Al Mheiri: Data is key for UAE’s Future Food Security Strategy

Dubai, UAE, 28 February 2018

During her tour of the headquarters of Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), H.E. Maryam bint Mohammed Saeed Al Mheiri, Minister of State for Future Food Security underscored the importance of cooperation and identifying areas of collaboration between the two entities. The minister met with FCSA team and was briefed on the authority’s mandate and scope of responsibilities in managing global UAE competitiveness efforts, statistics and data portfolio and the realization of sustainable development goals.

Additionally, FCSA Team presented an overview of statistical indicators related to food security and discussed strategic aspects of statistical work, means of collecting data and making it accessible to stakeholders, particularly joint projects between FCSA and government entities, as well as the private sector.

During the meeting, the minister indicated the importance of collaboration with FCSA on the Minister’s initiatives and future projects, as well as FCSA’s role in supporting such programs through FCSA’s expertise in both statistics and competitiveness.

H.E. Al Mheiri said that she looks forward to further cooperation and future joint projects with the FCSA, specifically taking advantage of the entity’s expertise in the field of researches and knowledge products to support UAE’s Future Food Security portfolio.

H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General, said: “FCSA is keen to support federal and local government authorities in the field of statistics, data and global competitiveness ranking. FCSA’s expertise and competencies are all set to be at the disposal of H.E. the Minister and her team with the aim to achieve the desired goals and support UAE’s strategy to achieve food security,” he emphasized.

Following the meeting, Al Mheiri was taken on a tour of FCSA office and was briefed on the services and facilities highlighting the distinctive architectural design of FCSA headquarters and its impact on employees, inducing a creative work environment that stimulates productivity and innovation.

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• Partnerships that enhance competitiveness and commercial rule of law will underpin investment opportunities in Dubai and UAE
• Business environment and investors power reflect positively on UAE’s rank in competitiveness reports

Dubai, UAE- 26 February 2018

Mark Beer, OBE, Chief Executive of the Dispute Resolution Authority (DRA) at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and an accompanying delegation of senior executives, consultants and financial analysts, visited the FCSA to discuss mutual areas of cooperation between the two entities.

Both teams discussed various topics related to the investment environment in UAE, attending to investors’ interests and attracting development projects that contribute to the sustainability of UAE economic sectors.

“We are glad to have had the opportunity to understand FCSA’s role in boosting its competitiveness in global reports and indicators”, said Mr. Beer. He also hailed FCSA’s interest in collaborating with stakeholders who can influence UAE’s ranking and performance in competitiveness reports, and all the current effort being exerted to maintain an attractive investment environment in the UAE.

“In addition to contributing to UAE’s future plans to become a knowledge-based economy, it is very important that investors have access to accurate data and statistics that reflect market conditions”, said Mr. Beer.

H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, FCSA Director General, addressed the visiting delegation by underlining that the meeting was fruitful and valuable while stressing the importance of partnerships and cooperation in issues of mutual interest.

He also featured the role of the DRA in protecting investors. He affirmed: “Indeed, the DRA is keen to attend to the interests of the investment environment in the Emirate of Dubai and the implications of such an environment on the financial sector in UAE as a whole, which could reflect positively on the country’s performance in global competitiveness rankings.”

Noteworthy, FCSA is so dedicated to promoting joint cooperation with various authorities and institutions in both public and private sectors. By the end of 2017, FCSA hosted more than 60 official delegations and visits at its headquarters, that is receiving more than one official visit per week from various local and out of the country entities. Indeed, FCSA believes in the importance of participatory work aiming at achieving joint interests and future visions for a knowledge-based society which is supported by accurate and transparent statistics and data based on innovation.

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H.E. Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy:

• Happiness is the guiding gauge for sustainable development.

H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi:

• The ‘SDGs In Action’ forum reaffirms that happiness as key to the success of sustainable development.

Dubai, February 5, 2018

The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals has included happiness and positivity on the agenda for the upcoming “SDGs In Action 2018” forum, set to take place on February 10, on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai.

The new addition sheds light on the role of happiness and positivity in achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the region and the world. Representatives from the National Happiness and Positivity Programme are set to take part in some of the Forum’s sessions, in order to showcase the UAE’s experience, vision and strategies for spreading happiness among members of the community, and highlight the pragmatic steps taken to implement these goals.

Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Chairwoman of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) and Chairwoman of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, said: “Happiness and positivity are key to sustainable development in the UAE. Our country’s consistent high ranking on international happiness indices is a testament to the validity and success of our government’s policies, initiatives and services, all of which seek, first and foremost, to guarantee the wellbeing and happiness of the community. These efforts have catalysed growth in several key sectors in the UAE, boosting the country’s international competitiveness.”

