UAE announces 50 new projects in technology, residency, business to highlight 50th Year

The UAE has announced The Principles of the 50, as part of the Projects of the 5 campaigns, to chart the strategic roadmap for the UAE’s new era of economic, political and social growth.

The 10 principles act as guidelines for all UAE’s institutions as the country approaches a new phase of development over the next 50 years as directed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

UAE ministers kicked off a series of announcements linked to the Year of the 50th celebrations this year. 50 projects are set to be announced during the month of September, and Sunday’s conference marked the official start of these announcements.

Ranging across sectors such as tech, residency, and business, the UAE government aims to attract and retain talent from across the globe, while also promoting and focusing on Emirati projects. UAE is also set to cement its global role as a major economic and technological force.

The speakers at the event were:

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology
Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy
Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade
Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications
Saeed Al Eter, Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office

Kicking off the series of announcements in Projects of the 50: 10-principle charter, Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs started the conference with a ten-principle charter.

Strengthening the union
Calling for peace and dialogue to resolve all disputes
Political disagreement with any country does not justify its failure to provide relief in disasters, emergencies and crises
The value system in the UAE will remain based on openness and tolerance
Digital, technical and scientific excellence will define the UAE’s development and economic boundaries
The UAE is one united economic, tourist and industrial destination
The development of positive political and economic relations with others is considered the most important priority of the country’s foreign policy
Developing education and attracting talent is the key to maintain the UAE’s excellence
The end goal of politics is to serve the economy, while the end goal of economy is to provide the best life for the people of the UAE
Building a better and more active economy in the world

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, announced that the UAE would be issuing two new kinds of visas, Green Visa and Freelancer Visa.

Green visa holders can sponsor their parents, can sponsor their sons until the age of 25. Once expired, holders have a 90-180 days grace period. It will be granted to achievers including students, investors, businessmen and those with specialised skills.

Green Visa is a new residence system that separates residence permit from work permit, and targets high-skilled people, investors, entrepreneurs, students and graduates, and includes a range of new privileges different from regular residence. Freelance visas will be granted to owners of independent businesses, or self-employed individuals.

The UAE is drafting a technical information law, the first in the Middle East to regulate and develop the language of the future. UAE also launched the largest PyCon Global Programming Summit in the Middle East in the field of programming and digital economy, to develop talent, expertise and projects specialised in programming, and establish a link between the programmer community, government, private and academic agencies.

The Emirates Development bank has allocated Dh5 Billion to support Emirati projects, it was announced on Sunday. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology announced this in line with the commitment of the country’s leadership to support Emiratis in their ventures. Dr Sultan Al Jaber added that more than 42% of government purchases will be from local companies.

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, said, “The sole, abiding mission is to provide the possible life for citizens and residents of the UAE. The economy will lead the UAE’s path for the next 50 years, with a political approach that is based on peace and dialogue. The upcoming phase will see comprehensive and balanced development of all the UAE’s regions and sectors.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, “The UAE is one destination, one economy, one flag, one leader, and over the next 50 years, everyone will work as one team to achieve the goals. The values during the next 50 years will remain as set down by the founders to be the most noble and most generous people. As directed by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE announces the Principles of the 50 which paves the strategic roadmap for the country’s new era of political, economic and social development.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said, “The UAE’s 10 principles for the next 50 years will be the core guidelines for all the institutions to strengthen the union, build a sustainable economy and harness all possible resources to build a more prosperous society. Fostering positive regional and global relations to achieve the national goals and support peace and stability across the world will be the centre of priorities over the upcoming phase. 10 principles will guide the progress over the next 50 years. They will act as a reference for all, ensuring strengthening of the union, build a sustainable economy, harness resources for a more prosperous society, and foster diplomatic relations for global peace and stability.”

Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications said, “Digital economy is the future and the UAE is going to be a big player in exporting digital talent. 100,000 golden visas for technology talent are going to be a game changer in attracting talent with the highest share of female coders in the UAE. UAE will add 3,000 coders per month to the workforce in the national economy, at a rate of 100 coders per day. UAE do not want to be a local player, but a major global technology player.”

Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy, said, “The UAE will launch a global investment summit to attract investments within nine years. UAE will also launch a global economic agreement in 8 global markets.”

Al Zeyoudi said, “The UAE will conclude 8 agreements with the most important international economies in the world including Indonesia, Israel, India, Britain, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Korea.”