UAE government warns not to mess with Emiratisation drive

Institutions that manipulate Emiratisation figures are jeopardising the country's security and stability, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, has said.   
He said "a new way of thinking is required, as well as a new vision", when it comes to implementing Emiratisation.                             
Sheikh Mansour made the remarks while chairing the first meeting of the Follow-up Committee for the 'Letter of the New Season' - a six-pointer open letter penned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Mohammed directed the formation of a committee to monitor the implementation of his Letter, which aims to turn the six articles of his message into a comprehensive community working system and present him with the 100-day plan, under the framework of his vision, to achieve social and economic progress.
The committee aims to begin implementing strategic plans and practical policies with clear indicators, as well as undertake all legal and procedural measures to achieve economic, social and media advancement in all national institutions.
100-day plan
The agenda of the committee's first meeting included its working plan for its first 100 days, the adoption of its key drivers, the formation of sub-committees and the identification of their objectives and tasks.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mansour said: "The letter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed came at the right time, reflecting the pulse of the community. The UAE has succeeded because its leaders are connected to reality and understand the needs of the people. We have accomplished significant achievements that we must protect, and we must plan for the future with full transparency."
Regarding the economic vision Sheikh Mohammed penned in his letter to the nation, Sheikh Mansour said: "We need to know the status of key development projects in the country over the next decade, and I am against the repetition of projects."
The committee's tasks include drafting the legal and procedural frameworks required for implementing the directives of Sheikh Mohammed, forming its sub-committees and drafting the first 100-day plan that will be submitted it to the UAE Cabinet.
It also aims to develop plans, programmes and initiatives that will support the implementation of the letter, supervise its sub-committees and monitor their performance, and submit performance reports on its work to the cabinet.
Four key work pillars identified
The committee has identified four key work pillars, which are fieldwork and communicating with the people, media, Emiratisation, and new future development ideas.
Fieldwork and Communicating with the People
The working team in charge of communicating with the people must ensure the presence of officials and ministers when dealing with the people and monitoring work related to the economy, the community, health, education, commercial and agricultural institutions, projects and government services. The team must also, explore the needs of citizens, and follow up complaints and solve issues hindering the progress of various projects.
New Future Development Ideas
This pillar aims to present 10 innovative and easily-implemented development ideas to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed within a month of the formation of the committee. Each idea should have a clear economic impact that will positively benefit economic and national indexes, as well as help draft a coordination framework between local governments to achieve the UAE's overall development plan for the next decade, along with projects that will support the national economy.
Emiratisation
The Emiratisation pillar aims to draft a comprehensive national plan to train and build the capacities of UAE citizens and invest in them correctly, as well as distribute them to vital sectors that can benefit from their expertise and knowledge.
This pillar also aims to coordinate the efforts of federal and local authorities and the private sector to ensure the efficiency of the Emiratisation strategic plan, as well as empower citizens and correctly utilise their capacities and skills.
The Media
This pillar aims to establish clear controls and standards for social media users and monitor those who abuse the reputation of the UAE, as well as hold awareness workshops for social media users on national topics and constructively using interactive spaces.
In his message, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted key national and economic topics that affect the country's institutions and the community.
The first article of his message refers to the work of officials and ministers and stresses that they must work directly with the people and not in conference halls and forums that abuse resources and energies.
The second article aims to stop the chaos on social media platforms, to protect the UAE's credibility and reputation and promote its good image.
The third article aims to make Emiratisation a permanent priority and Sheikh Mohammed confirmed that a series of vital decisions will be issued in this regard.
The fourth article refers to the importance of reinforcing the UAE's global competitiveness, by adopting innovative projects that will strengthen the economy. Sheikh Mohammed directed the committee to increase the pace of real estate projects, to achieve added value to the national economy.
The fifth article is a reminder of the role of the government, which is to serve the people. Sheikh Mohammed urged officials to meet the needs of the people and solve their problems. Sheikh Mohammed ended the Letter on an optimistic note, stressing that the future is brighter and the UAE is ready for the future, as the most competitive, fastest-growing, and most advanced country in the region.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com