'Our dreams will be even bigger': UAE leaders set out plan for next 50 years

The Ruler of Dubai said a 'new and clear 50-year vision' for the UAE had been set out as a high-profile government gathering drew to a close on Wednesday.

A two-day ministerial retreat concluded with a new National Agenda being formed to help shape the country's developments for the next half century.

The blueprint for the future aims to encourage a more agile form of governance and promote sustainable development across  economic and social sectors, while cementing the UAE's place on the global stage.

The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, also Vice President and Prime Minister and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

It brought together ministers, government officials and dignitaries to lay out a strategic framework to assess the performance of federal government and ministries and how they can be the driving force to propel the nation further.

“Over the past 50 years, we started from the desert of our land to the desert of Mars. Our dreams will be even bigger for the next 50 years,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

“We have reached this far because the impossible does not exist in the UAE. We have the scientific, educational and economic resources to take the UAE to new frontiers in the next 50 years, and we have Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to lead this journey.

“Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s participation in the retreat lays out a new and clear 50-year vision for the UAE.”

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince highlighted the need to redouble efforts to meet lofty ambitions for the country's next 50 years.

"The last 50 years were filled with prosperity, development and success, and we will need to move at a greater speed to meet our growing ambitions for the next 50 years,” said Sheikh Mohamed.

“Our government teams in the next phase will only welcome people who will exert 10 times more efforts and energy to achieve greater successes. Our vision is to make the UAE an attractive destination for talents, ideas and investment.

“We will preserve Mohammed bin Rashid’s principle of always being number one. Our aim is to compete internationally.”

During the retreat, government officials were split into working groups and each presented with anticipated challenges to address with a plan that must include defined responsibilities and specific goals.

On Tuesday, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, presented an idea for a collaborative and energetic government model.

Mr Al Gergawi said this would lead federal ministries, departments and institutions as part of the national priorities for the UAE's next phase.

He said the roadmap to 2071 called for full collaboration among public, semi-private and private sectors, under an integrated system, to develop innovative work models.

A series of strategic projects will be rolled out under the action plan to bolster the country's key sectors in the years to come.

Specialist government action teams held ten discussion sessions on the second day of the retreat to discuss ways of boosting the country’s global competitiveness and fostering an environment which supported entrepreneurship and attracted foreign investment.

Brainstorming sessions covered ways to strengthen cultural values, national cohesion and patriotism and how to harness the skills of the next generation of talent.

The UAE is gearing for up for its golden jubilee celebration on December 2.

Leaders are intent on not only paying homage to the progress made since the seven emirates came together but with pushing forward with plans to further elevate its status ahead of its centenary.

Two committees were set up last year to form plans for the country’s future and the Golden Jubilee celebration.

A website was launched to encourage community interaction and seek ideas from the public to plan the UAE anniversary.