To achieve goals set in UAE Vision 2021, the country launched UAE Innovation week last year, largest of it’s kind. This year UAE Innovation week was from Nov 20th to Nov 26th, 2016. I was invited to inaugural Innovation Live Summit, an official anchor event, which took place on 21st Nov and organized by MEED in partnership with Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Masdar, Health Care Authority Abu Dhabi and few industry leaders. It was a great way to Gain insight into how the UAE is driving innovation and rigorously working towards implementing its Vision 2021 and the role of each sector industry.

Artificial Intelligent System which talked to people at the event

But before I tell you all about the event I am sure you would like to know more about what is UAE’s National Innovation Strategy?
In 2014 His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, launched a National Innovation Strategy with a seven-year plan that aims to make the UAE among the most innovative nations in the world. This strategy includes 7 sectors listed below,

1. Renewable energy

You can read UAE’s National Innovation Strategy here. Few of the important goals of Vision 2021 and National Agenda are Non-Oil Real GDP Growth as well as Sustainable Environment
and Infrastructure.

Reem Al Hashemi

At the very first Innovation Live event at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, there were many expert speakers lined up for panel discussions from around the world. Innovation Live was kicked off with a speech by Majid Saif Al Ghurair, chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce of Industry who emphasis on Vision 2021 and Dubai’s aspiration to become one of the top innovative city in the world.

Guy Kawasaki

The next keynote speaker Guy Kawasaki, Silicon Valley venture capitalist, author, and former Apple chief evangelist gave a great speech about innovation, I would like to call it a crash course on successful innovation. With a great sense of humor, this guy almost steal the show leaving the audience feeling inspired! He presented steps of innovation and here are those steps

1. Make meaning
2. Make mantra
3. Jump to the next curve
4. Roll the DICEE
5. Don’t worry, be crappy
6. Let 100 flowers blossom
7. Polarise people
8. Churn, baby, churn
9. Niche thyself
10. Follow the Rule
11. Don’t let the clowns grind you down

Sustainability Watercooler

I am glad to attend such an inspiring event, where I could learn so much about innovation!