The United Arab Emirates launched on Monday the ‘Designing the Next 50' project to involve the public in shaping the future of the UAE.
The project will establish the pillars and components of the UAE Centennial Plan 2071 as part of plans to develop a comprehensive development plan for the next five decades beyond 2021.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said: "Fifty years ago, the UAE’s founders started a mission to involve people in shaping the country’s future that we see today. They started from the desert with ambitions that reached outer space.
They gathered and discussed people’s ideas while living in different circumstances with fewer resources, but they were united by the same spirit and extensive efforts that aimed for the summit. Their mission made history and redefined the concept of modern societies."
He added, "Today, we revive the mission of the UAE’s founders. Today, we begin our mission to prepare for the next 50 years that lead up to the UAE’s Centennial. Our duty is to design the UAE of the future for the next generations and to involve our people in this mission just like our founders did. We invite citizens and residents to join us in shaping the future of the UAE."
A digital platform will be launched to gather ideas from citizens and residents on shaping the UAE’s next 50 years in sectors including health, education, social development, economy, environment, housing, tourism, entrepreneurship, investment, skill development, societal values, culture, family relations, sports, youth, food security, science, and advanced technologies.
Public and private entities will use tools including remote meetings, surveys, and discussion sessions to receive feedback from the public.
The private sector's key role in 'Designing the Next 50' will be specially highlighted through hosting the country's national and global companies, SMEs, startups, and entrepreneurship in different events and discussions.
