Dubai's commitment to world class institutions profiled by Oxford Business Group

UAE. Dubai has committed to establishing world-class institutions in a variety of fields, from finance to communications, and from healthcare to education, says 'The Report: Dubai 2007', published by Oxford Business Group (OBG), the UK-based publishing, research and consulting group.

As a result of this determination to invest in development as a centre for finance, technology, communications, advertising and many other sectors, the Emirate's nationals now enjoy one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, and yet, says the report, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, likes to mention that he has realissed only 10% of what he wants to build for Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman, Dubai Executive Council, highlights this when he tells the report in an exclusive interview: "The success of the government relies heavily on the availability and skills of the public sector workforce.

"We need to ensure that the government continues to maintain and develop its capabilities of attracting, developing, motivating and retaining skills and talent to ensure it keeps pace with the evolving requirements of the economy and the citizens.

"In addition, a structured focus on quality and efficiency is necessary to ensure that service levels are continuously upgraded through the streamlining of processes and leveraging of IT."

Referring to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan said: "Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched this personal initiative to develop future leaders and create a knowledge-based society throughout the region.

"Based in the UAE, the foundation aims to promote knowledge and human development, focusing specifically on research, education and promoting equal opportunities for the personal growth and success of youth in the region. The foundation's programmes are also aimed at further enhancing the standing of scholars and intellectuals throughout the Arab world.

"Another objective of the foundation is to encourage efforts to find innovative answers to obstacles that are preventing economic and social development. Therefore, it will help establish small and medium sized enterprises and create a panel of decision makers in all relevant fields to communicate with one another and exchange insights that will go towards finding fast and efficient solutions.

"The foundation's mandate is significant since it is seeking to reverse a negative trend in the Arab world by identifying gaps and investing its efforts in filling them. Job creation, for instance, is a critical matter considering the fact our region now needs 15 million jobs in the next 20 years.

The Arab world needs 74 million to 85 million new jobs. Emphasis needs to be placed on improving the work environment. Currently, the Arab world is ranked 107 among 170 countries in terms of establishing new businesses. These figures represent major obstacles to the region's development; challenges, essentially, which the foundation intends to turn into opportunities for improvement and growth."

The Report: Dubai 2007, available in print form or online, is regarded as a premier guide for foreign direct investment into the Emirate's vibrant economy, and an invaluable guide to the many facets of Dubai, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, political landscape and sectoral developments.