“The inclusion of happiness in the Forum’s agenda adheres to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to embrace happiness as a way of life. It is an opportunity to highlight the visions and strategies adopted by the government to ensure that happiness is treated as a means to achieve sustainable development,” H.E. Al Hashimy added.

For her part, H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing, Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, said: “The accelerated pace of development and prosperity in the UAE is a reflection of the legacy that our Founding Father, H.H. the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, had established for us to keep moving forward, realise the vision and aspirations of our wise leadership, and implement plans and strategies to promote the happiness and wellbeing of our people. This vision closely resonates with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which seeks to make the world a better place. The UAE was one of the first nations to support this Agenda and synchronise it with our national priorities.”

“The ‘SDGs In Action 2018’ forum is an important milestone in the quest to establish the happiness of individuals as a key ingredient in the success of sustainable development efforts,” H.E. Al Roumi continued. “We are committed to building strategic partnerships and bridges of cooperation and communication with all entities involved in implementing the 2030 Agenda in the UAE, which would allow us to develop, apply and harmonise government plans, programmes and policies to support sustainable development and spread happiness.”

The forum is set to bring together 300 officials and decision makers from the government, the private sector and academic institutions from the UAE and abroad, to discuss a set of plans, strategies and initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development in the UAE and the world. Participants will also explore the challenges inhibiting growth, and the UAE’s pioneering experience and impressive developmental track record, which has caught the world’s attention.​​

• Young Emiratis to take part in an event to discuss the implementation of SDGs on the sidelines of the World Government Summit 2018.

Dubai, January 30, 2018

The National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals applauded the great turnout from young Emiratis for the “SDGs in Action 2018” event, set to take place on February 10, 2018, on the sidelines of the World Government Summit, in an effort to engage the youth in SDG plans and programmes.

The UAE youth join more than 300 executives from various local and international public, private and academic establishments to discuss plans, strategies and initiatives that seek to achieve sustainable development, and address key challenges facing SDGs around the world.

Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA), said: “Harnessing young people’s energy and channelling it towards development plans is the key to successful sustainable progress. In line with the leadership’s wise vision to engage young people in decision making, UAE government officials are committed to encouraging young Emiratis to take part in international events of this scale, in an effort to hone their skills and build on their ideas and suggestions to address challenges and build a better future.”

“Through its National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority is committed to engaging young people in the sustainability agenda,” H.E. Al Hashemi added. “Their involvement is the fruit of the many initiatives that brought together the Authority, the Committee, and the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs, since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, announced, in February 2016, the world’s first ministry dedicated to the youth.”

H.E. Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Chairperson of the Emirates Youth Council, added: “We are delighted to be taking part in this event dedicated to the sustainable development goals, which offers opportunities to explore international best practices, exchange ideas, and build robust networks to empower the youth as they join the sustainable development efforts spanning all sectors in the UAE, the region and the world.”

“The UAE leadership prioritises investment in human resources – particularly, the youth,” H.E. Al Mazrui pointed out. “Federal and Local Government bodies have been instructed to set plans and strategies to empower the youth and prepare a generation of highly qualified professionals to carry on with the sustainable development efforts taking place across the country. This reflects our leaders’ faith in the youth, who they consider to be the engine and driving force behind sustainable development.”

“SDGs in Action 2018” is an international event that seeks to discuss pragmatic solution to achieve sustainable development, raise awareness around them among all segments of society, discuss national and international best practices in this field, open channels for effective communication between all parties involved, and extend bridges of cooperation to achieve these goals on a global scale.​

DUBAI, 22nd January, 2018 (WAM)

The UAE occupied the first regional position and the 17th international position on the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, GTCI, according to the 2018 publication issued by INSEAD.

The report is a comprehensive annual index that measures how countries and cities grow, attract and retain talent, providing a unique resource for decision makers to understand the global talent competitiveness picture and develop strategies for boosting their competitiveness.

In this year’s report, the UAE advanced two positions in compared to last year’s ranking. The UAE retained its rank among the 20 best countries in the world on the index, topping GCC, Middle East and African countries

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman of Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, FCSA, expressed her pride in this achievement and thanked all government authorities and private sector companies for their co-operation in supporting the UAE’s competitiveness.

She stressed that UAE’s progress in the talent competitiveness index proves to the world the efficiency of its comprehensive development strategy, based on the directives of its wise leadership, aimed at building a knowledge-based economy, as well as its success in providing an environment that attracts talent.

