UAE okays strategy to boost advanced skills

The UAE is making education a top priority and making it "sustainable, diverse and adaptable" to the requirements of future development plans, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said. "We want Emiratis to be prepared for the changes around us and equipped with advanced skills that maintain the UAE's competitive edge," he said.

This came as the UAE Cabinet he chaired approved the National Programme for Advanced Skills for students, graduates and employees with over 15 years of work experience. "We aim to adopt lifelong learning in our society to keep up with the global competitiveness race," Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

The national programme targets students at various academic levels, new graduates and employees in the public and private sectors. It seeks to provide opportunities for all groups to acquire advanced skills and lead their own development through continuous learning.

The strategy puts in place a comprehensive system that employs future skills in vital areas in the UAE. It aims to position the UAE as a world leader in the field of advanced skilled development.

The strategy reflects the "proactive and agile government vision" for the future and aims to achieve community happiness, the Cabinet said.

The programme's strategy is based on five key themes and a number of initiatives aimed at employing advanced skills in vital areas such as education, economy and quality of life.

The Cabinet also adopted the formation of the Advanced Skills Council to oversee relevant policies, programmes and initiatives. The council includes representatives from the ministries of economy, education and human resources and emiratisation; the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources; Federal Youth Authority; Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge; and Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

Committee for people of determination

The Cabinet has adopted the formation of a higher committee to serve people of determination in the UAE. The committee is responsible for assessing and studying the current situation and the challenges faced by people of determination in all fields, including education, rehabilitation, health, social and employment aspects. The committee will also propose relevant policies and follow up on the implementation of programmes and initiatives for people of determination.