Theme 3: United in Knowledge A Competitive Economy Driven by Knowledgeable and Innovative Emiratis A diversified and flexible knowledge-based economy will be powered by skilled Emiratis and strengthened by world-class talent to ensure long-term prosperity for the UAE

3.1 Harness full potential of National human capital The UAE will harness the full potential of its National human capital by maximising the participation of Emiratis, encouraging entrepreneurship, and nurturing home-grown public and private sector leaders while attracting and retaining the best talent Vision Statement We want all Emiratis to make a valuable contribution to their nation's growth by building their knowledge and applying their talent with innovation and drive.

More Emiratis will enter higher education, where they will enrich their minds with the skills that their nation needs to fuel its knowledge economy. Universities will listen closely to the needs of Emiratis and of their future employers, and will balance their teaching to the demands of the workplace.

Joining the world of work is a first step towards personal fulfilment and economic empowerment. Many will show the leadership to stride much farther. Promising Emiratis must be nurtured to become captains of industry and dynamic entrepreneurs, marshalling the country's resources to bring innovative products to the marketplace. Others will be groomed as senior public officials, trusted to hold the levers of economic change and empowered by knowledge to steer the economy to the cutting edge of innovation.

For those industries where Emiratis can learn most from global expertise, the UAE will continue to call upon the best talent from around the world. Our nation will attract and retain the finest and most productive workers and entrepreneurs by offering them fulfilling employment and an attractive place to live.

3.2 Sustainable and diversified economy: The UAE will benefit from a sustainable and diversified economy, flexible in adopting new economic models, and capitalising on global economic partnerships to guarantee long-term prosperity for current and future generations of Emiratis Vision Statement We want the UAE to sustain its drive toward economic diversification, as this is the nation's surest path to sustainable development in a future that is less reliant on oil. This means expanding new strategic sectors to channel our energies into industries and services where we can build a long-term competitive advantage.

Balanced growth must be fuelled by a sustainable range of energy sources, within which the UAE will ensure an important role for alternative and renewable options such as nuclear power.

To ensure lasting competitiveness, the nation will look beyond traditional economic models and take a more flexible perspective. Businesses will adopt an increasingly customer-centric approach to customising their products and services, and will learn to coordinate in efficient networks to meet the complex demands of the marketplace.

By stimulating home-grown entrepreneurship and attracting foreign direct investment, our economy will mature into a model of sustainable and responsible growth that will ensure long-term prosperity for all Emiratis.

We will position our economy to capture developing trends and adapt to changing global realities, such as the rise of new economic powerhouses. We will forge ever stronger international partnerships and capitalise on them to boost trade and commerce.

3.3 Knowledge-based and highly productive economy: Innovation, research, science and technology will form the pillars of a knowledge-based, highly productive and competitive economy, driven by entrepreneurs in a business-friendly environment where public and private sectors form effective partnerships.

Vision Statement: We want the UAE to transform its economy into a model where growth is driven by knowledge and innovation. Productivity and competitiveness will come to rival the best in the world, as a result of investment in science, technology, research and development throughout the fabric of the UAE economy.

Outstanding information and communication infrastructure will network our businesses together and give them a leading edge as they transact and interact with the world. Individual citizens will also reap the benefits of efficient connectedness in their digital lives as they search online for knowledge and the fulfilment of intellectual curiosity.

This shift to a knowledge economy can only be accomplished within an entrepreneurial environment that harnesses the talent and creativity of Emiratis. A new class of entrepreneurs will be nurtured and supported with the help of practical programmes such as start-up incubators. In a national effort, the UAE will cultivate a healthy risk-taking culture where hard work, boldness and innovation are rightfully rewarded.

Legal frameworks and government services will be designed to provide businesses with the efficient environment that they need in order to grow, thrive and commercialise innovative ideas. Regulations will promote efficient markets and protect intellectual property. Partnerships will flourish between the public and private sectors, spurring growth and maximising opportunities.

The UAE will become one of the best places in the world to do business.