Malik Al Madani, Director of the Competitiveness Strategy Department in FCSA, stressed that the UAE is harvesting the fruits of years of hard work to provide a solid infrastructure and an attractive economic and investment environment as well as establish an advanced education sector. He pointed out that all these components promote the development of human resources in the country and support its progress and international competitiveness.

Al Madani also added that the UAE achieved an exceptional performance in a number of key pillars and sub-indexes in this year’s report, after occupying the first international position in five sub-indexes including easy employment, each employee’s productivity, and international students’ attraction

The report also indicated that the UAE achieved the second international position in the strength of work relations between the government and business index, economic blocs/free zones, attracting minds and talents, and the third international position in the foreign direct investment and technology transfer and maintaining minds and talents.

This year’s report also witnessed an improvement in a number of pillars and sub-indexes as the country jumped by 13 positions compared to last year’s ranking to the first international position in the professional and technical skills pillar, measuring the availability of the required professional and technical skills in the different labour market sectors.

The UAE secured the third place internationally in attraction, which evaluates its ability to attract the best skills from outside the country, in addition to the country’s advancement of 19 levels in this year’s report in the growth axis, which measures the average growth of talent available in the country.

Al Madani said that the country is working to achieve its vision of becoming one of the best countries in the world by the UAE Centennial 2071, by focusing on future foresight, building an economy based on knowledge, creating an attracting business atmosphere, following innovation, and providing an advanced knowledge infrastructure, which supports the creation and exchange of knowledge.

The 2018 edition of GTCI includes 68 variables (65 in 2017), covering 119 countries and 90 cities (respectively 118 and 46 in 2017). This year again, GTCI scores are led by developed, high-income countries.

Switzerland maintains its number 1 position, followed by Singapore and the United States.

European countries continue to dominate the GTCI rankings, with 15 of them in the top 25.

Among the non-European countries ranking high this year, are Australia (11th), New Zealand (12th), Canada (15th), the United Arab Emirates (17th), and Japan (20th) for example.

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UAE is leading the Arab region for the fifth consecutive year in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report

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​​​​​​​WEF: UAE Tops Arab World and 17th in Global Competitiveness Ranking
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• UAE progresses in scores rate from 5.26 to 5.3 in 2017
• UAE ranked among innovation-based economies for the 11th year
• UAE maintains its rank as the best 20 global competitive economies for the fifth consecutive year
• UAE competitiveness rank supersedes advanced economies, like France, Belgium, Australia, South Korea and China
• UAE among first 20 countries globally in 70% of Competitiveness indicators (80 out of 114)
• The annual report is published by World Economic Forum and ranks the competitiveness of 137 countries

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Dubai, UAE- 27 September 2017
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​In its most recent edition of the Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018, The World Economic Forum (Davos) has revealed that UAE has topped the Arab world and ranked 17th globally in global competitiveness ranking. The report also ranked UAE among the top 20 competitive economies globally for the fifth consecutive year. Additionally, it has indicated that UAE has maintained its ranking to be among the world’s most significant innovation-based economies for the 11th year. The results of the report were unveiled today to participants in the Annual Meetings of UAE Government as a global testament to the success of the Government’s strategy in establishing innovation culture in government institutions and consolidating competitiveness as a performance style and measuring the success of government services and initiatives aimed at realizing the happiness and welfare of the UAE community.

Commenting on the performance of the current year, HE Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority stated: "The results of this year’s competitiveness report came simultaneously with the UAE Annual Government Meeting sessions, marking as a global testament underscoring the importance monitoring the effectiveness and efficiency of government services, to ensure they are consistent with guidelines and directions of set His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE president and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to adopt innovation-based approaches to maintain the ongoing progress in global competitiveness ranking and to realize our wise leadership’s vision in sustaining development across all sectors in the country".

H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Hajri, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi, said that the UAE government has paid great attention to enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE in various fields, working to enhance the framework of a comprehensive vision that contributed to the principles of efficiency in the markets and improving the competences of the business environment. He pointed out that the various structural economic reforms in the UAE in recent years and the legislations and decisions that have taken place in various economic, administrative and institutional aspects have contributed to accelerating the growth of the economic activities of the country, enhancing the strategy of economic diversification and opening up the trade and providing a favorable business environment, confirming the country’s advanced level of competitiveness.

Malik Al Madani, Director of Competitiveness Strategy Department at the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, said: "By virtue of the wise leadership’s support and consolidation of the team efforts from federal and local entities, as well as the private sector, UAE today affirms its active global role in the world arena across various economic, social and technological sectors. We are working today as one team, under one vision and as per renewed plans and keeping pace with global changes. We will always be in line with our leadership’s aspirations of making UAE as one of the best countries in the world by the year 2021 marking the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of founding the Union."

