DUBAI: The Global Government Leaders Program (GGLP) organised a number of discussion sessions where UAE officials introduced participants in the programme’s second edition on the country’s key initiatives in the areas of cybersecurity, telecommunication, social empowerment and digital transformation.
GGLP participants were briefed on various success stories of governance, service improvements, capacity building and government leadership by Hessa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority (CDA), Majed Al Mesmar, Director-General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, and Masood Mohamed Sharif, CEO of eand UAE.
The sessions are part of a rich agenda of field visits to government entities and national projects to learn about the UAE’s best practices and success in various strategic sectors.
Hessa Buhumaid welcomed GGLP participants and outlined the aims of the Dubai Social Agenda 33
, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reiterating that the UAE’s leadership prioritises family wellbeing as the cornerstone of a thriving society.
Buhumaid highlighted CDA’s commitment to supporting families through various initiatives, including pre-marriage counselling, senior citizen services, fostering a strong volunteering culture, and comprehensive support for People of Determination.
She also discussed Dubai’s proactive approach to social development, utilising AI-powered predictive analysis to address challenges, like declining birth rates.
She also showcased CDA’s collaborative efforts with federal and local entities to ensure a cohesive and empowered community, coupled with innovative programs that exemplify Dubai’s commitment to a future where social wellbeing is paramount.
Majed Al Mesmar described the UAE’s digital transformation journey as one of relentless progress and innovation, driven by the vision of His High
ness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to ensure consistent, high-quality services across the nation. This vision has translated into strategic initiatives focused on providing affordable, safe, and enriching online experiences for all, with an emphasis on high-speed internet access as an essential service.
‘The UAE’s success in achieving this vision is evident in its world-leading digital infrastructure. Boasting the highest Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) penetration, fastest mobile and fixed broadband speeds, and extensive 5G coverage globally, the nation has created a robust foundation for its digital economy and society,’ Al Mesmar said.
‘Such achievements are the result of collaborative public-private partnerships, regulatory reforms, and government incentives designed to promote investment and innovation in the telecommunications sector.’
He noted that the early adoption of e-learning, e-commerce, and remote work capabilities, coupled with the development of the UAE Pass digital identity platform, has
positioned the nation at the forefront of digital transformation and digital service delivery.
Finally, he highlighted the role of DGOV Academy in underscoring the UAE’s commitment to building a digitally literate population capable of harnessing the full potential of technology.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti said the UAE continues to demonstrate its commitment to pioneering cybersecurity strategies and initiatives, solidifying its position as a global leader in the field. With a history of digital transformation dating back to the establishment of the General Information Authority in 1982, the UAE has consistently prioritised a secure digital landscape.
He noted how the Cybersecurity Council, through national and international collaborations, has promoted a culture of cyber literacy across all segments of the UAE community.
Al Kuwaiti outlined the UAE’s comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, built on key pillars of robust governance through clear laws and regulations; proactive defense of critical assets; and fo
stering a vibrant ecosystem through local and global partnerships spanning public and private sectors, academia, and international consortiums.
Al Kuwaiti said, ‘The UAE’s “pioneering model” status, recognised by the ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index, is a testament to the nation’s ongoing efforts to ensure state-of-the-art, safe digital infrastructure that caters to our future ambitions.’
These efforts include raising awareness through campaigns like JAHEZ and Cyber Pulse, developing technical expertise via programmes like the Cyber Sniper Program and the Cyber Future Leaders Program, and fostering innovation through initiatives like the Cyber E71 startup incubator. Coupled with rigorous testing and evaluation of emerging technologies like AI, these efforts underscore the UAE’s dedication to building a safe and secure digital future.
Al Kuwaiti highlighted the UAE’s participation in international collaborations, such as Crystal Ball and CoPilot, noting that its strategic vision, along with its proactive an
d collaborative approach, ensures its continued leadership in navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity.
eand UAE CEO Masood M. Sharif Mahmood described his early career and his transition from a computer systems engineer to a prominent figure in the UAE’s telecommunications sector. Mahmood emphasised his proactive approach, focusing on identifying opportunities and addressing customer needs, which led him to key roles including CEO of Yahsat.
‘Recognising the pressures on the telecommunications sector due to the rapid spread of advanced technologies, Etisalat underwent a significant strategic shift to become the eand group,’ said Masood. ‘This allowed the company to focus on innovation and expand into more specialised areas, ensuring continued and sustainable growth.’
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood highlighted the UAE government’s support, which prioritises long-term strategic investments in infrastructure, as a key factor in eand’s success. This approach, combined with eand’s commitment to providing pr
emium services, has enabled the group to maintain a strong market position, adapt to evolving customer needs, and keep pace with technological advancements.
He also emphasised the importance of the collaborative relationship between the government and the private sector, particularly in fostering innovation and long-term economic growth.
The Global Government Leaders Program, jointly organised by the Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) operating under the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, empowers first- and second-tier government leaders from participating countries with the goal of enhancing their leadership and management skills. Through a series of field visits, the programme introduces them to project management approaches and best practices, gaining insights they could apply to improve government performance in their own countries.
Participants in the 2nd c
ohort of the Global Government Leaders Program come from 31 countries, namely: Azerbaijan, Mongolia, the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, Bermuda, Ethiopia, Georgia, the Maldives, Andorra, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, Barbados, Romania, Costa Rica, Madagascar, the Seychelles, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Fiji, Rwanda, Senegal, Colombia, Paraguay, Brazil, Turkmenistan, Guyana, Brunei, Malta, Zimbabwe, Serbia and the UAE.
Source: Emirates News Agency