DUBAI, 25th January, 2023 (WAM) -- The UAE government announced the launch of the “UAE Innovates 2023,” held in collaboration with Executive Councils across the country.

The press conference for the 2023 edition unveiled that it will witness hundreds of events and activities during February.

This was revealed at the press conference led by Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs; Abeer Tahlak, Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation; and in the presence and participation of coordinators from the executive council across the UAE, and representatives from the media.

Speaking at the conference, Huda Al Hashimi stressed that UAE Innovates 2023 will catalyse the nations endeavours in supporting innovation and sustainability, in line with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in declaring 2023 the “Year of Sustainability”.

She stated that the nation-wide celebrations reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, that the future belongs to whoever can imagine it, design it and implement it, adding that the event will also promote the culture of innovation in the UAE government and the wider community and highlight the impact of all innovations that will be presented and celebrated throughout the month-long event.

Al Hashimi further stated that UAE Innovates is the largest national event celebrating innovation and talents across the country with government and private sector entities.

For her part, Abeer Tahlak touched upon new features of the UAE Innovates 2023, which will witness hundreds of in-person and virtual events, including competitions, presentations, and innovation hackathons across various regions within the UAE, adding that events during February will reflect the leadership’s vision in adopting and incorporating sustainability in vital sectors, primarily; innovation.

This year’s edition of the UAE Innovates Award 2023 will also have an additional category for the most sustainable innovative project, which is a special category included this year, in line with the UAE year of sustainability. In addition, the winners of the UAE Innovates 2023 Award will be recognised in a ceremony that marks the end of the event.

During the press conference, representatives of the UAE Innovates Executive Councils shared details of the events and activities planned by each of the emirates.

Mubarak Hamad Al Mheiri, Under-Secretary of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge said, “We believe in the importance of collaboration to strengthen the culture of innovation, develop national capabilities, and enhance competitiveness and the ability to meet the requirements of national key sectors in the future. The active participation of various government entities in the activities of UAE Innovates 2023 reflects our commitment to help achieve the vision of our leadership, which considers innovation as a key pillar and the driving force behind the development of various sectors.”

Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council, said, “The UAE is synonymous with innovation. From the ‘One Million Programmers’ initiative to the Museum of the Future and from metaverse strategies at the federal and local levels to the Dubai Program for Research and Development, the country has established itself as a capital of the future and a leading destination for innovators around the world.”

Al Basti added, “UAE Innovates, now in its eighth session and held under the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, is an embodiment of the country’s commitment to innovation. The UAE and its leadership in innovation, which has underpinned the country’s development over the past five decades, has contributed to high rankings across global innovation indices.”

Al Basti concluded, "Dubai's experience in innovation, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, is a story that deserves to be shared with the world. It represents an example of what innovation can achieve for humanity. We are proud of the wide participation of Dubai’s government entities and private sector companies in UAE Innovates 2023.”

Asma Rashid bin Taliah, Secretary-General of Sharjah Executive Council said, “There is a deep-rooted culture of innovation within the government of Sharjah, based on the vision and directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which places science, knowledge and sustainable development at the heart of progress.”

“Within the general policies set by the Executive Council headed by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, all government entities work continuously to promote innovation, develop their services and launch initiatives," he added. “The emirate's government includes innovators and talents, who through their dedicated work and creativity, have contributed to the development of government services and the strengthening of Sharjah as an environment that fosters innovation.”

Muhammad Sorour Al Naqbi, Acting Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Umm Al Quwain, said, “UAE Innovates supports the National Innovation Strategy and contributes to enhancing the country's position as a global innovation hub. It also motivates the public and private sectors as well as individuals to adopt innovative practices. Innovation has become a pillar of government work in the UAE, which embraces and applies the principles of innovation to seek solutions to challenges in creative ways.“

Al Naqbi added, “We are grateful for the support H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain,, as well as H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Qaiwain and Chairman of Umm Al Quwain Executive Council. Our leadership has been invaluable in spreading a culture of knowledge and encouraging innovations that support the development of government and society.”

Al Naqbi explained, “UAE Innovates is a continuation of the country's approach to spreading a culture of innovation and enhancing government work. Innovation is a key pillar in driving development in various areas and this annual platform enhances the UAE’s position as a global innovation center.”

“Working alongside the local and federal government, the UAE Innovates team in Umm Al Quwain coordinates with all government agencies in the emirate to organise events, activities, and workshops. It also supports the work of innovative laboratories to generate new innovations that contribute to enhancing the work of governments,” Al Naqbi concluded.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullatif Khalifa, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Ras Al Khaimah, said, “UAE Innovates represents an opportunity to celebrate the innovative achievements that support our national strategy to prepare for the future through conceiving and designing solutions to challenges and by promoting a culture of innovation across society. Our national economy, our global competitiveness, and our global position depend on our ambition and ability to build capabilities and realise our potential. Our leadership provides the ingredients for success so we can contribute to improving the quality of life and the prosperity of humanity.”

