HH Sheikh Mohammed convenes Cabinet Meeting to discuss Ministries' plans

The Cabinet will review individual ministries' strategic plans and their time-line and in the light of the UAE Federal Strategy.

H.E. Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, said: "HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is very keen on personally following up the implementation of the UAE Federal Strategy that was launched in April this year. The aim of the strategy is to enhance government sector performance and ensure proper coordination between all government departments to achieve the highest standard of living for all UAE nationals and residents.

Al Gergawi said the meeting will review the plans submitted by individual ministries. Each minister will present the details of the strategy and the key initiatives and programmes which will be undertaken to achieve the objectives of the UAE Federal Strategy.

Al Gergawi added that the Fujairah meeting will have an informal setting, whereby the Cabinet can discuss important issues away form the day-to-day pressures.

All ministries have already finalized their operation plans for 2008 along with their 2008-2010 strategies. Other Federal departments have also finalized their operation plans which include the implementation measures under the UAE Federal Strategy initiatives.

Al Gergawi pointed out that the strategy and the new style of functioning have already begun to take force, with ministries as well as Federal departments having met their 30 June deadline for submitting their plans.

The Fujairah meeting will be the second such retreat for the UAE Cabinet. The first meeting, also chaired by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, was held at the Bab El Shams resort in mid-February, during which the ministers had put the final touches to the UAE Federal Strategy.

The UAE Federal Strategy, developed by six ministerial teams in six months, is considered a turning point for the country. The strategy adopted new methodologies to meet the aspirations of the UAE Nationals, and achieve excellence at all levels.

The strategy also reflects the vision of The UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and that of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid. In addition, it also demonstrates the aspirations of the country's leadership in adopting international best practices in governance and sustainable development.

The UAE Government Strategy constituted several fundamental principles. They include: Enhancing the level of services provided to nationals and residents as well as the level of coordination between federal and local authorities; revitalizing the regulatory policy making roles of the UAE government; improve decision making mechanisms; improve the efficiency of government entities; develop civil service laws; promote the HR component of the government through merit-based promotion, effective nationalization, as well as leadership training; in addition to further enhancing autonomy and charting the legal framework of ministries.