Lubna Al Qasimi: Moving forward with the UAE Innovation Vision

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 23 November 2015

The Ministry of International Cooperation and Development (MICAD) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC) to enhance means of cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation.

In the presence of H.E. Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, Head of the UAE Committee for the Coordination of Humanitarian Foreign Aid, and H.E. Mohammad Ahmad Al Bawaridi - Chairman of Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee, the MoU was signed by H.E. Sultan Mohammad Al Shamsi, Undersecretary Assistant for International Development and H.E. Ahmed Saeed Calily, Director General of TDC.

H.E. Sheikha Lubna said: "The MoU will help increase cooperation and coordination with the relevant government agencies, thus improve capabilities and enhance government capacities. Such efforts embody the wise leadership's vision on supporting innovation and we hail TDC's continuous effort in this field."

She added: "Innovation is considered one of the national priorities that fosters the country's readiness to face future challenges, and helps in planning for potential risks in different fields. Moreover, innovation will help in providing creative solutions for foreign aid which will promote the UAE's images as an advanced solution provider at the local and international levels."

H.E. Mohammad Ahmad Al Bawaridi, Chairman of TDC said: "building a knowledge-based economy in the 21st century essentially requires forging partnerships between government agencies, academic institutions and other stakeholders, this in turn requires actions at the leadership level to unify visions, which is embodied in this agreement. This agreement is an indicator of the government agencies collaboration to support the UAE national innovation strategy.

Coinciding with inauguration of the UAE innovation week, H.E. Sheikha Lubna and H.E. Mohammed Ahmad Al Bawaridi visited the Innovator Space of TDC, during which, Al Qasimi was introduced to the different services that the Space provides. She was also briefed on potential role in the fostering the culture of innovation. The Innovator Space is considered the first of its kind in the Middle East, and it is equipped with all advanced machinery and equipment under the supervision crew of expert. The Space objective is to support innovation enthusiasts from all levels in implementing their innovative ideas.   

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About MICAD:
MICAD was established on 12 March 2013 following a Cabinet decision endorsed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid al Qasimi was appointed as Minister. The Ministry is based in Abu Dhabi with a branch office in Dubai.  For further information, please visit: www.micad.gov.ae

© Press Release 2015