Dr. Mohammed added, “We are grateful for all the efforts made at federal, local, and community levels that have made this event an annual celebration that showcases developments in thought, practice and application. The Ras Al Khaimah government is using UAE Innovates to unveil a variety of innovations in various fields that reflect our commitment to contributing to the UAE’s future.”

Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Director of the Fujairah Emiri Court, said, “UAE Innovates has become an annual national occasion that celebrates innovators and highlights innovative projects that support the UAE’s vision and strengthen its competitiveness in sectors that serve humanity and national development.”

He added, “The activities taking place this year represent a renewed drive in the UAE’s innovation journey, cementing its position as a global platform for innovation and enhancing its position in global competitiveness indices.”

Al Dhanhani concluded, “This event is a priority for the Fujairah Government, led by H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah. The emirate will participate in UAE Innovates by launching a series of initiatives and projects and by encouraging individual and corporate innovators to join this national journey and support its objectives.”

Made for UAE Innovates
On the sidelines of the events, multiple partnerships will be launched such as the new collaboration between MBRCGI and noon Mahali that will expand the platform to Emirati product developers to showcase and sell their unique, scalable products with a “Made for UAE Innovates” Stamp. As well as learn on how to develop and sell a product through noon, to expand their skills for future products.

Collaboration with Ferjan Dubai
The UAE Innovates 2023 will also serve as a platform to launch the partnership between MBRCGI and Ferjan Dubai, to highlight the stories of Emirati innovators and talents and spread the culture of innovation around neighbourhoods in the city.

Since its inception in 2015, UAE Innovates has become an annual flagship event in the UAE that supports the government’s vision to enrich the culture of innovation and to reinforce UAE’s position as a global centre for innovation to benefit the future of humanity.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI) in partnership with The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) launched, today, the second edition of the Pitch@GOV initiative as part of the UAE Innovates 2023.

The month-long event aims to enhance collaboration between government entities and private sector organizations, entrepreneurs, as well as innovators aiming to help spread the culture of innovation in the country.

UAE Innovates, which runs throughout February, will witness a vast participation from a large number of federal and local government agencies, private and academic sector institutions, and community members.

MBRCGI is organizing the second edition of Pitch@GOV in cooperation with the Emirates Health Services and the Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA) in Dubai. The two entities identified a number of challenges that require innovative solutions specific to healthcare and transportation.
The initiative aims to utilize public-private partnerships to design innovative solutions to challenges as well as engage entrepreneurs in developing government work. The initiative also helps startups transform their ideas into feasible solutions to future challenges in vital sectors.

Her Excellency Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, said: “The second edition of Pitch@GOV, a key part of UAE Innovates 2023’s activities, is vital to support and enable innovative startups to accelerate the implementation of their projects and ideas.
H.E. added “It is an important addition to MBRCGI’s initiatives, which aim to strengthen partnerships between the government and private sectors as well as the community, in designing and implementing innovative solutions to major future challenges.

“This initiative is a call to innovators and entrepreneurs in the UAE to find creative solutions to certain sector-specific challenges. The best solutions will win financial support and join the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund accelerator program.”

His Excellency Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) said: “We are delighted to be launching Pitch@Gov as a collaboration between MBRIF and MBRCGI, which will now form an integral part of the UAE annual Innovation Month. Through this initiative we are aiming to support the overall innovation ecosystem, achieve synergies in the government’s approach to innovation and achieve stronger economic and social outcomes. This initiative exemplifies how we envision the future of innovation to be - collaborative, creative, and open to all. Further, MBRIF's commitment to mentor and nurture the winning submissions aims to support innovators on their journey to accelerated success towards the realization of the UAE's National Innovation Strategy.”

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Youssef Mohamed Al Serkal, Director General of the Emirates Health Services Corporation (EHS), stated that the corporation supports innovators and enhances the environment that promotes innovation in cooperation with various entities and institutions through its innovation strategy. Also, he stressed that the launch of the "Pitch @MBRCGI" initiative reflects the UAE government's tendencies to motivate innovators, spread and consolidate the culture of innovation in various fields, and supports ideas and projects that contribute to achieving a positive societal impact.

H.E. added that EHS provides an opportunity for innovators to present their innovations and ideas to be applied by entities and institutions to expand the scope of their projects and benefit from them in finding quick and practical solutions to challenges to enhance readiness for the future.
Hussain Al Banna, Acting CEO of the Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector at the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), said: “RTA is proud to participate in the Pitch@GOV initiative, which is organized in cooperation with MBRCGI. This partnership represents an exceptional opportunity to promote innovation in transport services. It will achieve this by attracting creative and new ideas as well as solutions that will support RTA’s work and benefit transport and road networks, in addition to enhancing sustainability.”

4 challenges

The challenges posed by the Pitch@GOV initiative reflect the contribution of UAE Innovates 2023 to achieving goals of the We the UAE 2031 vision, which aims to establish the UAE as one of the top 10 countries in the world for healthcare, and to position Emirati cities among the best in the world for wellbeing.

