Business & Money | Wednesday 9 November, 2016 3:36 pm |

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group and Honorary Patron of Dubai Quality Group, the 5th Cycle of UAE Ideas Conference was held on 7th November 2016 in Four Seasons Resort Dubai.

UAE Ideas discussed how Emirati innovation is the cornerstone for the progress and sustainability of the nation.

The conference highlighted and applauded the achievements of Emiratis, while encouraging local entities to invest in Emirati human resources and create an ideal framework that will stimulate and encourage creativity and innovation.

In line with UAE’s strategy, UAE Ideas recognizes creativity, innovation & continual improvement as key factors that lead to the development of the nation and its citizens.

Ahmad Al Mulla, Vice Chairman of Dubai Quality Group, remarked in his opening speech that innovation is an integral part of the culture of the UAE and its leadership, adding “The Dubai Quality Group has a responsibility to raise awareness and establish the concept of innovation and inspire the younger generations, in whose hands lies the future of the country,” he said.

Fatma Buti Al Mheiri, the Chairman of Dubai Quality Group, said “By organizing UAE Ideas Conference to promote a culture of creativity and innovation, we would like to contribute in achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; which aims at making UAE among the best countries in the world by recognizing innovation as a vital element for social and economic development. These days, innovation is an inevitable factor in promoting economic growth, increasing competitiveness and productivity.

She added “UAE is known world-wide as an icon for innovation and creativity. Through UAE Ideas, we want to further encourage the culture of creativity, by providing Emiratis with an opportunity to showcase their talents and achievements and to motivate them to actively participate in the development of the nation.

The UAE Ideas Award in a unique platform that invites submissions that highlight Emirati innovation in various categories.  More than 110 submissions were received this year from various sectors including: education, service, health, media, real estate and communication. We have also noticed a rise in the submissions in the category of ‘Creativity in Smart Government’ as the number of participants reached to 18 this year. I would like to take this opportunity to appreciate the enthusiasm shown by all the participants from government and private entities, and thank all the sponsors for supporting the conference. "

The conference featured keynote presentations by high profile Emirati speakers: HE. Major General Dr. Abdulquddus Alobaidly, Assistant Director General for Total Quality, Dubai Police, spoke about “Innovative & Excellence Approaches Followed by the UAE Leadership for a Happy society ", HE. Azza Suleiman bin Suleiman, Member of the Federal National Council spoke about "A Morning of Innovation: UAE Vision", H.E Dr. Amna Dahhaak Al Shamsi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary-Activities Sector, Ministry of Education spoke about " Innovative Generation: A Prosperous Nation ", HE Majida Ali Rashed, Assistant General Director Dubai Land Department, spoke about "21st Century Leaders", Mr. Mohammed Murad Retired Colonel at Dubai Police & Businessman spoke on "Public or Private – a Comparison", Mr. Abdulatif Alsayegh Founder & Chairman Alsayegh Media, spoke about "innovation a way of life", Eyad Al-Kourdi Senior Vice President & General Manager Master Card UAE, spoke about " Creativity in times of Innovation”, Young Emirati inventor Mohammed Sultan Al Shamsi presented his case study “Sustaining Excellence”.

Ten Emirati entities were recognized in the award ceremony that was held at the end of the conference for innovations in their line of work, according to the following categories:

1.Innovation in promoting Arabic language - General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai

2.Innovation in promoting National Identity – Dubai Municipality

3.Innovation in promoting, encouraging and empowerment of UAE citizens - Abu Dhabi Police

4.Promoting marketing and representation of UAE abroad – Dubai Police

5.Promoting voluntary and humanitarian work – Dubai Police

6.Promoting e-Government – Emirates Transport

7.Promoting environmental work. (Eco Applications) – Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa)

8.Promoting business – Ajman Free Zone

9.Media coverage of a national initiative – The National Archives

10.Promoting Emirati inventors (Young Inventor and Overall Inventor) – Dubai Custom

The Main Sponsors of the event were Emirates Global Aluminum and Dubai Customs, and Gold Sponsors Dubai Municipality and Emirates Transport.