UAE fast turning into world’s innovation capital

The UAE is right on track to become world’s innovation capital. Its comprehensive and visionary policies are creating a conducive climate for innovation and innovators to thrive. As laid down in the National Innovation Strategy, innovation is being encouraged in key sectors like renewable energy, transport, education, health, technology, water and space.
The second Innovation Week — which kicked off on Sunday — calls to make innovation an everyday activity. It will become so when education and awareness help the different stratas of the society to think out-of-the-box.
The biggest focus must be on the children and the young — the future nation-builders. The innovation labs established in the country should hone their creativity. Students who learn to chart an unconventional course today will become innovators of tomorrow. Therefore, it is crucial that the education taps their skills and talent and gives them the power of critical thinking. The future of innovation will depend on how we guide the youths explore their potential.
The youth of today must also be taught about the current innovative
approaches that the country is embracing. For example, the UAE’s sustained
effort in reducing the cost of producing electricity through solar panels from 75 percent between 2008 and mid-2014 from $7 to $1.5 per kilowatt hour. The cost-effectiveness is making it commercially viable. And it was made possible by adopting innovative technology. It reflects the urgency that needs to be given to research and development to find out new ways of making renewables popular. Masdar has also launched a project that offeres viable solution for renewable-powered energy-efficient desalination. These innovative practices ought to be showcased to the youths so that they can learn from them.
The country is using innovative methods to tackle the waste disposal problem too. Novel methods are being adopted to ensure that the trash doesn’t pose a health hazard. Abu Dhabi’s Tadweer is installing smart trash bins that will segregate the waste at the source. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai Municipalities are using GPS tracking system, Smart Gate and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to make waste disposal more scientific.
Hyperloop One is also set to revolutionize transport in the UAE. It will shorten the distance between many cities. The technology proves that for innovation, sky is the limit. Smart cities with smart transport will shape the urban landscape in the coming times.
Besides, the UAE’s National Space Sector Policy seeks to nurture and grow a culture of innovation and enhance the country’s status on the global platform. Today, the UAE operates more than six satellites and invests over
AED 20 billion in space technology. Recently, the UAE Space Agency explored space technology for farming. The new technology includes satellites equipped with remote sensing technology to study and map as well as detect diseases or infestations in the fields.
Innovation can do wonders. It can change the face of this planet. The UAE
realizes this very well and therefore, it is trying to empower community to participate in the development process through their innovative ideas. Community
innovation can be instrumental in bringing about massive changes in various
government sectors. It can help in implementing initiatives that can fuel economic growth. When community innovation gets integrated into the system,
it will become a national culture which will be the cornerstone of the country’s progress.