The challenges that the EHS has presented as part of Pitch@GOV include promoting healthy lifestyles, proactive and interactive monitoring of emergency cases, and enhancing integration between healthcare institutions.

RTA has presented the challenge of innovation in customer-centric services in the transportation sector, challenges represent a call for new innovations that focus on customer happiness, and solutions that have a positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.

Innovators and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas and solutions to a jury of experts and specialists from MBRCGI, MBRIF, the Emirates Health Services and RTA. Projects will be judged on novelty, replicability, impact, and communication.

Winners will receive initial financing of AED 30,000 and will be honored at the closing ceremony of UAE Innovates 2023.

UAE Innovates is the world's largest national event of its kind celebrating innovation and innovators. Its eighth edition builds on the success of Innovation Week and UAE Innovation Month. The month-long celebrations is part of the government's continuous efforts to spread the culture of innovation in the government sector by celebrating new achievements and solutions. It aims to enhance the UAE's position as a global center for innovation and knowledge and as an incubator for developing and implementing projects that improve quality of life.

The UAE government announced the launch of “UAE Innovates 2023,” held in collaboration with Executive Councils nationwide. The press conference for the 2023 edition unveiled that it will witness hundreds of events and activities during February.

This was revealed at the press conference led by H.E. Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs; Abeer Tahlak, Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation; and in the presence and participation of coordinators from the executive council across the UAE, and representatives from the media.

Speaking at the conference, H.E. Huda Al Hashimi stressed that UAE Innovates 2023 would catalyze the nation's endeavors in supporting innovation and sustainability, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in declaring 2023 the “Year of Sustainability”.

H.E. stated that the nationwide celebrations reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that the future belongs to whoever can imagine it, design it, and implement it. The event aims to promote the culture of innovation in the UAE government and the wider community. It highlights the impact of all innovations that will be presented and celebrated throughout the month-long event.

H.E. Huda Al Hashimi added that UAE Innovates is the largest national event celebrating innovation and talents nationwide with government and private sector entities.

For her part, Abeer Tahlak touched upon new features of the UAE Innovates 2023, which will witness hundreds of in-person and virtual events, including competitions, presentations, and innovation hackathons across various regions within the UAE, adding that events during February will reflect the leadership’s vision in adopting and incorporating sustainability in vital sectors, primarily; innovation.

This year’s edition of the UAE Innovates Award 2023 will also have an additional category for the most sustainable innovative project, which is a special category included this year, in line with the UAE Year of Sustainability. In addition, the UAE Innovates 2023 Award winners will be recognized in a ceremony that marks the end of the event.

During the press conference, representatives of the UAE Innovates Executive Councils shared details of the events and activities planned by each emirate.

H.E. Mubarak Hamad Al Mheiri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, said: “We believe in the importance of collaboration to strengthen the culture of innovation, develop national capabilities, and enhance competitiveness and the ability to meet the requirements of national key sectors in the future. The active participation of various government entities in the activities of UAE Innovates 2023 reflects our commitment to helping achieve the vision of our leadership, which considers innovation as a key pillar and the driving force behind the development of various sectors.”

H.E. Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, said: “The UAE is synonymous with innovation. From the ‘One Million Programmers’ initiative to the Museum of the Future and from metaverse strategies at the federal and local levels to the Dubai Program for Research and Development, the country has established itself as a capital of the future and a leading destination for innovators around the world.”

H.E. Al Basti added: “UAE Innovates, now in its eighth session and held under the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, is an embodiment of the country’s commitment to innovation. The UAE and its leadership in innovation, which has underpinned the country’s development over the past five decades, has contributed to high rankings across global innovation indices.”

H.E. Al Basti concluded: "Dubai's experience in innovation, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, is a story that deserves to be shared with the world. It represents an example of what innovation can achieve for humanity. We are proud of the wide participation of Dubai’s government entities and private sector companies in UAE Innovates 2023.”

H.E. Asma Rashid bin Taliah, Secretary General of Sharjah Executive Council, said: “There is a deep-rooted culture of innovation within the government of Sharjah, based on the vision and directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which places science, knowledge, and sustainable development at the heart of progress.” HE added: “Within the general policies set by the Executive Council headed by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, all government entities work continuously to promote innovation, develop their services and launch initiatives.”

H.E. Asma concluded: “The emirate's government includes innovators and talents, who through their dedicated work and creativity, have contributed to the development of government services and the strengthening of Sharjah as an environment that fosters innovation.”

H.E. Muhammad Sorour Al Naqbi, Acting Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Umm Al Quwain, said: “UAE Innovates supports the National Innovation Strategy and contributes to enhancing the country's position as a global innovation hub. It also motivates the public and private sectors and individuals to adopt innovative practices. Innovation has become a pillar of government work in the UAE, which embraces and applies the principles of innovation to seek solutions to challenges in creative ways. “

H.E. Al Naqbi added: “We are grateful for the support of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, as well as His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain and Chairman of Umm Al Quwain Executive Council. Our leadership has been invaluable in spreading a culture of knowledge and encouraging innovations that support the development of government and society.”

