UAE vision 2021
In 2010, the United Arab Emirates’ Government launched the UAE Vision 2021, which “sets the key themes for the Socio-economic development of the UAE” and calls for “a shift to a diversified and knowledge based economy”. This program will be supervised by The Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future . [1] This program is multidimensional and aims to provide the Emirati nationals with the highest possible standards of welfare. The needs and aspirations of Emiratis “are at the core of the development process as set by the UAE Vision 2021”, Sheikh Mohammed said. In the day following the launch of this program, the Crown Prince tweeted in English: “Today we set our goals for the govt. of Dubai in 2021, as we march confidently towards the future & new horizons” , adding “In a first of its kind initiative, the government aims to compete with the private sector in terms of the caliber of service it provides,” . [2]
National Agenda
The Emirati Government has set a national agenda whose aims cover many fields. The final and comprehensive goal of this vision is the give the United Arab Emirates the status of one of the best countries of the world by 2021—the nation’s Golden Jubilee Year. More than 300 UAE officials, men and women, from 90 local and federal governmental institutions, have worked on developing the national agenda, which has been subdivided into six national axes representing the main sectors, which will be the main focus of the government: Education, Health, Economy, Police and security, Housing and Infrastructure and government services.
Axes of the national agenda
Cohesive Society and Preserved Identity
The UAE strives to build a cohesive society with a preserved identity. It also aims to “be among the best in the world in the Human Development Index” and to provide all the conditions that make Emirati nationals happy. The creation of a Ministry of Happiness in 2016 confirms United Arab Emirates determination and commitment reach these goals. [3]
Competitive Knowledge Economy
Another important level targeted in “UAE Vision 2021” is the economic one. “Shaikh Maktoum ordered all economy-related bodies to boost the economy’s immunity while taking into consideration external factors to support sustainable economic growth in the emirate on the long run” [4]
UAE Vision 2021 “focuses on the UAE becoming the economic, touristic and commercial capital for more than two billion people by the transitioning to a knowledge-based economy, promoting innovation and research and development, strengthening the regulatory framework for key sectors, and encouraging high value-adding sectors. These will improve the country’s business environment and increase its attractiveness to foreign investment.” [5]
World-Class Healthcare
The Vision deals also with the issue of healthcare. The UAE wants to reduce lifestyle related diseases and promote preventive medicine. Besides, the UAE tries to have a very effective healthcare system that can be able to deal with any epidemics or health risks.[6]
First-Rate Education System
Education is also targeted in “UAE Vision 2021”, as the UAE aims to build a first rate education system characterized by the use of smart systems and devices. It also aims to see Emirati students rank among the best in the world. [7]
Sustainable Environment and Infrastructure
The UAE has an amazing infrastructure . However, it still hopes to have better things thanks to “UAE Vision 2021”, which strive “to improve the quality of the air, preserving water resources, increasing contribution of clean energy and implanting green growth plans.” [8]
Safe Public and Fair Judiciary
The UAE leadership is aware that making the UAE the best place for life depends a lot of what judicial system this country has. The “UAE Vision 2021” deals with the judiciary and security issue. The objectives set are the reinforcement of security and developing the potentials of Emirati security services and building a fair legal system that is able to protest rights and making “the UAE’s judicial system among the most efficient in the world.”[9]
Principles of “UAE Vision 2021”
The “UAE Vision 2021” is based on four principles that guide the march of the country as a whole. [10]
United in Responsibility
Through the implementation of “UAE Vision 2021”, the seven Emirates aim to ensure growth, while “drawing on their strong family and community ties, moderate Islamic values and deep-rooted heritage to build a vibrant and well-knit society.” [11] The UAE wants to produce confident and responsible Emiratis, cohesive and prosperous families, strong and active communities and a vibrant culture.
United in Destiny
The UAE seven Emirates express the unity of their common future through the “UAE Vision 2021”. To reach this goal the UAE aims to uphold the legacy of the nation founding fathers, safeguard and secure the unity of the country and have an enhanced and international standing. [12]
United in Knowledge
The UAE wants to have knowledgeable and innovative Emiratis who can undertake the challenges of the future. To achieve this goal, the UAE will harness full potential of human capital, build a sustainable and diversified economy.[13]
United in Prosperity
The UAE wants its nationals to enjoy the “highest standards, long and healthy lives, first-rated education and well-round lifestyles guaranteed by excellent public services and recreational activities, within a safe and rich natural and social environment.” [14]