UAE dubs 2015 as ‘year of innovation’

As the country prepares to celebrate its 43rd national day holiday, the United Arab Emirates' council of ministers dubbed 2015 as a “year of innovation” for the gulf nation.

The council, headed by UAE vice president and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, held an extraordinary meeting in the emirate of Fujairah to discuss steps needed for the country to support new ideas for development and innovation.

Al Maktoum asked all federal authorities and state institutions to intensify their efforts to enhance coordination, and begin a review of all government policies in order to create an environment conducive for ingenuity in the Emirates.

The announcement was made under the guidance of UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to the state news agency.

The federal government said it will launch an integrated national strategy for innovation over a seven-year term, and will include 30 initiatives in the first phase, the agency reported.