H.E. Al Naqbi explained: “UAE Innovates is a continuation of the country's approach to spreading a culture of innovation and enhancing government work. Innovation is a key pillar in driving development in various areas, and this annual platform enhances the UAE’s position as a global innovation center.”

“Working alongside the local and federal government, the UAE Innovates team in Umm Al Quwain coordinates with all government agencies in the emirate to organize events, activities, and workshops. It also supports the work of innovative laboratories to generate innovations that enhance the work of governments,” HE Al Naqbi concluded.

H.E. Dr. Mohammed Abdullatif Khalifa, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Ras Al Khaimah, said: “UAE Innovates represents an opportunity to celebrate the innovative achievements that support our national strategy to prepare for the future through conceiving and designing solutions to challenges and by promoting a culture of innovation across society. Our national economy, global competitiveness, and global position depend on our ambition and ability to build capabilities and realize our potential. Our leadership provides the ingredients for success so we can improve the quality of life and the prosperity of humanity.”

Dr. Mohammed added: “We are grateful for all the efforts made at federal, local, and community levels that have made this event an annual celebration that showcases developments in thought, practice, and application. The Ras Al Khaimah government is using UAE Innovates to unveil various innovations in various fields that reflect our commitment to contributing to the UAE’s future.”

H.E. Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Director of the Fujairah Emiri Court, said: “UAE Innovates has become an annual national occasion that celebrates innovators and highlights innovative projects that support the UAE’s vision and strengthen its competitiveness in sectors that serve humanity and national development.” HE Al Dhanhani added: “The activities taking place this year represent a renewed drive in the UAE’s innovation journey, cementing its position as a global platform for innovation and enhancing its position in global competitiveness indices.”

H.E. Al Dhanhani concluded: “This event is a priority for the Fujairah Government, led by Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah. The emirate will participate in UAE Innovates by launching a series of initiatives and projects and encouraging individual and corporate innovators to join this national journey and support its objectives.”
Made for UAE Innovates.

On the sidelines of the events, multiple partnerships will be launched, such as the new collaboration between MBRCGI and noon Mahali that will expand the platform to Emirati product developers to showcase and sell their unique, scalable products with a “Made for UAE Innovates” Stamp. As well as learn how to develop and sell a product through noon to expand their skills for future developments.

Collaboration with Ferjan Dubai

The UAE Innovates 2023 will also serve as a platform to launch the partnership between MBRCGI and Ferjan Dubai, to highlight the stories of Emirati innovators and talents, and spread the culture of innovation around neighborhoods in the city.

