In line with the declaration of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan that 2015 is the ‘Year of Innovation’ in the UAE,’ and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to celebrate this ‘Year of Innovation’ through a unique Festival across the UAE dubbed ‘UAE Innovation Week’, the Supreme Committee of UAE Innovation Week has held its first meeting to agree the general framework and roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders to ensure that the week is successfully executed.

UAE Innovation Week will be held from November 22nd to 28th and will be a strong testament to a consolidated effort by government entities, the private sector, and individuals to embrace innovation practices to help strengthen the country's position as a global innovation hub, build innovation capabilities, and accelerate the development and launch of new ideas and initiatives, thus creating a widespread culture of innovation in the UAE.

The meeting was attended by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Chairman of the National Innovation Committee, and Chairman of The Supreme Committee of UAE Innovation Week, Dr. Ahmed Al Mazroui, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, Abdullah Al Shaibani, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai, Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Ajman, Dr. Mohammed Abdul Latif Khalifa, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Ras al-Khaimah, Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Director of the Emiri Diwan of Fujairah, Ohood Al Roumi, Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office and Huda Al Hashemi, Director of Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation.

The Supreme Committee members unanimously stressed the need for reinforcing national efforts to support this initiative, which will include celebrating individual innovators in the UAE. The initiative seeks to provide these innovators with tangible opportunities to exchange experiences and promote outstanding innovations, providing a ripple effect on UAE society as a whole and stimulating the creation of an "innovation-driven" generation.

The Supreme Committee invited government, the private sector, academic institutions and individuals to submit proposals that will enrich UAE Innovation Week. Proposals can include activities such as exhibition showcases of innovative products and services, the launch of new national initiatives, hackathons and competitions, interactive programmes such as labs and workshops, engaging discussion sessions, fun evening activities in public places, or any other innovative ideas that will define UAE Innovation Week as one of the most important events in the UAE in 2015.

In order the set the wheels in motion, the Supreme Committee approved the formation of local committees under the chairmanship of the Executive Councils in the UAE to receive the proposals and coordinate the various activities across the country.