Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that developing the science sector is a key priority for the UAE.
According to HH Sheikh Mohammed, the science plays a critical role in helping achieve the government’s strategic objectives and supporting government bodies in various development projects.
In a report by the Dubai Media Office, the Dubai Ruler said that investing in developing the capabilities of scientists and researchers and involving them in planning for the future is key to the prosperity of any society. “We launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Academy of Scientists, the first initiative of its kind in the Arab world, to foster the development of the region’s scientists and the cutting-edge research needed to sustain our growth and development,” His Highness added.
”We aim to revive the scientific spirit to serve humanity, enhance the role of scientists in the development process of the UAE, and to create a thriving community of Emirati scientists across disciplines,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came as he attended the first annual meeting of the Mohammed bin Rashid Academy of Scientists, which took place at Etihad Museum in the presence of prominent scientists and experts from various fields.
Present at the meeting were Deputy Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive and Chairman of Emirates Group His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum; His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future HE Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi; and Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and Chairperson of Emirates Scientists Council Her Excellency Sara Al Amiri, apart from a number of senior officials.
The Annual Meeting focused on three main topics: Natural Sciences, Health Sciences, and Engineering and Technology. Ten discussion groups were formed with the aim of developing scientific plans and initiatives to achieve national strategies and objectives, and enrich the scientific field locally and globally.
The sessions focused on Natural Sciences featured discussions on a number of topics including advancing the role of science and scientists in the UAE. Scientists also proposed innovative methods to make the UAE an attractive hub for scientists from all fields and disciplines.
Sessions focused on Health Sciences discussed the needs and challenges of the scientific community in the UAE as well as the current progress of medical and health sciences. Scientists also highlighted the potential use of artificial intelligence and innovation in scientific research within the UAE scientific community.
In the field of Technology and Engineering, topics of discussion included biotechnology, infrastructure, digital science and scientific applications. Scientists also highlighted the challenges facing the UAE’s science and technology sector and proposed plans for development.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Academy of Scientists is a platform for the scientific community both in the UAE and internationally. It aims to create a scientific database for building national capabilities in the field of scientific research and shape the future development of scientific and technological fields.
During the event, the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence has also been launched. The programme aims to honour distinguished scholars and researchers who have made remarkable contributions in scientific fields. The Medal, which represents the highest Emirati scientific honour, was awarded to Dr. Saeed Alhassan Alkhazraji from the UAE, and Dr. Hassan Arafat, from the Kingdom of Jordan, for their achievements and contributions in the scientific field.
