Dubai Advances Government Innovation With Second Design Gov Programme

The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced the launch of the second edition of its "Design Gov" programme, a strategic initiative aimed at integrating government entities in the development of innovative strategies to position Dubai as one of the most habitable cities globally. According to Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, this initiative is set to equip future government leaders with essential skills and tools such as design thinking, creativity, and innovation. The programme is designed to foster the creation of novel models that can be shared worldwide, enhancing Dubai's global standing in government innovation and planning.

Belhoul emphasized the programme's focus on harnessing national talent, equipped with design-thinking skills and a forward-looking vision, to transform potential challenges into opportunities for societal benefit. He highlighted the importance of human-centred design in government work, stating that the "Design Gov" programme is pivotal in empowering Dubai's government entities. By encouraging creative thinking and providing necessary tools, the initiative aims to shape the future landscape of government operations.

Scheduled to run from July to October 2024, the "Design Gov" programme, themed "Leadership and Design", will span 14 weeks. It will feature a series of workshops, meetings, and events both locally and internationally. Government employees interested in participating must register by the 12th of May, 2024. The programme's structure encourages participants to form teams, allowing them to apply newly acquired skills in developing innovative concepts, designing future scenarios, and prototyping projects that align with Dubai's strategic goals.

The initial phase of the programme is designed to facilitate networking among participants, introduce them to its objectives, and provide training on various design tools applicable in governmental contexts. This collaborative effort involves contributions from various UAE government entities and international research and academic institutions, ensuring that the programme's content adheres to best international practices.

One of the primary objectives of the "Design Gov" initiative is to cultivate a culture of creativity and proactive planning within government entities. By empowering national talents with innovation-related skills and supporting the development and implementation of enhanced public services, initiatives, and projects, the programme aims to advance Dubai's and the UAE's readiness for the future. This initiative follows the successful launch of the first "Design Gov" programme in 2019, which was aimed at designing initiatives, policies, and programmes supporting the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071.

The "Design Gov" programme represents a significant step towards realizing Dubai's ambition to become one of the most liveable cities on Earth. Through fostering innovation and creativity among government employees, DFF is not only enhancing Dubai's governmental operations but also setting a benchmark for future readiness on a global scale.

With inputs from WAM