Since its inception in 2015, UAE Innovates has become an annual flagship event in the UAE that supports the government’s vision to enrich the culture of innovation and to reinforce UAE’s position as a global center for innovation to benefit the future of humanity.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI) in collaboration with Cambridge University has launched the sixth cohort of the Public Sector Innovation Diploma program.
The program includes the participation of 60 Emirati public sector innovators coming from federal and local government backgrounds, chosen out of 200 applicants for the program, which aims to enrich skills and nurture local talent to boost innovation in the public sector to enhance and develop public services.
In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the Public Sector Innovation Diploma program is one of the UAE’s leading initiatives to foster innovation within the government sector.
Organized by MBRCGI in partnership with Cambridge University, the program supports the development of Emirati innovators by sharing knowledge, skills, and the expertise needed to improve the public sector and government work, while increase the government’s global competitiveness, agility and resilience.
The main objective of the diploma program is to build the next generation of public sector innovation leaders. Launched in 2015, the diploma comprises an intensive program that includes training, workshops, and field visits to introduce government employees to the concepts that can enhance the culture of innovation in their entities.
Participants are also tasked to work in teams to design and develop a capstone project that can solve challenges in the government sector.
The program includes five main pillars, namely; define & explore, concept generation, agile innovation, pivot & transform, and execution. During the program, participants are asked to find innovative solutions to a certain challenge that can be implemented within six months of completing the diploma.
The program embodies the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for government entities to adopt new methodologies that focus on rapidly creating transformational projects.
Her Excellency Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, reiterated the vision and goals of the UAE government, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which aims to enhance the capabilities of upcoming generations of innovators. She added;” These visionaries will contribute to empowering government entities and new effective services that will positively impact society.”
H.E. further said; “The Public Sector Innovation Diploma embodies the idea that innovation is the key enabler for the UAE’s competitiveness and growth. The launch of the sixth cohort is in line with the government’s vision of embedding innovation in their entities’ daily operations. The UAE government empowers the community by providing them with the necessary tools to continuously build and evolve innovative government services.”
Around 300 government employees have graduated from the Public Sector Innovation Diploma since it launched in 2015.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) have chosen 21 innovative projects as the winners of Pitch@MBRCGI.
Out of the 300 projects submitted, the 21 projects were shortlisted at GITEX, while two projects were selected as the winners of the competition; Mohammad AlShamsi for his digital platform Nbnii, and Nawel Mahmoudi for her innovation Value Grid, which uses artificial intelligence.
The two winners will join MBRIF’s accelerator programme, which is designed to enhance and develop entrepreneurial skills and facilitate connections with leading industry experts.
The Pitch@MBRCGI, launched in September, embodies the Centre’s efforts to enrich the culture of innovation and collaboration in the UAE. MBRCGI continuously works to position the UAE as a leading global innovation hub, while also fostering talent from around the world.
The Pitch@MBRCGI initiative aims to support innovators in the UAE and provide them with the opportunity to present their innovations and ideas before a panel of judges and specialists. MBRCGI will also finance the winning projects. The initiative supports innovators to implement projects that will have a positive impact on society.
Motivating innovators in Emirati society
Her Excellency Huda AlHashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, said: “Pitch@MBRCGI has succeeded in attracting elite innovators and thinkers, who submitted more than 300 innovative projects, 21 of which were shortlisted, and just two of which were selected as winners.
“Motivating innovators and promoting efforts to cultivate a culture of innovation in the UAE, in a way that enhances community participation in creating public services, is a key objective of MBRCGI. Pitch@MBRCGI has underlined the significant role of community members in contributing to enhancing public services and quality of life.”
Accelerating projects
His Excellency Younis Haji Al-Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, said: “We are delighted to support a unique and impactful initiative such as Pitch@MBRCGI where entrepreneurs share solutions that they have created using incredible new technologies to solve serious global challenges. Two winners of this competition have the opportunity to become part of the MBRIF Innovation Accelerator programme that will help them enhance their business model, support their market entry and gain access to investors. Our partnership with MBRCGI further demonstrates our commitment to the UAE’s vision and support growth, diversity and excellence in the country.”
The unique accelerator programme focuses on innovation and cooperation and provides world-class services and training to members to accelerate their business, raise capabilities and expertise, boost standards, and create added value. Its objectives are in line with the National Innovation Strategy as it aims to help innovative companies realise their potential and contribute to shaping the future of the national economy.
Nbnii
The first award winner was Mohammad AlShamsi, who was selected for his digital platform Nbnii, which enables end-users to quickly and easily find construction companies and renovation service providers, based on geographical location and the time required to complete the task., providing a service that facilitates connecting customers and service providers in a transparent and clear platform to inspect and renovate buildings and provide quick and cost-effective services in emergency cases while providing the time required to complete the services.
Construction companies can use the platform to quote prices on projects. The customer only pays the service provider when they accept their offer. Once the project is completed, customers can submit their feedback on the service to help identify the most reliable service providers.
Value Grid
The second winner was Nawel Mahmoudi, who was selected for her innovation, Value Grid, which uses artificial intelligence and data solutions to analyse documents quickly and help users make decisions based on the data, which deploys technology to perform daily tasks, such as reviewing, comparing, and analysing documents. The innovative technological tool can analyse thousands of documents within minutes, and can extract the important data, compare it, and present its findings to users, enabling them to make quick decisions based on artificial intelligence solutions.
Technology-based innovations
Pitch@MBRCGI received a wide range of submissions, including solutions that leveraged innovative technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence solutions and virtual reality. Judging was based on a set of criteria, including novelty, replicability, impact, and communication.
A jury comprised of leading experts evaluated the shortlisted projects during GITEX Technology Week earlier this month. The participants presented their projects before the jury, which included Abeer Tahlak, Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation; Khaled ElShabrawy, Government and Small Cities Lead - Microsoft UAE; Shaker Fareed Abdulrahman Zainal, Chief mSMEs Officer at Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund and Nabeel Javed, Vice President- Guarantee Scheme at Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund; and Patricia Keating, Manager – Scale Lead, PwC.

The UAE Government celebrated the winners of the UAE Innovates Award during a ceremony held at the Museum of the Future (MOTF) in Dubai yesterday on Monday. Eight winning projects were singled out from almost 500 submissions in the second edition of the annual awards program.

The award ceremony concluded UAE Innovates 2022, the largest national initiative of its kind by the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI), which comprised events and activities across all seven emirates throughout February attracting broad participation from federal and local government entities, the private sector, academia, and community members. UAE Innovates aims to enrich the culture of innovation in the country and promote community participation in creating experiences and initiatives that can support the UAE’s vision for the next 50 years.

The ceremony was attended by HE Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, HE Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, HE Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Director General of the Prime Minister's Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, and HE Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affair.
Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, said: “Our leadership has ensured innovation is a central pillar of the UAE for the next 50 years. The activities of UAE Innovates 2022 reflect the UAE’s efforts to cultivate a culture of innovation within government and society through various initiatives, projects, and events. The UAE Innovates Award embodies the government’s strategy to incubate and develop innovative solutions and stimulate creative ideas from government employees to find solutions to challenges.”