Global Performance

UAE ranked first in the Arab world and 17th globally in the general competitiveness ranking by advancing in the scores rate of UAE performance from 5.26 in 2016 to 5.3 in 2017. By this achievement, UAE maintained its leading rank to be among the top 20 competitive economies according to the World Competitiveness Report 2017-2018 issued by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in Switzerland. This report is considered one of the most reputable competitiveness reports that monitors on an annual-basis the performance and competitiveness of global economies in terms of strengths, weaknesses and impact on standards of living, prosperity and welfare of their nations.

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The 2017-2018 Report monitored 137 economies and ranked them based on performance according to 114 indicators grouped within 12 main pillars that include: institutions, infrastructure, health and primary education, labor market efficiency and others. The report methodology is based on data and statistics issued by the participating countries, as well as opinion surveys and questionnaires sent to executives and senior private sector investors.

According to this year’s report, UAE has achieved an advanced ranking as a result of listing it within the top 10 globally in three main pillars. UAE came third globally in the Goods Market Efficiency Pillar, which is a global indication to the success of UAE’s economic diversification policy and the vision and strategic plans on performance efficiency of the UAE market. Furthermore, UAE came fifth globally in the Infrastructure Pillar, and this comes as a confirmation of the ongoing investment in infrastructure projects across the nation and the role this plays in sustaining UAE economy to become an attractive environment for business and investment. As for the Institution Pillar, which monitors the efficiency of government institutions, laws, and procedures dedicated for individuals and institutions, UAE has clinched the fifth place.

Progress in Most Significant Indicators

On a indicator level, UAE ranked among the top 20 countries in 80 out of total 114 indicators in the Global Competitiveness Report, which amounts to 70% of the indicators in total. The 2017-2018 Report witnessed great strides of the country’s performance in a number of key indicators, the most important of which are as shown in the following table:

Efficient and High-Performing Government institutions

Within the Institutions Pillar, UAE moved to take up the first rank globally in "Efficiency of Government Spending" indicator, and ranked second globally in the "Public Trust in Politicians" and "Burden of Government Regulation" indicators, and ranked third globally in "Protection of Minority Shareholders’ Interests" indicator. All of this reflects the success of the country’s leadership’s strategy and well-founded steps taken to achieve high levels of performance and efficiency in government work at the federal and local levels, and with the aim to ensure the happiness and welfare of UAE citizens and residents.

World-Class Infrastructure

In the Infrastructure Pillar, UAE ranked first globally in the "The Quality of Roads" indicator, third globally in "Quality of Air Transport Infrastructure" and "Mobile-Cellular Telephone Subscriptions", ranked fourth globally for "Quality of overall infrastructure", "Quality of Port Infrastructure" and "Available Airline Seat Kilometres- millions/week" indicators. This performance reflects the success of UAE’s strategy to continue injecting investments for the development and improvement of the State’s infrastructure by extending new internal and external road networks, expanding airports, developing seaports and developing plans to link all emirates through rail networks as part of the Union Railway Project.

Attractive Markets Meeting Global Standards

Lauding the development and progress of UAE marketplace and economy, the Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018 revealed that UAE achieved advanced positions in various indicators in listed in pillars of "Goods Market Efficiency", "Labour Market Efficiency" and "Macroeconomic Environment". UAE topped the world countries in "Effect of taxation on incentives to invest" and "Inflation/ annual % change" indicators. Also, UAE is ranked second globally in both indices of "Country Capacity to Attract Talent" and "Country Capacity to Retain Talent" came third in "Effect of Taxation on Incentives to Work" indicator.

Technological Development and Innovation

As for the pillars of "Technological Readiness", "Business Sophistication" and "Higher Education and Training", UAE came first globally in the "Government Procurement of Advanced Technology Products" and ranked second in "Mobile-Broadband Subscriptions" indicator. Moreover, the UAE ranked third in both "State of Cluster Development" and "Availability of Scientists and Engineers", and fourth in "FDI and Technology Transfer" indicators.

The World Economic Forum

The Global Competitiveness Report issued by The World Economic Forum (Davos) in Switzerland is one of the world’s most important reports since its first edition published in 1971. The report aims to assist countries around the world to identify obstacles to sustainable economic growth and development of strategies to reduce poverty and increase levels of prosperity. The report assesses countries’ potentials to provide high levels of prosperity and well-being for their citizens. The report also provides a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and challenges facing the economies of countries.​​