Change is the only constant in the world and nations have to be ready to embrace new changes - either positive or negative - in order to grow or to cope up with challenges in an efficient manner.

With issues such as climate change, new-age technologies, trade war and geopolitics, it is utmost important for the governments and the civil societies to keep themselves ready to embrace the change.

Led by the visionary leadership, the UAE is well prepared and ready to embrace the change. In fact, the UAE is one of the drivers of the change - be it e-government, new technologies, climate change or any other issues.

KPMG's 2019 Change Readiness Index report released on Tuesday found that the level of the UAE's readiness is the highest in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region and fifth in the world, better than developed countries such as Norway, Germany, the UK, New Zealand, Finland, the US, Canada, Australia and Japan.

The Index measured countries across three key pillars of capability - enterprise, government and people and civil society - where the UAE was ranked 5th, 3rd and 16th, respectively.

The 2019 index focused on preparedness for climate change and nations' capabilities to address and mitigate associated risks. In this regard, the UAE surpassed several other developed countries, including the US, UK and Australia, placing fifth behind Switzerland, Singapore, Denmark and Sweden.

The UAE has been rated among the world's top five countries for the third time by KPMG in its Change Readiness Index. However, it dropped two places from last year's position.

"The UAE continues to make great strides in its endeavour to build a sustainable and clean future for its citizens. The government aims to invest Dh600 billion by 2050 to meet the growing energy demand in the country and ensure sustainable economic growth. To strive that the programme is successful, we will need to work together towards our common goal of a clean future," said Fiona Tullett, director, People and Change, KPMG Lower Gulf.

Timothy Stiles, Global Chair of KPMG's International Development Assistance Services, said climate change is among the most pressing issues the world faces as a global society.

"Those countries failing to recognise the impact of climate change are likely to be unprepared for its growing costs, which will be levied on citizens, businesses and economies around the world," Stilesa said.

Ambareen Musa, founder and CEO of Souqalmal.com, said the UAE government is actively adopting disruptive innovations, be it introducing blockchain and AI-led tech initiatives, launching accelerator programmes for businesses, and focusing on sustainability.

"Dubai's smart government services and the unified app to access these services - DubaiNow - is another noteworthy initiative that aims to propel Dubai into the future and make it a benchmark for smart cities anywhere in the world. With no room for bureaucratic hurdles and a nationwide pro-change culture, the UAE is not just adapting to change, but driving it," said Musa.

Anish Meta, vice-chairman of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (Dubai chapter), said change is through "innovation" which is one of the pillars to translate the UAE's vision of making it into best countries of the world by the Golden Jubilee of the Union.

"The UAE is way ahead in embracing change when compared to other countries. Providing long-term visa to exceptionally talented professionals is a big move towards embracing change in the fields of medicine, science, culture, inventions and arts. The UAE is also pioneer in use of technology to provide sustainable future," said Mehta.

According to KPMG, the UAE is followed by Qatar (12th), Saudi Arabia (30th), Jordan (42nd), Morocco (67th), Tunisia (68th), Lebanon (77th), Egypt (81st), Iran (93rd), Algeria (111st), Yemen (131st) and Libya (135th) in Mena region.

Globally, Switzerland is the most prepared and ready country for any change followed by Singapore, Denmark, Sweden, the UAE, Norway, Germany, the UK, New Zealand and the Netherlands. While least prepared nations the poor countries of Africa and Asia including Somalia, South Sudan, Chad, Afghanistan, Sudan, Libya, Angola, Haiti, Congo and Yemen.


 

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