Her Excellency Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, commented: “With the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, The UAE Government has succeeded in making innovation a common practice within government and society to prepare a new generation of innovators, enhancing their capabilities and motivating them to participate in developing proactive solutions for future challenges, thus contributing to improving lives.”

Al Hashimi congratulated the award winners and called on them to continue to actively participate in finding new and innovative solutions to challenges. She also called for the deployment of innovations and pioneering ideas to ensure the sustainability of opportunities and solutions, while enhancing the nation’s scientific and technological excellence.

The UAE Innovates Award ceremony recognized eight government agencies that presented innovative projects were chosen from more than 460 initiatives and projects across six main categories included: the automation of government procedures; digital leadership; resource utilization, simplifying procedures; social services; and the best radical innovation. The winning projects will be included in the third edition of the UAE Innovations Report. Judges assessed according to several evaluation criteria, including novelty, replicability, impact, speed, and proactivity.

The Best Innovation Award for the Automation of Government Procedures
The Artificial Intelligence Dementia Diagnosis Project won the Best Innovation Award for the Automation of Government Procedures. Emirates Health Services (EHS) participated in the project, which is a computer program based on a five-minute cognition assessment tool using AI technology. It provides objective criteria of cognitive performance in elderly people.
His Excellency Dr. Youssef Al Serkal, Director General of the Emirates Foundation for Health Services, said: “We are keen to provide the highest standards of health services by leveraging innovative technologies and artificial intelligence to improve the quality of life of individuals.”

The Best Innovation in Digital Leadership
The Digital Health Passport Project, affiliated with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), won the digital leadership category. It is an innovative digital model that merges the online systems of the public and private health sectors to provide accurate real-time data that can support decision-making and provide a mechanism for following-up on cases to ensure a rapid response. This project has contributed to accomplishing constructive and rapid changes during the COVID-19 pandemic period, as well as the recovery phase. It positively impacted the performance of Dubai’s healthcare ecosystem, while attaining the fastest response rates for positive cases. All Dubai’s residents and visitors benefited from this system.

His Excellency Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, Director General of DHA, said: “The awards promote positive competition between institutions to represent initiatives that enhance the country's keen interest in innovation and creativity. Also, the award motivates the institutions to invent new methods of providing services that exceed patient expectations and enhance the healthcare system.”

Most Innovative Use of Resources
The winner in the Most Innovative Use of Resources category was Ajman Department of Finance's Forsan Robots, which harnesses robotic process automation to monitor the implementation of the government's budget, benefitting all government agencies.

H.E. Marwan Ahmed Al Ali, Director General of Ajman’s Department of Finance at Ajman Department of Finance, said: “The department's projects reflect its efforts to enrich the culture of innovation and leadership in the financial sector, allowing employees to focus on higher-value businesses, and ensuring the integrity of Ajman government's financial performance data.”

Most Innovative Government Process
The Most Innovative Government Process category was shared by two entities: The Ministry of Community Development and Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority for their e-connection social security project. The project succeeded in e-connecting with 44 government and local entities to ensure work facilitation and acceleration. It contributed to conducting over 18 million transactions in 29 months, saving more than 7 billion dirhams in providing services costs and reducing the number of visits by 22,000 annually. This has saved more than 10 million dirhams in the social security budget annually and reduced the social security beneficiaries gap from 200,000 to 80,000 per month while cutting the waiting list by 50%.

Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, commented: “Our participation in the award is aligned with the vision of the country's leadership to stimulate innovative ideas and adopt innovations, supporting the country’s direction for the next 50 years. We are proud to participate in the activities of UAE Innovates by launching various initiatives that enhance our services”.

His Excellency Eng. Majed Sultan Al-Mismar, Director General of the Communications Regulatory Authority and Digital Government said: "The APIs platform project embodies the government’s digital transformation. Digital governance is no longer a project limited to one sector, but rather a joint effort involving all sectors to prepare the future in a practical way.”

Most Innovative Community Services
In the Most Innovative Community Services category, the award was won by Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority for its innovative Comprehensive Childhood Data System, an advanced analytics platform using the latest technologies. This platform conducts a 360 study of a child's situation in order to understand the challenges facing the early childhood sector and highlight areas of improvement in this sector to support decisions and policymakers. This system has revealed that children of underprivileged families are facing challenges at an emirate level, which led to the formation of a work team from various government agencies to design targeted support programs to address this challenge.

Her Excellency Sanaa Mohammed Suhail, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, said: “Since our inception in 2019, we have developed an effective strategy based on participation, change and innovation which is a key feature of our work to contribute in enhancing the UAE’s global position.”

Most Innovative Disruptive Project
The Ministry of Interior won in this category with its Facial Recognition for Remote Digital Verification of Digital Transactions and Identities project, a digital portal for remotely authenticating digital transactions and identities using facial recognition. The project succeeded in authenticating more than 2 million digital identity accounts, opening more than 40,000 bank accounts and testing more than 20,000 applicants.

Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, said: “I am proud of the ministry’s continuous efforts to support the modernization of the police work system and raising efficiency and performance in a way that enhances safety and security and improves the happiness and well-being of society”.

In the Most Innovative Disruptive Project category, Dubai Customs won with its Customs Dolphins project, a smart dolphin-like remotely controlled aquatic robot that moves at high speeds on the surface of the sea and carries a camera that can be controlled from above or below to monitor vessels and maritime traffic.

His Excellency Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs and CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said: “Dubai Customs has succeeded in developing a work environment that stimulates creativity and innovation, and develop innovations that gain more importance in promoting trade and facilitating travel.”

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI) is organizing the UAE Innovates Exhibition at the Festival Garden in Expo 2020 Dubai, during 11-16 February, 3pm-8pm, and will host daily sessions on the theme of innovation for the public.
The exhibition is a part of the UAE Innovates 2022, which takes place throughout the UAE in February. A special installation for the exhibition at Expo will showcase special air purifying stations designed to sit alongside roads and an AI assistant that can help airports maximise efficiency are among government innovations and technologies.
The UAE Innovates is one of the world’s largest nationwide innovation festivals that comprises events across all seven emirates throughout February. MBRCGI’s initiative is part of the government's ongoing efforts to support a culture of public sector innovation by celebrating achievements and recognising novel solutions and processes.
Visitors to the UAE Innovates Exhibition at Expo will be able to engage in a range of experiences and activations provided by federal entities including Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Climate Change, National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NECMA), Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, and General Civil Aviation Authority, Emirates Health Services (EHS). Local government entities such as Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) will also participate in the exhibition showcasing their novel innovations.
The exhibition, taking place at the Festival Garden, is divided into five zones that are Health Innovations, Future Economy, Utilising Data, Tech for Good, and Green Barjeel.
The Ministry of Interior will display four innovative products, including the Emirates Sniper project, which is a remote-controlled vehicle used for security at events, the Emirates Falcon drone project, the Fire Robot project, which is mini fire-extinguishing mechanism, and the Bin Woriqa smart service project which provides doctors easy access to hospitals.
Also on show is a National Early Warning System, an integrated system designed, by the Ministry of Interior to protect lives and property by delivering warning messages during emergencies and crises via mobile phones, radio and television, smart screens on roads, and loudspeakers in mosques.
The Ministry of Climate Change will showcase the ‘Green Barjeel’ project, which involves installing algae stations in strategic locations, primarily; next to main roads, in order to absorb and store greenhouse emissions. Carbon emissions management is monitored in real time via a smart electronic platform.
The General Civil Aviation Authority will showcase AI Planner, which is an electronic assistant that can help Air Traffic Control Officers maximise efficiency and increase capacity. The AI Planner can process information faster than humans, providing Air Traffic Control Officers with accurate predictions on traffic flow and swiftly suggesting safe decisions.
UAE Innovates was launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre of Government Innovation in 2016 following the success of UAE Innovates Week. Full agenda of UAE Innovates 2022 is available on the website: https://uaeinnovates.gov.ae/

