UAE Leadership Evaluates Progress In Research And Food Security For 2023

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed stated, "I chaired, today at Qasr Al Watan, the UAE Cabinet’s last meeting before the summer break. First things first, we congratulated our children, students, of schools and universities alike, on the completion of their academic year, and expressed our thanks to all education sector employees, including the Education and Human Resources Council, presided by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. We also reviewed the main preparatory works for the next academic year. To the graduates, we extend our best wishes for professional success, and to all students, we wish perpetual success."

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The Cabinet reviewed a report on the achievements of the Emirates Council for Food Security in 2023. Key accomplishments included increasing strategic food reserves by 85 percent and enhancing grain storage capacity by 34 percent. The council also signed several international agreements on food systems and sustainable agriculture to ensure food security under any circumstances.

The Emirates Council for Food Security also launched initiatives such as the UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture. This initiative was joined by 159 countries and aimed at improving child health through better growth monitoring mechanisms. Additionally, government entities increased their purchase of locally produced main food types to 59.2 percent through the "Enhancing the Sustainability of National Farms" initiative.

The achievements report of the Emirates Research and Development Council for 2023 was also reviewed during the meeting. The council launched a national framework for research performance data and approved national priorities for research and development. They also initiated several studies to attract research centres and talent while developing an intellectual property strategy related to research.

Among other projects in 2023 were launching a Global Challenges Programme focused on water desalination research and a National Program for Research Leaders specialised in R&D management. These efforts aim to support UAE’s ongoing commitment to innovation in various sectors.

Hosting International Events

The Cabinet approved hosting several specialised international conferences such as the International Chemistry Olympiads (IChO) in UAE. This event attracts talented high school students from around the world. Other approved events include the 7th Arab Competition Forum 2026 and various scientific conferences aimed at fostering global collaboration.

The UAE will also host events like the Scientific Middle East Veterinary Conference and World Conference on Research in Teaching and Education. These events are part of efforts to strengthen UAE’s position as a leading organiser of international gatherings.

Infrastructure Improvements

The Cabinet examined preliminary results from a committee assessing flood damage on federal establishments. Urgent maintenance work within health facilities affected by floods was approved to ensure continued service delivery across impacted areas.

A decision regarding technical regulations for emergency communications in vehicles (Ecall) was also approved. This aims to reduce emergency response times by 40 percent, potentially lowering road fatalities by up to 10 percent.

Economic Partnerships

The Cabinet ratified an agreement between UAE and Colombia regarding comprehensive economic partnership. Additionally, they reviewed reports on UAE’s participation in various international events including meetings with Arab Financial Institutions in Egypt where significant decisions were made.

Other notable participations included annual meetings of Islamic Development Bank Board of Governors in Riyadh celebrating its 50th anniversary. The UAE also took part in Doha Dialogue discussing labour mobility between GCC countries and African Union.

National Policies Update

A decision updating technical guidelines for household detergents was adopted aligning with new safety standards (UAE.S/GSO 2555:2021). This ensures consumers have access to detailed information about detergent components promoting environmental protection.

The Cabinet also reformed several committees including renaming Services Trade Measurement Committee to "UAE Committee for Preparing Balance of Payments" headed by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi focusing on data accuracy coordination among relevant authorities.

Summer Break Wishes

Sheikh Mohammed concluded with well-wishes for everyone’s summer break encouraging constructive activities that enhance skills development among children ensuring continuous vitality throughout seasons.

With inputs from WAM