The UAE is approaching its 49-year anniversary, which is an opportune time to reflect on progress since the formation of the Union in 1971. With this in mind, it is also the right time to create a blueprint for the future. On Saturday, details of such a blueprint emerged in the form of the UAE's new vision for the next half-century.
The vision, along with other recent measures, offers a strategy to steer a steady course through today’s challenging global economic climate. Underpinning it is an understanding that short-term recovery must complement post-pandemic growth.
Among the rare silver linings that have accompanied the hardship brought by Covid-19 is an accelerated recognition of the need to make economies more resilient. While the Emirates has worked towards realising a more robust and diversified economy for many years now, the new vision represents the next stage of bringing those plans to fruition. It outlines several priority areas, including the growth of tech and AI research, encouraging entrepreneurship and boosting the scientific and medical sectors. At its core, the vision is a drive to attract skilled individuals, as well as the continuing training of Emirati professionals.
In parallel, the UAE also announced an expansion of the Golden Visa scheme, introduced last year. Previously reserved for certain "exceptional workers" and investors, groups that qualify now include PhD holders, scientists, data experts, computer and electrical engineers and AI and programming specialists.
Golden visas are valid for 10 years, different to standard employment visas which need updating ever 3 years. The residency offered by the visa extends to spouses and children. Golden Visas also allow recipients to remain in the country while not in full-time employment, on a six-month multi-entry visa to facilitate the establishment of their business. After this period the visa can be converted into residency status.
Perhaps the most innovative aspect of the new scheme is that pupils from around the globe with top marks are now eligible to apply. If they succeed, their families can join them.
The inclusion of high-achieving students extends a lifeline to young people and allows them to plan for their future. This generation of graduates has seen employment prospects diminished considerably by the pandemic. By including their families, policymakers signal their understanding that behind every high-achieving young person is a family, who serve as a crucial support structure in their lives.
The expansion also includes medics and tech specialists, a class of professionals that the pandemic has proved (if any further proof was needed) to be a critical pool of human capital in any future-proof economy.
Medics are some of the specialised experts being encouraged to work in the country as part of an extension of the Golden Visa scheme. AFP
The inclusion of high-achieving students extends a lifeline to young people and allows them to plan for their future
Recent weeks have seen a series of announcements that fundamentally alter, for the better, the lives of UAE citizens and residents. Changes to family law, support packages for struggling businesses and freelancers and the expansion of the Golden visa programme will complement the new 50-year vision as it launches.
They are a statement of confidence in the country's understanding of what needs to done in the wake of the pandemic. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, in August spoke of his ambition that the UAE's economy recover from the pandemic quicker than that of any other nation. The fact the UAE announced this comprehensive array of policy solutions in under two weeks, and unveiled a 50-year vision, makes this a real possibility.
Mobile phone packages comparison
Notable groups (UAE time)
Jordan Spieth, Si Woo Kim, Henrik Stenson (12.47pm)
Justin Thomas, Justin Rose, Louis Oosthuizen (12.58pm)
Hideki Matsuyama, Brooks Koepka, Tommy Fleetwood (1.09pm)
One of Basquiat’s paintings, the vibrant Cabra (1981–82), now hangs in Louvre Abu Dhabi temporarily, on loan from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The latter museum is not open physically, but has assembled a collection and puts together a series of events called Talking Art, such as this discussion, moderated by writer Chaedria LaBouvier.
It's something of a Basquiat season in Abu Dhabi at the moment. Last week, The Radiant Child, a documentary on Basquiat was shown at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and tonight (April 18) the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is throwing the re-creation of a party tonight, of the legendary Canal Zone party thrown in 1979, which epitomised the collaborative scene of the time. It was at Canal Zone that Basquiat met prominent members of the art world and moved from unknown graffiti artist into someone in the spotlight.
“We’ve invited local resident arists, we’ll have spray cans at the ready,” says curator Maisa Al Qassemi of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's Canal Zone Remix is at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Thursday April 18, from 8pm. Free entry to all. Basquiat's Cabra is on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until October
UAE v IRELAND
All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi
Priority access to new homes from participating developers
Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
Flexible payment plans from developers
Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Western Region Asia Cup T20 Qualifier
Sun Feb 23 – Thu Feb 27, Al Amerat, Oman
The two finalists advance to the Asia qualifier in Malaysia in August
Group A
Bahrain, Maldives, Oman, Qatar
Group B
UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
UAE group fixtures
Sunday Feb 23, 9.30am, v Iran
Monday Feb 25, 1pm, v Kuwait
Tuesday Feb 26, 9.30am, v Saudi
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza, Rohan Mustafa, Alishan Sharafu, Ansh Tandon, Vriitya Aravind, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Karthik Meiyappan, Basil Hameed, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Ayaz, Zahoor Khan, Chirag Suri, Sultan Ahmed
Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
