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The 2021 ministerial retreat concluded on Wednesday with a new edition of the National Agenda and strategic projects to boost the country’s competitiveness and speed up development in the next 50 years.

The two-day retreat, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, brought together ministers, government officials and dignitaries to lay out a strategic framework for the development vision for the country’s next phase.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said since its formation, the UAE has presented a unique success story in all sectors, thanks to the futuristic vision and noble principles established by the founding leaders.

He noted, "Over the past 50 years, we started from the desert of our land to the desert of Mars. Our dreams will be even bigger for the next 50 years."

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE presented an exceptional development model to the world that placed the human capital at the centre of all its development and economic plans. He stressed that the UAE is committed to providing all the necessary elements to sustain the excellence and development that have long distinguished the country. "We have reached this far because the impossible does not exist in the UAE. We have the scientific, educational and economic resources to take the UAE to new frontiers in the next 50 years, and we have Mohamed bin Zayed to lead this journey."

He said the UAE has become a land of opportunities, home to a stable economy, advanced infrastructure, and agile and business-friendly legislative framework that attract entrepreneurs, investors and young talents. The diverse society of the UAE that lives in coexistence, tolerance and peace in a lifestyle that places the human wellbeing as a priority, he noted, is the most celebrated achievement that makes the UAE home to all residents and citizens.

"Mohamed bin Zayed’s participation in the retreat lays out a new and clear 50-year vision for the UAE."

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said the UAE looks to the future, while proudly holding on to the memory of the founding leaders and working hard to sustain and advance the solid foundation they laid for the country.

He said, "The UAE has reached where it is today, thanks to the values of tolerance and coexistence that the founding leaders Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid established from the beginning of our journey. The last 50 years were filled with prosperity, development and success, and we will need to move at a greater speed to meet our growing ambitions for the next 50 years."

He noted that the high motivation and energy of all participants in the retreat reflects the determination of the people of the UAE to succeed in all sectors of life.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stressed that the UAE government has the necessary capabilities, talents and resources to draw the roadmap of the next 50 years.

"Our government teams in the next phase will only welcome people who will exert 10 times more efforts and energy to achieve greater successes. Our vision is to make the UAE an attractive destination for talents, ideas and investment."

During the retreat, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed emphasised the trust and confidence in the federal government teams to continue shaping smart and flexible strategies that adapt to the rapidly-changing world.

He said, "We will preserve Mohammed bin Rashid’s principle of always being number one. Our aim is to compete internationally."

Sheikh Mohamed noted that the UAE has been at the forefront of development. "Thanks to the relentless efforts of government teams, the UAE has established itself as a leading model in innovative leadership thinking," he said and added, that through implementing innovation as a government culture, the UAE today adopts a futuristic vision to meet the aspirations of the people.

The ministerial retreat was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, alongside dignitaries and government officials.