Brainstorming session signifies UAE leaders' seriousness in adopting a culture of innovation

The brainstorming session held Wednesday by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with his team signifies the seriousness of the leadership in adopting a culture of innovation, enhancement of government services and evaluation of the process objectively, a local newspaper said Friday.

"It is known that the UAE is the only country in the world that rates its service centres on the lines of the star-rating system for hotels. The task is not easy, especially considering the fact that government service centres receive over 30 million customers per year and process 150 million applications," the Gulf Today said in an editorial.

The Dubai-based daily said Sheikh Mohammed had explained recently that completing the rating exercise for all service centres was the beginning of a new phase of quality development in the UAE. The government recognises the fact that dialogue generates ideas and ideas produce innovation in all government sectors.

"Establishing the concept of governmental and institutional excellence and making it the approach and framework has thus visibly remained a topmost priority for the leadership. The authorities have kept the door open to the public to suggest activities for the UAE Innovation Week through social media channels to establish it as the most important destination for innovation and innovators in the region.

It noted that the UAE Innovation Week, which will be held between November 22nd-28, gives a new push to practical and workable ideas that will help enhance government services.

The Gulf Today further noted that H.H. Sheikh Mohammed himself once explained perfectly well earlier that "innovation is not an option but a necessity. It is not a culture but work style, and governments and companies that do not innovate risk losing their competitiveness and falling far behind.