Businesses hail Sheikh Mohammed's digital agenda

The exceptional circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic have placed greater emphasis on the importance of future-driven technologies.

The UAE embarked on a new chapter on Sunday as it planned its roadmap ahead with strong emphasis on digital growth and development of the nation. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the changes through Twitter on Sunday morning.
He noted the new government structure has been approved and is supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Force. The businesses across the sectors have welcomed the move and are anxiously waiting to see economy rebound to pre-covid-19 levels.
The reshuffle resulted in the merger of several portfolios, including energy and infrastructure. It also saw the appointment of new economy and industry ministers along with two dedicated ministers of state for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and foreign trade.
In the new setup, the Ministry of Economy has three ministers: Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri will the Minister of Economy; Ahmed Belhoul will be the Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises; while Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi is the Minister of State for Foreign Trade. It may be noted that Omar Al Olama is appointed as Minister of State for Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence.
Ammar Al Malik, Managing Director, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Outsource City
The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reflects the UAE's focus and commitment to create an agile, flexible administration.The exceptional circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic have placed greater emphasis on the importance of future-driven technologies in our society, and today's important decision reflects the UAE's commendable focus to build a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy focused on the future.
Majed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City & Dubai Production City
The UAE continues to prove itself as a pioneer in governance and the new structure announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is a reflection of that. Some of these changes will have a positive impact on the UAE's media sector, and we look forward to contributing to them as part of our ongoing commitment to support the industry.The government's decisions will play an important role in the continued development of Dubai's diverse media landscape. And as we look forward to the post-Covid era, this vision will create a competitive industry that provides opportunities for the next generation of talent."
Saud Abu Al Shawareb, Managing Director, Dubai Industrial City
The important changes carried out by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will lead to increased agility within the UAE Government and contribute significantly to the continued development of our knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.Greater readiness and preparedness is vital to continue our nation's ongoing journey. We look forward to working closely with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology to achieve the objectives set forth by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, as we unlock Dubai's industrial strength.
Marwan Janahi Abdulaziz, Managing Director, Dubai Science Park
The announcement to form a Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is highly commendable.Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, brings with him decades of experience in various economic sectors that fall within the newly-formed ministry's mandate. As markets get moving again, we look forward to cooperating with the ministry to enhance science and healthcare in the UAE, which remains at the heart of our nation's economic resilience.
Ali Shabdar, Regional Director MEA, Zoho Corp
The new structure of the UAE government further consolidates the public and private sector efforts with a laser focus on some of the most important areas, such and advanced technology, SMEs and entrepreneurship, youth, aerospace, and energy. This strategic move is a strong signal for global players, such as Zoho to expand our presence in the country with confidence and is a guarantee to the long term success and prosperity of the UAE in the decades to come.
Nadine Mezher, co-founder and CMO, Sarwa
SMEs are at the center of a healthy economy. Having the right government entities focusing on pillars that drive change will have a great impact on the sector. We need all stakeholders - involved, both public and private, to work closely in order to continue positioning the UAE as a global center for innovation and entrepreneurship. At the same time, adding new government entities with a focus on technology, and shifting to digital platforms, shows a commitment to efficiency, better services, and progressive thinking. It reflects the country's ability to adapt fast to any new narrative. An exciting new chapter ahead that speaks volumes about the visionary leadership of the country
Kamal Vachani, Group Director of Al Maya Group
It's indeed a great initiative by the wise leadership of the UAE. The new government structure with the merger and shutting down of the fifty per cent of the government services and making them available on digital platforms is an excellent decision towards digitisation. Giving importance to the economic sector, with three ministers proves that the national economy is an absolute strategic priority of the government, and it will further boost the economy. A new ministerial position of the Minister of State for Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence will also promote innovation in economic activities and AI in the country. Appointment of two ministers for food security is another highly important step under the new initiative.
Creation of a new Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, which will be tasked with developing the industrial sector in the country, will boost the industrial sector in the country. I believe the new government structure will further facilitate businesses, and these steps will boost further the confidence of the business community as well.
Bal Krishen, Chairman, Century Financial
HHS Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced today merging of several ministries and departments in a landmark UAE Cabinet reshuffle move. This follows a 3-day meeting of senior officials that took place in May. This summit was primarily held in order to implement policy framework that would enable the country to tackle economic and social challenges in the post Covid-19 world order. Major highlights include - creation of a separate Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology, creation of Ministry of Cyber Security, merging of Ministry of Energy/Industry & Ministry of Infrastructure, and appointment of heads for Ministry of State of Digital Economy and AI & Head of Government Digital Services. The new government, which has been given a time frame of 1 year to prove itself, also includes creation of other ministries and agencies along with reshuffle amongst cabinet members.
Mostafa AlGuezeri, Managing Director GCC, Near East and Pakistan, Hitachi-ABB Power Grids.
"Our heartiest congratulations and best wishes to the new ministry restructure announced by the country leadership. We are honored to be in this country to follow the great visionary leaders whose accomplishments have astonished the world with UAE's unique achievements. We are always following the great visionary leadership and always available to support with our pioneering technology. We are proud to play a leading role in shaping the future of energy. We believe that enabling a stronger, smarter and greener power grid can drive progress for a sustainable energy future.
Bharat Bhatia, CEO of Conares
The announcement to transform 50 per cent of transactions to digital formats in the next two years is revolutionary. The merger of the Ministry of Industry and Advance Technology would make it much easier to adopt or introduce new policies, and best practices in these two industries. Industry and economy have always remained as the backbone of any country; and technology drives the changes in the industries. The new format of the Ministry of Economy will also enhance the trade, industry and SME's on multiple levels, as SME's need extra boost in the current situation.
Mansoor Sarwar, regional director at Sage Middle East
The UAE has always adopted clear criteria for the success of any government, by enhancing flexibility, readiness and the ability to adapt to and embrace change quickly, realigning priorities, developing plans and strategies, and arranging national priorities in line with the requirements of the next stage. Also, the UAE government and leadership has always made successful leaps in various fields across all levels and have set a benchmark in the global competitiveness landscape in governance.
- business@khaleejtimes.com