H.H. Ahmed bin Saeed: ’The Big Conversation’ provides strong impetus for making UAE a leading development model of optimal investment in human minds and innovative ideas’
Under the patronage and presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA), DAFZA has signed today (Tuesday, December 13, 2016) multilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with several major entities under the Dubai Government – including the Dubai Police, the Dubai Health Authority, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Dubai Economic Department, Dubai Customs, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, and Dubai Civil Aviation. The move is also in strategic collaboration with Dubai Smart Office.
This is in line with the inauguration of the ‘Development of Governmental Services’ Innovation Ecosystem’ initiative which aims to create innovative solutions and enhance customer experiences in support of national efforts towards making Dubai the most business-friendly city and a preferred investment destination in the world in line with Dubai Plan 2021. The MoUs were signed in presence of several high-profile government officials, including H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General, DAFZA; H.E. Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, Director General of the Smart Dubai Office; H.E. Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman and Director-General, Dubai Health Authority; H.E. Majid Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; H.E. Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economic Development; Major-General Dr. Abdul Quddus Al Obaidly, Assistant Commandant General for Quality and Excellence, Dubai Police; H.E. Ahmed Mahboob, Director, Dubai Customs; Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; and H.E. Mohammed Ahli, Director General, Dubai Civil Aviation.
The official inauguration ceremony of the ‘Development of Governmental Services’ Innovation Ecosystem’ saw the launching of DAFZA’s ‘The Big Conversation,’ a first-of-its-kind event aimed at overcoming obstacles and fostering process, service and product innovation across the government and freezone ecosystems to further enhance the experiences of foreign investors operating within the free zones in cooperation with government entities. The event is in line with DAFZA’s efforts to promote government integration in providing innovative services and products that help increase the flow of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) to Dubai and enhance the gross domestic product (GDP). The new initiative is of great importance as it provides a strong impetus for national efforts to make the UAE one of the most innovative countries in the world by 2021.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DAFZA pointed out that the significance of the ‘Big Conversation’ lies in its role in laying strong foundations for making innovation the main driver behind Dubai and the UAE’s global economic leadership. He explained that the unique initiative is inspired by the wise vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said that “Innovation is the secret behind the survival and enhancement of Governments and the main reason for the progress of their peoples and nations.”
“The new Memorandums of Understanding will establish a clear framework for promoting government integration which is a main pillar for putting the UAE at the forefront of innovation in sustainable investments. We are confident that this multilateral cooperation will play a pivotal role in supporting national economic diversification policies in line with the UAE's post-oil strategy which paves the way to a safer future based on sustainability. The new strategic partnerships will enhance the experiences of foreign investors in Dubai, which is moving steadily to position itself as a preferred investment destination and a pivotal hub in the global economy thanks to the successive achievements of the free zones in the emirate, especially DAFZA which has been instrumental in attracting foreign direct investments and businesses that choose Dubai as the regional centre for its operations between East and West,” said H.H.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed concluded: “Under the vision of our wise leadership, Dubai and the UAE are moving forward in introducing a leading development model which focuses on optimal investment in human minds and innovative solutions which lay solid foundations for leading the national economy into a new phase of sustainability, diversity and competitiveness in line with the requirements of the 21st Century. The goal is to support growth, development and prosperity to make the UAE one of the most advanced and innovative countries in the world. We are optimistic about the new memorandums which will advance nationwide efforts to envision and build the future based on innovation and knowledge.”
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of DAFZA said: “The new Memorandums of Understanding are in line with the objectives of our ‘The Big Conversation’ which acts as a rallying point for strengthening government integration and collaboration in innovation to build a sustainable and diversified economic model by 2021. Guided by the wise vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DAFZA is committed to adopting excellence as an integral approach, innovation as a culture, and happiness as a priority goal for driving comprehensive economic development and placing Dubai at the forefront of the New Economy.”
Dr. Al Zarooni added: “In acknowledgment of the importance of government integration in achieving the ultimate aspiration of competing with the world’s most innovative nations, we have launched ‘The Big Conversation’ as a foundation for pursuing more fruitful cooperation among free zones, the governmental sector, and service industries. It aims to develop innovation ecosystems for governmental services targeting foreign investors operating within free zones and improve overall experiences and happiness, while also attracting more FDIs and increasing the country’s GNP and GDP. We are confident that the outcome of this cooperation with government authorities is only the beginning of new experiences for foreign investors not only in DAFZA, but also across all the other free zones in Dubai.”
H.E. Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said that the initiative complements Dubai’s directives and future aspirations and vision to be a leader in the innovation and investment map, as one of the most progressive cities in the world. He pointed out that the initiative presents a significant opportunity for DHA to take part in promoting an excellent atmosphere of investment and sustainable development in Dubai, especially in the healthcare sector which continues to significantly attract healthcare institutions and multinational hospital chains that consider Dubai a preferred destination with a promising future.
H.E. Al Qatami further pointed out that H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of DAFZA, is a man of ambitious vision who seeks to achieve more from Dubai’s leadership and glory as a city with a promising cultural dynamic destination, the home of innovation, and an optimal platform for investment in the region.
H.E. Al Qatami added that today’s agreements with local authorities and departments reflect the commitment of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed to integrate the roles of government authorities and unify all efforts to achieve Dubai’s strategic objectives.
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