The UAE has announced the launch of the “Emirates Villages” project — a Dh1 billion ($272.3 million) initiative aimed at creating a sustainable development model. The new project, which was announced in the presence of <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/sheikh-mohammed-bin-rashid/">Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid</a>, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, will develop Emirati villages from economic as well as touristic standpoints. It aims to create economic and business opportunities to promote social stability and well-being, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement on Wednesday. The first batch of villages included in the programme will offer 500 economic initiatives or projects for youths. Emirates Villages represents a new milestone in achieving the vision of the UAE leadership by introducing a sustainable development model that accommodates all regions across the country, while utilising the human capabilities and natural resources of each region, said Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development. The Emirates Council for Balanced Development is working to achieve sustainable development for all regions through a unique development model based on partnerships between the government, the private sector and local communities. The new project outlines five developmental tracks, through which the council seeks to create a micro-economy in 10 villages, an official statement said. It aims to achieve greater involvement of local communities, enhance the involvement of the private sector and advance the sustainable development model by boosting co-operation between federal and local governments. Sheikh Theyab also reviewed the project’s targets and strategy during the annual meetings of the UAE government, held in Abu Dhabi from November 22-23. The <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2022/11/22/uae-economy-to-grow-more-than-6-in-2022-imf-says/" target="_blank">UAE economy</a> rebounded strongly from the coronavirus pandemic on the back of higher oil prices and government projects to support growth. Emirates NBD recently <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2022/09/28/emirates-nbd-raises-uae-growth-forecast-to-7-in-2022-on-oil-output-and-robust-rebound/">raised its UAE growth forecast </a>to 7 per cent in 2022, owing to a higher estimate for the energy industry's output and the “robust growth” of its non-oil sector, setting up the country for its fastest annual expansion since 2011, when output grew by 6.9 per cent. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank projects growth of 6.5 per cent. In its latest report, the<a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2022/10/11/imf-cuts-2023-growth-forecast-and-warns-worst-is-yet-to-come/"> International Monetary Fund</a> said the UAE economy is set to grow by more than 6 per cent this year, after expanding 3.8 per cent in 2021, bolstered by a rebound in tourism, construction and activity related to Expo 2020 Dubai. An expansion of 6 per cent would be the highest since 2011, when the economy grew by 6.9 per cent. _______________________
