Improving communication between Government and society and instilling patriotic values are among the objectives of the Government Communication Strategy 2017-2021 adopted by the UAE Cabinet on Sunday. In its third edition, the strategy – which aims to implement an integrated government communication system - was approved during ameeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

"Government communication is an important component of the decision-making process, and our vision is to achieve the most innovative and influential government communication by 2021,” Sheikh Mohammed said. "The UAE has been attracting global attention for its innovative services and initiatives, and government communication is one of the pillars to connect with local and global audience."

He said the Government Communication Strategy will support UAE Vision 2021 and improve upon communication channels between Government and society.

"Government entities, the private sector, media outlets, the general public, as well as social media users, all contribute to the success of the five-year communications strategy," Sheikh Mohammed. The strategy comprises of five objectives and priorities for government communication leading up to 2021.

Thy include supporting the National Agenda and UAE Vision 2021, improving communication between the government and all sections, instilling patriotic values and enhancing relationships with media outlets, reported state news agency Wam.

The Cabinet also approved the restructuring of the UAE Soft Power Council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, ‎and the membership of the number of ministers and officials in federal and local government departments ‎in the UAE. ‎

The council will be responsible for outlining soft power general policy and strategy in addition ‎to defining main objectives and proposing legislation, policies and initiatives to ‎strengthen the UAE’s soft power regionally and internationally. ‎

The Cabinet also approved a number of topics related to the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, continuing education, as well as a number of international agreements and treaties.

The meeting was held at the Presidential Palace, and was ‎attended by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.