Innovation, alternative energy and smart services high on UAE Economic Planning Forum's agenda

RAS AL KHAIMAH, 26th September, 2015 (WAM) ? The organizing committee of the second edition of the UAE Economic Planning Forum (EPF) today announced the final agenda of the forum that will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

Organized 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.

Ahmed Obaid Al Tunaiji, Deputy Director General, Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, said the inaugural session of the forum will include keynote speeches by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, as well as Sheikh Mohamed 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 centers within the UAE will also be shared, while a dedicated session will examine the economic development prospects of Ras Al Khaimah.

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 organizations 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 organizational frameworks. The forum will also help build partnerships between government organizations, businesses and educational institutions to better qualify the young national workforce to meet the market demands in line with the UAE Vision 2021." Rashid Ali Al Zaabi, Deputy Executive Director of Planning & 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 Zaabi stated that the second edition of the UAE Economic Planning 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 enabling laws and regulations in attracting local and foreign investments with a view enhancing the transfer of knowledge and expertise especially in technology.

On day one, the first session following the inauguration, will discuss innovation and its key role in diversifying the economy. Further, three sub-sessions will highlight the importance of shaping innovation-enabling environments, as well as the role of innovation in sustainable development and the importance of scientific research in supporting innovation.

Resonating with the overall theme, the second session will discuss case studies from within the UAE focusing on innovation. Spotlighting examples of innovative government and business practices from within the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, the session will also share local and international experiences in the use of alternative energy.

The third session, on day two, will turn the spotlight on the host emirate and offer insights on the economy of Ras Al Khaimah across four sub-sessions. The sub-sessions will highlight the diversity of investments in free zones and specialized zones, pharmaceutical industries, the building materials industry and the tourism sector.

The final session at the UAE Economic Planning Forum will offer additional insights on the role of legislation in securing investments. In addition to examining FDI as a key contributor to knowledge and technology transfer, panelists will underline the need for planning to attract targeted quality industries and industrial clusters.