UAE Innovates 2022 kicks-off tomorrow, Tuesday, with all seven emirates participating in one of the largest innovation festivals in the world, to instill a culture of innovation and engage the community in innovative experiences and initiatives that contribute to the UAE’s next 50 years.
Overseen by Mohammed bin Rashid Centre of Government Innovation (MBRCGI), UAE Innovates 2022 takes place throughout February, engaging federal and local government entities, the private sector, academia, and community members in futureproof initiatives that improve wellbeing and help create more resilient government models.
UAE Innovates 2022 comprises hundreds of events across the UAE, including conferences, workshops, as well as awards.
Her Excellency Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, said: "The UAE Government is keen to consolidate innovation across all vital sectors. The nationwide festival will embrace creative ideas and innovations, and engage the community through projects, and initiatives. UAE Innovates 2022 includes events taking place at Expo 2020 Dubai, in line with its mission to connect minds and create the future, bringing together the UAE’s best talents to showcase the most impactful government innovations.”
UAE Innovates 2022 begins on February 1st and concludes its activities on February 28th, which will include more than 60 dedicated events at Expo 2020 Dubai. One of the main installations at Expo 2020 Dubai will be an MBRCGI exhibition at Festival Garden, where innovative government experiences will be highlighted, and dedicated sessions and workshops in various fields of innovation are organised by government entities.
As part of the UAE Innovates 2022 activities, the Ministry of Interior will display four innovative products, including the Emirates Sniper project, which is a remote-controlled vehicle used for security at events, the Emirates Falcon drone project, the Fire Robot project, which is mini fire-extinguishing mechanism, and the Bin Woriqa smart service project to provide doctors easy access to hospitals.
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security is also organising the “Our Digital Services” exhibition, displaying identity and citizenship services, golden residency, digital customs services, proactive services, digital faceprint authentication services, and smart application services.
Dubai Courts will be showing its digital litigation initiative, the interactive and integrated smart system that enables customers to conveniently access all litigation services around the clock. The Child Rights Law "Wadeema", the first law available in an interactive illustrated manner, with the aim of facilitating the delivery of information to children and helping them understand their rights, will also be on display.
The Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is showcasing innovative solutions that adopt artificial intelligence tools that reduce food waste and enhance food security through early detection of plant diseases, as the project leverages data analysis tools to support farmers in various stages of production and marketing.
The Ministry of Economy, in collaboration with the Emirates Youth Council, is organising an event that highlights innovative projects and the achievements of young talents, aiming to motivate young people to innovate. Dubai Police is organising an innovation exhibition inside the Fazaa Pavilion, where it will showcase the latest security innovations.
The Emirates Health Service (EHS) will hold a virtual dialogue session on the human genome, precision medicine and pharmacogenetics, during which it will highlight the UAE genome program and its positive impact in the healthcare sector.
The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is organising a workshop entitled "The Entrepreneurial Mindset: The Symbol of Future Generations", in which it reviews a number of inspiring innovative stories, and a number of practices and tools used by successful entrepreneurs in the 21st century.
The Ajman Chamber will launch the advanced program for entrepreneurship and industrial innovation to help develop skills of industrial entrepreneurs and build knowledge in the fields of industrial design and manufacturing.
The Human Resources Department in Fujairah will organise an event in the Future Foresight Hall, showcasing 3D and AI-based smart services.
MBRCGI’s month-long event concludes with the UAE Innovates Award, which will celebrate and recognise some of the most impactful innovations implemented at the local and federal government level over the last 12 months. It also aims to promote innovation in various sectors and enhance the community’s involvement in creating future initiatives that can improve lives and create more robust government models.
UAE Innovates is part of the government's ongoing efforts to cultivate a culture of public sector innovation by celebrating achievements and recognising novel solutions and processes. The initiative’s objective is to position the UAE as a global hub for innovation and knowledge and a nurturing environment for developing and implementing projects to enhance the public sector.
UAE Innovates was launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre of Government Innovation in 2016 following the success of UAE Innovation Week.
Full agenda and all dates of UAE Innovates 2022 are available via the website: https://uaeinnovates.gov.ae/

The UAE Government launched the “Moonshot Pilot Grant” aiming to enlist experts globally, to help develop and implement innovative ideas and projects to improve public sector initiatives and enhance the country’s readiness for the future.
The UAE government is looking for applicants for its new public sector innovation fund, the Moonshot Pilot Grant, offering up to $100,000 per pilot that will facilitate testing of potential government initiatives and accelerate their development and implementation in the public sector.
The grant was unveiled during the Moonshot Apprenticeship Program graduation event, implemented by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI), where graduates presented their solutions and ideas to key ministers and representatives of the UAE government.
The ceremony was attended by UAE ministers including: H.E. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth; H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; H.E. Dr Ahmed bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises; H.E. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future; H.E. Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology; as well as H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.
Other dignitaries included: H.E. Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs; H.E. Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs; H.E. Saeed Al Eter, Chair of the UAE Government Media Office; and H.E. Eng. Majid Sultan Al-Mismar, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and the Digital Government.
Her Excellency Huda Al Hashimi confirmed UAE government vision in adopting a regenerative framework that is based on innovation, and an advanced work model to enhance government’s agility and readiness towards a better future.
H.E. said “The Moonshot Pilot Grant will create a supportive environment for innovation in governments by defining objectives, developing a general project structure, and setting achievable targets; in line with the “Principles of the 50” aiming to build a new generation of young talents and create a knowledge-based economy.”
The MBRCGI’s Moonshot grant supports the UAE’s vision to enhance the country’s competitiveness and promote its status as the capital for talents and future for the next 50 years. The grant will fund projects related to the government sector, such as data, govtech, economy, global outreach, and global talent.
Potential applicants will be able to submit their ideas and projects via the GIC website: https://gic.mbrcgi.gov.ae/
The Moonshot Pilot Grant will also enable governments to build more sustainable and robust economies by facilitating new solutions to government financing, new tools to achieve growth, and smart spending plans for crises and emergencies.
MBRCGI is seeking top global experts who are willing to test their innovative ideas in the UAE. Applicants for the Moonshot Grant must demonstrate concrete actions that can change the core of governance and help create pockets of innovation that can be scaled to support governments. Concepts must be impactful, improve governments, disruptive, practical, timely (to be completed in six months), globally relevant, and implemented in the UAE.
The Grant reflects the shift from traditional methods of developing public sector innovations to a world where top talents from across sectors participate from the idea stage to implementation on a national level. It also aims to attract high performing researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs from various sectors; contributing to find solutions to the most pressing challenges, through empowering them to develop and implement their initiatives.

You could download the “Moonshot Pilot Grant” video, via:
https://we.tl/t-eQFsIlhMNq
You could also download the “Moonshot Apprenticeship Program graduation” video, via:
https://we.tl/t-1dG3kc3Pyb