Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid speeds progress towards National Agenda 2021 goals

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, speaks with pupils while chairing an exceptional meeting of the Cabinet in a classroom at Fatima bint Mubarak School in Ras Al Khaimah. WShow more

RAS AL KHAIMAH // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has announced the speeding up of the implementation of the UAE’s National Agenda 2021 goals.

The Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai was speaking at a meeting of the UAE Federal Cabinet, held at Fatima bint Mubarak School in Ras Al Khaimah on Sunday, in the presence of a group of high-achieving students.

It was the first time that members of the public had attended a Cabinet session since its last reshuffle, reported state news agency Wam.

“Over the recent years, the Government has accomplished significant achievements, taken giant strides forward and gained high international rankings. However, we want all Cabinet members to move with same speed,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

He said the National Agenda 2021 “sums up government work and shortens the goals which we set to make our people happy”.

“We will focus on these objectives as a priority and a goal of government work.”

The agenda’s goals aim to concentrate efforts, mobilise energies and intensify work in education, health, housing, community, infrastructure, economy, environment, security, justice and safety.

“I am optimistic about reaching our goals before 2021,” he said.

To achieve this, the Cabinet has approved a 550-strong government task force to monitor the goals.

“Similarly, 36 task forces will be set up from representatives of different government entities, sectors and levels who, as of next week, [will] attend workshops to raise their understanding about these goals and implementation mechanisms,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

Addressing the students, Sheikh Mohammed said their attendance “reaffirms the commitment of all members of the Cabinet to work towards the future of students in the UAE”.

“All the Cabinet members you are watching here are working to serve to serve you and your brothers and to create conditions through which you can realise your aspirations and dreams.

“Everyone has work to do and a duty to fulfil, and your job is to excel in your studies. We are working to serve you and we want you to work for yourselves. Focus on your studies and preserve the achievements of the nation.”

The Cabinet approved the establishment of a liaison office for the United Nations Women in the Arabian Gulf area, following an agreement to set up the organisation’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

It also approved the closing accounts of the Emirates Post Group for the 2015 fiscal year and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority for the 2014 fiscal year.

A series of international agreements, including a framework agreement between the governments of the UAE and United States for cooperation in areas of air navigation, exploration and utilisation of outer space for peaceful purposes, was also approved.

The Cabinet also approved four agreements on economic and technical cooperation and another five on air transport services.

*This article has been amended to correct a quote.