UAE Joins Resilient Network of Countries, Governments

A general view of the Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar
A general view of the Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar
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UAE Joins Resilient Network of Countries, Governments

A general view of the Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar
A general view of the Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar

The UAE government signed the Resilient Government Charter, to join the network of resilient countries and governments.

The network was established in partnership between the World Economic Forum and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and it includes alongside the UAE, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Singapore, Japan, and Denmark.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, minister of cabinet affairs, affirmed that building the next generation of future governments requires boosting partnerships among governments in developing methodologies on the basis of proactive and high readiness for changes.

It also demands cementing cooperation in the ability to adapt to future requirements, which will contribute to achieving higher levels of government resilience -- this reflects positively on societies.

The network of resilient countries and governments aims to enhance innovation, flexibility, and readiness for the future in the governmental work system, and to develop a system of future opportunities.

It seeks to make use of technological solutions and the tools of the fourth industrial revolution, in order to contribute to strengthening global efforts on finding solutions to common challenges and achieving comprehensive sustainable development.

Ohoud Bint Khalfan Al-Roumi, minister of state for government development and the future, signed the Resilient Government Charter during her participation in a virtual dialogue session held by the World Economic Forum in partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, remotely.

The session was entitled “Resilient Governance after the COVID-19 Pandemic”, and it reviewed ways to redesign the system of legislation and laws to enhance the readiness of countries for the future, and enable them to keep pace with global changes and trends.

A total of 15 speakers participated, representing the elite of government officials and specialists from the private sector in future foresight and innovation.

Ohoud affirmed that building the future of governments requires developing business models based on flexible governance, innovation, and readiness.

The minister added that the UAE government is building on achievements that have strengthened the development process over the past years, through digital transformation initiatives, smart government, and flexible methodology.

Paula Pisano, minister of technological innovation and digitization in Italy, said that the Italian government supports the adoption of innovative concepts in various vital sectors, through the launch of the “Sperimentazione Italia” initiative.

This initiative is a targeted platform for engaging and supporting companies, universities, and research institutions to test local and global innovations.

Jeffrey Schlaggenhoff, deputy secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, emphasized that governments face many challenges in the health and economic sectors as a result of the “COVID-19” pandemic, which confirms their need to make a quantum leap in decision-making processes and to develop solutions that enhance their readiness and flexibility against challenges.



Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Business activity in Saudi Arabia's non-oil sector accelerated to a four-month high in September, driven by strong demand, which led to faster growth in new orders. The Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), adjusted for seasonal factors, rose to 56.3 points from 54.8 in August, marking the highest reading since May and further distancing itself from the 50.0 level that indicates growth.

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders, alongside challenges in supply. The improvement in business conditions contributed to a significant rise in employment opportunities, although difficulties in finding skilled workers led to a shortage in production capacity.

At the same time, concerns over increasing competition caused a decline in future output expectations. According to the PMI statement, inventories of production inputs remained in good condition, which encouraged some companies to reduce their purchasing efforts.

Growth was strong overall and widespread across all non-oil sectors under study. Dr. Naif Al-Ghaith, Senior Economist at Riyad Bank, said that the rise in Saudi Arabia's PMI points to a notable acceleration in the growth of the non-oil private sector, primarily driven by increased production and new orders, reflecting the sector’s expansionary activity.

Al-Ghaith added that companies responded to the rise in domestic demand, which plays a crucial role in reducing the Kingdom's reliance on oil revenues. The upward trend also indicates improved business confidence, pointing to a healthy environment for increased investment, job creation, and overall economic stability.

He emphasized that this growth in the non-oil sector is particularly important given the current context of reduced oil production and falling global oil prices. With oil revenues under pressure, the strong performance of the non-oil private sector acts as a buffer, helping mitigate the potential impact on the country's economic conditions.

Al-Ghaith continued, noting that diversifying income sources is essential to maintaining growth amid the volatility of oil markets. He explained that increased production levels not only enhance the competitiveness of Saudi companies but also encourage developments aimed at expanding the private sector's participation in the economy.

This shift, he said, provides a more stable foundation for long-term growth, making the economy less susceptible to oil price fluctuations.