive and digital economy future. He noted that the goal is to build an integrated, real-time national economic data system. This system will provide decision-makers across all sectors with a reliable, instant flow of data, which is key to accelerating smart developmental planning and enabling effective public policies.
Integrating investment data
The second session, titled ‘National Integration of Inbound and Outbound Investment Data’, was led by His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment.
The session discussed the importance of creating an integrated national system for investment data that contributes to increased data accuracy and reliability, while supporting the UAE’s ability to measure the economic and social impact of investments.
His Excellency Mohamed Alsuwaidi said: “In a highly competitive world vying for quality capital, the UAE continues to solidify its status as a leading global destination for investment, while focusing on measuring investment impact in terms of creating jobs, transferring knowledge and supporting vital sectors. Such efforts help promote sustainable development and underscore the competitiveness of our national economy.”
Smart statistics system
The third session, titled ‘Toward a Unified Smart National Statistics System’ was led by Her Excellency Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State, Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet and the General Supervisor of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC).
The session discussed challenges facing the national statistics system, and how to ensure the integration and readiness of data sources and their governance standards cohesion.
The session also discussed plans toward establishing a unified smart national statistics system and approving the development of a regulatory policies package. Such measures help enhance the reliability of national data, and support the accelerated adoption of AI in planning and general policy making.
Her Excellency Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi said: “Building a unified smart national statistics system is essential for transforming the availability and integration of data in real time to bolster the UAE’s competitiveness and accelerate its development plans.”
She added: “The Economic Data Retreat reflects the UAE Government’s vision for advancing to the next phase of statistics integration by developing innovative policies, ensuring that national data is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to support decision making and future foresight.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the UAE Statistics Mural, a major exhibit at the Statistics Exhibition organised by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre as part of the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
The exhibition showcases the UAE’s journey in numbers since the launch of its federal institutions from the 1970s until present.
The mural presents a timeline from the 1970s onward, chronicling the UAE’s key strategic and statistical achievements in each decade. The journey begins in the 70s, when statistics work started and culminated in the nation’s first population census in 1975. This pivotal event established a national framework for planning and modern state-building, transforming numbers into an essential tool to chart the course for development.
The timeline continues to the 2020-2030 decade, highlighting the critical transition into the future. This decade is defined by the shift towards smart transformation and comprehensive digitisation through a smart, integrated statistical ecosystem capable of predictive analysis and guiding data-driven policy.
This era represents a fundamental evolution from traditional fieldwork to smart statistics, transforming data into a power that actively shapes the future.
Organised under the theme ‘50 Years of UAE Statistics’, the exhibition showcases a series of statistics reports and groups that date from the establishment of the Ministry of Planning through to the launch of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.
The exhibition also showcases statistics indicators across various vital sectors, the latest release of the Unified UAE Numbers report, and a video documenting the UAE’s first census and other relevant milestones.
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