Intellectuals should conduct in-depth analysis of the problems of their home countries to provide the best possible solutions for governments, Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said yesterday.
History has seen many intellectuals lead their countries to progress, serving as whistle-blowers, standing against tyranny and unveiling plots, he said.
"Our Arab nation is in desperate need of such men today," said Dr Gargash at a meeting of the permanent office of the Arab Writers Union in Abu Dhabi.
He said that the meeting came at a time when some Arab countries were facing internal instability and foreign intervention. He also said that the UAE leadership paid attention to innovators, writers and authors, in recognition of the vital role they play in supporting the development process.
The minister praised the UAE leadership as a model of freedom of creativity and openness to other cultures.
The UAE, he noted, had become an incubator for culture, citing many prominent cultural events, such as the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and Sultan Al Owais Award for Sciences and Arts, saying that these cultural events, hosted by the UAE, stood as a clear testimony to the freedom of expression and thought that writers as well as Emiratis and expatriate residents, enjoy.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
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And%20Just%20Like%20That...
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
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MATCH INFO
Manchester City 2 (Mahrez 04', Ake 84')
Leicester City 5 (Vardy 37' pen, 54', 58' pen, Maddison 77', Tielemans 88' pen)
Man of the match: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
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Emirates exiles
Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.
Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.
Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.
Devante Onojaife
Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.
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Martin Sabbagh profile
Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East
In the role: Since January 2015
Lives: In the UAE
Background: M&A, investment banking
Studied: Corporate finance