The UAE cabinet has approved the implementation of the National Youth Agenda 2031 and the introduction of the "Blue Residency", a 10-year residency granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to environment protection.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi.
The cabinet also approved the creation of the position of Chief Executive Officer of Artificial Intelligence in all main federal entities and classification of higher education institutions in the UAE, said a Wam news agency report.
The youth agenda focuses on five key pillars: economic empowerment of youth, developing their scientific skills, consolidating their national identity, enhancing their community contributions, and activating their role in representing their country internationally.
HH Sheikh Mohammed said: “The Cabinet approved a new framework for classifying higher education institutions across the UAE. We are set to reveal the national classification results for over 70 institutions, assessing them based on quality of education, the labour market's demand for their graduates, their research prowess, and their global academic affiliations. The national classification is a milestone in elevating the caliber of our higher education and advancing transparency, thereby empowering families to make informed decisions for their children's futures.”
He said: “In alignment with the national directives declared by the UAE President, to designate 2024 as the year of sustainability in the UAE, we introduced the "Blue Residency" a 10-year residency granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to environment protection, whether in marine life, land-based ecosystems, or air quality, sustainability technologies, the circular economy, or related fields. The sustainability of our economy is now linked to the sustainability of our environment… Our national orientations are clear and firm in this area.”
Sheikh Mohammed added: “Today, within the country's strategy to establish its position in the field of artificial intelligence, the cabinet approved the creation of the position of Chief Executive Officer of Artificial Intelligence in all main federal entities, which will contribute to the adoption of artificial intelligence tools in these entities and will help solidify the process of transitioning to a new phase, in which we further consolidate the use of advanced technologies in our federal entities.”
He said: “Today, we reviewed the latest developments of the UAE space sector. The representation of young Emiratis working in international space projects reached 38%. Spending in the field of space research increased by 14%. We remain dedicated to advancing our youth in promising sectors, protecting our environment, integrating the best global technologies into our government, and enhancing our higher education systems. Together, these efforts ensure a brighter future for our youth.”
National Youth Agenda 2031
The agenda aims to qualify more than 100 young Emirati to represent the country in global organisations and forums related to the national sectors of priority, and to provide 100% suitable career pathways for youth in the labour market.
The agenda seeks to place the UAE among the top 10 countries globally in terms of the quality of life provided to youth. It aims to enhance the national consciousness among the youth, ensuring that Emirati youth are the proudest of their identity and national affiliation, and to launch the National Charter for Youth in this field.
The agenda aims to make the UAE the easiest country in the world for young people to access basic services, and to double the number of youth projects in promising and future sectors, in addition to doubling the number of young Emiratis who obtain academic and vocational qualifications that suite the future skills and labour market needs, in addition to launching the honorary medal for elite youth.
Blue Residency for Sustainability Experts
The "Blue Residency" is the first long-term residency for individuals with exceptional contributions and efforts in the field of environment action and sustainability both inside and outside the UAE.
The Blue Residency aims to amplify and maintain the UAE's efforts in sustainability and goes in line with the directives of the UAE President to extend the initiative of the Year of Sustainability of 2023 to include the year 2024.
The Blue Residency will specifically be granted to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organizations, international companies, members of associations and non-governmental organizations, global award winners, and distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work from both Emirati nationals and responsible residents advocate of environment protection.
Sustainability advocates and experts who are interested in the UAE Blue Residency are invited to submit their applications directly through the services of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, or through nominations by competent authorities in the state for the individuals recommended for it.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Technologies
The Cabinet approved a comprehensive guide for the controls and guidelines of the use of generative artificial intelligence technologies within the UAE government. This guide is designed to standardise best practices for the ethical, responsible, and safe application of AI across vital sectors including education, healthcare, and media, aiming to enhance governmental work efficiency and performance.
The guide outlines key principles such as adequacy of government data, governance of applications, collaboration with stakeholders, users’ rights, data collections for training purpose, sustainability, and limiting and combating misleading information through a risk management based and results-driven regulatory framework.
Additionally, the Cabinet has established a new role, the "Chief Executive Officer for Artificial Intelligence," across ministries and federal entities. This position is pivotal in positioning the UAE as a global leader in AI applications, focusing on strategic AI planning, promoting best practices, and fostering AI integration and governance. This initiative not only aims to enhance innovation and the digital economy but also focuses on developing individual competencies in AI, ensuring the UAE remains at the cutting edge of technological advancement.
