Emirati Studies Chapter 4: Building People

• This module discusses contemporary Emirati studies.
• The fourth chapter focuses on building people and future aspirations.
• This chapter was prepared by faculty members at Zayed University.

Book Chapters

• The book contains a chapter on the federal state and national identity.
• The book explores the UAE's position in international politics.
• It examines core values as well as heritage.
• The text studies building people and future aspirations.
• The book includes the empowerment of women and development .
• It discusses Emirati literature.
• The text reviews community health and quality of life.
• The book evaluates environmental sustainability.
• Chapters on food security, automation of services and technical development all figure.

The construction of humans

• Human construction means preparing and training individuals from childhood.
• This includes their physical and emotional needs.
• This includes their intellectual and spiritual enrichment.
• The values of Emiratis come from the teachings of Islam with traditional customs and traditions.
• Building humans is part of development which is raising people in life materially and morally.
• It elevates people's knowledge, thinking, nutrition, work, treatment and all affairs.
• The more human beings develop, the more they contribute to building their societies.
• Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan said that building citizens precedes building factories.
• This is because people are the reason behind national prosperity.

The Leadership of the Emirates

• The UAE's leadership pays great attention to building its nation.
• The country is keen to develop leaders in particular.
• Development of leaders involves investing in their thought, wisdom, character and aspirations.
• This is achieved by organizing programs and leadership courses.
• The Government Leadership Program falls under the umbrella of the Prime Minister's office.
• The state has adopted a model for government leadership in the UAE.

The UAE Model for Leadership

• The model embodies traits like a pioneering spirit, future-oriented vision, achievement drive.
• Focus is also placed on ethical leadership.

The Values in Detail

• To inspire and motivate others it helps to have the capacity to develop talent and emotional intelligence.
• The best in leaders is their moral character, encompassing strong values and integrity, as well as humility and respect.
• Exemplary citizens reflect well on the image of the country,.

Importance of a broad outlook

• Leaders should have a future-oriented view, anticipating, analyzing trends and developing contingency plans.
• Innovation is vital for leaders in a fast changing world.
• They should stimulate an ability to think outside the box and energize business.
• Leaders should appreciate diverse technologies, such as the 4th Industrial Revolution and AI.
• Learning and knowledge must be continuous to increase skills.

Delivering results

• Leaders achieve results in a quick and efficient manner and be flexible.
• They build an environment conducive to achievement.
• The priority is effective decision-making which enables smart results.
• Leaders demonstrate an emphasis on achieving government ambitions.
• The leaders should be well aware of government guidelines.

The Emirates Founding Father

• The UAE leadership follows the path of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
• Sheikh Zayed believed in people as a true resource, and developed their skills.
• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid affirms state commitment to Sheikh Zayed’s values.
• The UAE was made possible through leaders, the leaders had the ability to deny ego.
• It's founding spirit is to place the interests of the country as a priority.
• This value contributes to national cohesion.
• Those in powerful positions should promote unity rather than personal gain.

Year of Zayed, 2018

• The year 2018 marked the centennial of Sheikh Zayed’s birth under the banner "Year of Zayed.”
• This was to celebrate his achievements and remember his legacy, and it was said that he taught in all schools and colleges.
• Numerous accomplishments were made, including allocation of 50% of National Council members to women.
• A national policy was adopted in support of families along with senior citizens policies.
• The "KhalifaSat" satellite was launched, and the UAE passport became the most powerful worldwide.
• The objectives of the "Year of Zayed" revolved largely around the the founding father's accomplishments.
• They show the values promoted by Sheikh Zayed, and served as a guide for the UEA
• It aims to celebrate the late Sheikh as an inspiring figure.
• They honor his legacy that is achieved through projects and initiatives.

Legacy of the Past

• There is an annual celebration of National Day in the UAE every December.
• In 2019, the official ceremony was held under the theme "Legacy of the Early Ones“.
• This highlighted the importance of honoring the past.
• It re-inforced the founding fathers to inspire future generations.
• More than 20,000 performers celebrated the values inherent in Emirates society.
• These were told through three stories:

Stories in Detail

• The poetry of Osha biny Khalia Al Suwaidi, reflected wisdom and religious values.
• The voyages undertaken by Emirati pearl divers showed trust in their faith, and hope for success.
• Sheikh Zayed bin Kalifa Al Nahyan showed courage in defending his country.

Legacies of Goodness

• Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan prioritized economic and social stability.
• He was committed to the welfare of citizens.
• As Crown Prince, he supported social services, in particular accommodation.
• He reduced the burden of finance for citizens.
• His leadership saw significant funds go into business construction.
• On becoming president, he launched institutions which tackled these issues.

The Legacy Programmes

• The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Humanitarian Foundation supports good works.
• The Khalifa Fund supports projects for economic development.
• A fund was set up to tackle unmanageable debt.

Defining the Meaning of Good

• In 2017 Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared that the year would celebrate the spirit of giving.
• Mohammed bin Rashad emphasized the giving in society.
• The objectives targeted partnership with the private sector.
• The effort was designed to promote corporate social responsibility.
• Volunteering and community solidarity were key aspects.

The Key Objectives

• Promote an active private sector involvement.
• Create specialized volunteer programs in all segments of society.
• Volunteerism promotes nationa pride and service for the country.

Programme in the Emirates

• "UAE Food Bank" to distribute surplus food from hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets.
• This work is carried out with local and global charities.
• Over 2500 national programs were organized by the state.
• This saw significant contributions of money and time.
• The "National Indicator for Social Responsibility" assesses companies' efforts.
• A volunteer website was launched to create a database of opportunities to serve.

The Benefits of Community Work

• Volunteering can promote key values in society, such as cooperation.
• There are many religious benefits associated with service and promotion of good.

