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Innovation and creativity drive UAE's progress

Innovative thinking and a stress on excellence distinguish the UAE from other countries the Middle East. The country has been leading the charge regionally in formulating policies that encourage disruptive thinking to produce novel products and services. Arguably, global multinationals are looking at the UAE, and particularly Dubai, in a fresh new light and using it as a base for new ideas and projects. World's first Hyperloop project, and Uber's desire to test its flying vehicles in the UAE before launching services globally are some fine examples. So it doesn't surprise when a similar trend is witnessed on platforms such as the Global Innovation Index, too. The fact that the emirates ranks first among Arab nations and 35th worldwide is a no mean feat. It is the result of a collective strategy and unrelenting stress by the leadership on out-of-the-box thinking. Innovation is fundamental to social and economic development. It promotes economic growth, competitiveness as well as creates new job opportunities. In fact, innovation can help transform economic upswing into longer-term growth, and government in the UAE understands this well. Construction of the world's first 3D printed office space, launch of National Innovation Strategy, UAE Vision 2021, 10X initiative, Dubai Accelerators programme, smart and sustainable cities initiative are all part of the efforts of the government to evolve as a knowledge-based economy.

So far the UAE has benefitted immensely by using technology already in place. Within a few decades it has transformed into a modern and developed country with state-of-the-art infrastructure. But it is now taking the lead and becoming an incubator where plans are hatched and exported to the world. The UAE is also transforming into one of the preferred destinations for companies to set up their offices to research and develop products. Policy has played a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for innovation and creativity. And that's true for both public and private sectors.