RAK gears up to host 2nd edition of UAE Economic Planning Forum from October 7-8

Event to include keynote speeches by Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy

WAM

Ras Al Khaimah: The organising committee of the second UAE Economic Planning Forum (EPF), has announced the final agenda of the forum that will be held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

Organised by the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development at the initiative of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and supported by the UAE Ministry of Economy, the forum will run from October 7-8 at the Al Hamra Convention Centre in Ras Al Khaimah.

Ahmad Obaid Al Tunaiji, Deputy Director General, Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development and Chairman of the Organising Committee, said the inaugural session of the forum will include keynote speeches by Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, as well as Shaikh Mohammad Bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development, and Ali Majid Al Mansouri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.

Al Tunaiji noted that the forum will comprise four sessions and present working papers and research studies on a wide range of topics including innovation, alternative energy, smart government services. Case studies on the most innovative business centres within the UAE will also be shared, while a dedicated session will examine the economic development prospects of Ras Al Khaimah.

Coordination

Humaid Bin Butti Al Muhairi, Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Economy, said, “The second edition of the UAE Economic Planning Forum will facilitate enhance coordination among the various organisations engaged in economic planning and development in the UAE in order to guarantee closer integration among economic plans and policies.”

Al Muhairi pointed out that the UAE EPF has become an annual fixture on the country’s political calendar, and is aimed at enhancing the business landscape in the UAE.

“We are confident that open and comprehensive discussions and debates will help develop the country’s legislative and organisational frameworks. The forum will also help build partnerships between government organisations, businesses and educational institutions to better qualify the young national workforce to meet the market demands in line with the UAE Vision 2021.”

Priority

For his part, Rashid Ali Al Za’abi, Deputy Executive Director of Planning and Studies Division, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said the key priority for the EPF is to achieve closer economic links and greater interdependence among the different Emirates and discuss the steps forward for cooperation, coordination, planning and strategies.

Al Za’abi stated that the forum will focus on innovation and its role in economic development. The forum will highlight the importance of science, technology and innovation as key priorities for government plans and policies. The event will also focus on the effectiveness of laws and regulations in attracting local and foreign investments with a view to enhancing the transfer of knowledge and expertise especially in technology.