Historical Context

• Emirati society engaged in volunteering practices before the establishment of United Arab Emirates.
• Their tribal structure allowed for mutual support because of limited resources.
• People and families supported each other when facing economic hardship.

Individual Benefits

• It eases psychological stress.
• It can increase happiness.
• It increases understanding, expertise and professional experience.
• It encourages respect for other people.

The activities

• Voluntary work can be either material or immaterial in nature.
• It can involve financial assistance or building places of religion, schools, or hospitals.
• This type of service has a spiritual aspect.

National Focus

• Immaterial work can be helping the environment or those affected by illness.
• The Ministry of Community Development oversees charitable organizations.
• In 2008, there were 232 such entities.
• There are numerous examples.

Examples of Organisations

• Among the philanthropic organisations are:
• The Emirates Red Crescent.
• The Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable Foundation.
• The Volunteer Emirates Association.
• The Al Maktoum Foundation.
• Dubai Cares.
• In 2015 there were numerous voluntary initiatives.
• By 2017, a voluntary programme was launched.
• Assistance has been provided to 178 countries worth over 323 billion Dirhams.

Building people through tech

• The Crown Prince of Dubai is passionate about technical innovation.
• He sees it as key to providing state services 24/7.
• Innovation revolves around developing new ideas or upgrading how things work.
• The goal is always practical, and contributes to the public interest.
• This may involve improving services, as well as administration and frameworks.
• This can involve rethinking established systems.

Stages of Innovation

• This starts with identifying opportunities.
• It leads to development, testing, and implementing ideas in society.
• It also entails promoting changes and upgrades throughout society.

Delivering Quality Programmes

• It comes about through efficiency in implementing government services.
• This impacts on public quality of life.
• Innovation must be a guiding philosophy and should improve results.

Improving Systems

• As stated by Sheikh Mohammed, governments that do not innovate fail.
• The first of the guiding principles of government is service.
• In 2001, the first government online operations commenced in the Middle East.
• The system of stars recognizes excellence in the performance of public services.
• The Smart Government provided its services 24/7.
• The government has developed a system to track performance.

Achieving government

• It ensures that the state is always modernizing.
• His Highness oversees how well public sector is performing.
• Regular monitoring of public services and government departments is key.
• This is done in a way that is consistent and open.

The Model Analysed

• There is emphasis on achieving the best possible standards.
• Performance standards are tracked through a matrix of criteria, for example:
  • Leadership.
  • Implementation.
  • Public Image.
  • Resourcing.

Key Initiatives

• Initiatives launched include:
  • Having secret shoppers monitor standards.
  • Reports on delivery of public information.
  • The public are encouraged to hold government departments to account.

Promoting Improvement

• In 2015 it was announced the year to be one of innovation.
• The UAE wants to be a leader among those that are focused on innovation.

Strategy Explained

• The national plan is centered on technology as a spur for development.
• To do so the plan focusses on improving peoples skill sets .
• There must also be sustainable energy, and good standards of medical care.
• It must make the most of strategic resources for the future.

Methods for Implementation

• Steps taken include:
  • The appointment of Chief Innovation Officers
  • The launch of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, along with a project exploring Mars.
  • Programmes to support education are also a high priority.

The Strategy Explained

• The center was founded to connect public departments to innovation.
• It uses modern administrative tools to support government.

The Centre's Mission

• The centre seeks to establish a sense of innovation.
• The centre also promotes awareness and support innovation across the country.
• This process is led by innovative initiatives.
• The centre provides awards and support to promote these aims.

Philosophy in Detail

• Sheikh Mohammed is committed to science and culture, holding regular conferences.
• He champions forward thinking to secure progress for the country through development.
• He ensures that his people are proud and ready to face challenges.
• He said the "home must be united" and has an interest in social issues.
• He sees the need to protect the environment.
• “There must be ways to balance energy supplies, and to protect the environment.”
• He stated that three elements were key to compete globally.

His Guiding Principles

• It is necessary to be flexible.
• Resources must be used wisely.
• Investment in education should be enhanced.

Enhancing National Security

• As a soldier, he recognizes their significance in defending country.
• They must have the best military equipment.
• It is key to promote domestic military industries as well.

The Essentials

• The essentials involve trained fighters, and a strong industrial base.
• Defence exhibitions provide the opportunity to showcase technological advances.
• Military academies provide good training.
• There is good domestic production of military equipment.
• The country also builds unmanned vehicles.

Education for the Future

• There are educational policies that support this goal.
• Sheikhs advocate the young.
• He supports initiatives such as creating ethical standards.
• Grants are provided to those that do well in education.

Mohammed vision

• Government launched projects "We the UAE 2031".
• The UAE has established a "strategy for future foresight".
• This involves developing multiple different approaches in the short and long term.

Key Concepts

• It encourages drawing on trends and devising solutions.
• The impossible slogan is at the heart of UAE strategy.
• "The UAE has set goals to reach Mars, to achieve its ambitions.
• There is a plan in motion and create a museum of the future.
• The initiative will enable public interaction with future trends.

Principles of government:

• State services will focus on the human.
• The state will deliver its service on a high and satisfactory level.
• Transparency in performance is key.
• There will be one main portal that customers will use for all the public sector, saving cost and increasing efficiency.
• Information will be shared and managed ethically.
• Customer feedback will be listened to with results made clear.
• State services will be digitized with a view to a more modern approach.

Looking to the future

• Sheikhs see the youth as the country's hope, devoting ministry to work with them.
• There is an emphasis on listening to the youth.
• They must keep to traditions and promote good values.
• The nation must welcome new ways.
• The UAE is committed to promoting its values.
• This comes through a range of pioneering programmes.