UAE Vision 2021
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| UAE Vision 2021 | |
|---|---|
| Name | United Arab Emirates Vision 2021 |
| Caption | National initiative announced by the leadership of the United Arab Emirates |
| Launched | 2010 |
| Founder | Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
UAE Vision 2021 is a national strategic framework launched in 2010 aimed at preparing the United Arab Emirates for the 50th anniversary of the federation in 2021. The plan sought to transform public sectors and create partnerships across federal and local entities, aligning with policy agendas promoted by leaders such as Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It positioned the federation alongside global benchmarks associated with cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and institutions such as Masdar City.
Background and Objectives
Vision 2021 originated in policy discussions involving the Federal National Council, the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates, and executive leadership including Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Influenced by planning models from Singapore, South Korea, Germany, Japan, and developmental experiences of Qatar, the strategy set national priorities for social cohesion, infrastructure, and public administration reform. Objectives cited included improving standards in areas linked to agencies like Ministry of Health and Prevention (UAE), Ministry of Education (United Arab Emirates), Zakat Fund, and regulatory bodies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Pillars and National Priorities
The framework organized priorities into dimensions paralleling international indices such as those produced by World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, World Health Organization, and World Economic Forum. Pillars highlighted included health systems associated with the Dubai Health Authority and Doha Clinic models, education reforms touching institutions like United Arab Emirates University, Khalifa University, Zayed University, and workforce initiatives similar to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company training programs. Economic diversification priorities referenced sectors exemplified by Masdar City, Dubai International Financial Centre, and heritage preservation linked to sites such as Al Ain Oasis and Qasr Al Hosn.
Implementation and Governance
Execution relied on coordination among federal ministries and Emirate-level authorities: Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Dubai Municipality, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and agencies like Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority. Governance mechanisms included performance benchmarking with organizations such as OECD, International Monetary Fund, and collaborative projects with multinational firms like Siemens, McKinsey & Company, and Accenture. Oversight involved the office of the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and periodic reporting to bodies such as the Supreme Council and legislative review by the Federal National Council.
Key Projects and Initiatives
Notable initiatives under the plan comprised infrastructure programs linked to Etihad Airways, Emirates (airline), and port investments by DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports Company. Health campaigns coordinated with World Health Organization partnerships and local entities including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. Education projects involved curriculum reforms at Ministry of Education (United Arab Emirates), collaborations with universities like New York University Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and vocational programs inspired by German dual education partnerships. Urban sustainability projects referenced Masdar City, renewable energy projects with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, and transportation schemes such as projects by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and Etihad Rail. Social welfare and Emirati identity efforts connected to cultural institutions like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and museums such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Progress, Outcomes, and Evaluation
Progress reporting used indicators similar to those from United Nations Development Programme and rankings by World Bank and World Economic Forum. Outcomes included improvements in metrics monitored by bodies like Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and investment inflows connected to Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala Investment Company. Health outcomes cited reductions in disease burdens monitored by World Health Organization and capacity expansions at facilities such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Education outcomes referenced enrollment and graduate rates at Khalifa University and United Arab Emirates University. Transportation and infrastructure outcomes appeared in increased passenger volumes at Dubai International Airport and freight throughput at Jebel Ali Port.
Criticism and Challenges
Critics referenced labor and human rights concerns raised by organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, and media outlets including The National (UAE), Gulf News, and international press like The New York Times and The Guardian. Challenges included dependence on hydrocarbon revenues linked to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Dubai Petroleum, demographic dynamics involving expatriate communities from countries like India, Pakistan, and Philippines, and governance complexity among emirates such as Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman. Environmental critiques invoked regional issues reflected in studies by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and United Nations Environment Programme.