Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has shared a photograph of top level government figures, 10 years to the day they were brought together to improve the country's global rankings. The Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai said the image was taken at the Bab Al Shams desert resort on May 27, 2009. The Emirates Competitiveness Council was formed to improve the country's standing, in the midst of the global financial crisis. “We had no presence on the global competitiveness map at the time and many people did not understand the importance of the council,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter. “Today, the UAE ranks top globally in 75 global indicators, and among the top 10 in 311 global competitive indices. This is the outcome of 10 years of work.” The ECC's original members included, in addition to the minister of economy as vice chair, the ministers of foreign trade, education, labour, health, and ministers of state for foreign affairs and financial affairs. The council's members also include the secretary general of the executive councils in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, and the general managers of Rulers Courts in Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. It reports to the ECC secretariat, which operates within the Prime Minister's Office. On Sunday, UAE Cabinet has approved <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/government/new-advanced-skills-strategy-approved-by-uae-cabinet-1.866524">plans for a new advanced skills strategy, aimed at maintaining the country's "competitive edge".</a> The Strategy for the Advanced Skills National Programme is being rolled out to ensure the UAE is up to date in global advancements in areas such as education and the economy. Sheikh Mohammed said the wide-ranging policy is being adopted to ensure Emiratis are fully prepared for an ever-changing society. The now Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority works to ensure the country is keeping up and leading in global development indexes.
