UAE, November 24, 2016 - In celebration of the UAE Innovation Week 2016, the Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC) has held a ‘Reading Day’ recently as part of the national efforts to promote science, innovation and reading and place the UAE as one of the leading capitals in culture, knowledge and innovation. 

This move is part of a series of events themed ‘Invent for a Better Tomorrow’ which aims to spur innovation and creativity among SLC’s senior management and staff in bid to create a legal environment that pioneers on legislation, rational and effective legal opinions.

The Innovation and Creativity Team has also organized an activity for the ‘Day of Knowledge’ at SLC headquarters in Dubai, including a workshop titled ‘Creative Thinking’ under the supervision of Professor Mohammad Murad. The event gained wide participation and commendation among the staff as they appreciate the value of experiences in understanding the principles of creative thinking, as well as the major elements that could help them hone creativity and innovation as individuals and within institutions.

H.E. Ahmed Saeed Bin Mishar Al Muhairi, Secretary General, Supreme Legislation Committee, said: 'Choosing ‘Invent for a Better Tomorrow’ as the theme for this year’s celebration of the UAE Innovation Week 2016 stems from our belief in the importance of adopting innovation as a government, institution and community and raise our level of excellence and benchmark for leadership as we dream to become one of the world's most advanced nations by 2021. 

We are positive that ‘Reading Day’ and ‘Knowledge Day’ have inspired us to continue inventing as we move along in this innovation journey, in line with vision of our leaders. They have imparted on us that innovation is not an intellectual luxury or administrative improvement, but it is the secret of governments to be able to persist and evolve, and it is the secret behind the progress of their people.”

He added: 'We make sure to effectively contribute to the cognitive, cultural, social and creative movement that will place the UAE as a leader in innovation and become a global cultural capital through our sustained efforts on developing creative energies and innovative ideas, as well as deepening and enriching knowledge as they are the foundations of a far-reaching cultural growth. 

There is no doubt that ‘Reading Day’, ‘Knowledge Day’ and other similar events creates the drive for the Supreme Legislation Committee in Dubai to generate interest in science, encourage reading and promote innovation. It is an initiative that will have remarkable positive impact in helping us achieve our aspirations to create a distinct legal and legislative environment that is realistic, forward-looking, and supports the nation’s sustainable development plans.”

Murshed Hassan Mullah, Head of the Innovation and Creativity Team at the Supreme Legislation Committee, commented: 'Our events portfolio for the UAE Innovation Week 2016 were focused on two main areas: reading and knowledge, which is in line with the Secretariat's commitment to create an environment that encourages creativity, innovation and excellence. It also enhances our human resources development, consistent with our national goals to make innovation a key pillar in our future.” 

“This year, we have also introduced a series of creative activities such as a competition on culture held during the ‘Reading Day’, ‘Creative Thinking’ and ‘Knowledge Day.’ We also have entertainment and interactive competitions during the opening day which helped build a positive atmosphere among male and female employees. We are looking forward to organize similar initiatives moving forward to help improve the creative capabilities of the staff in ways that would serve Dubai’s aspirations in advancing sustainable development supported by an integrated and well-developed legislative system,” added Mullah.

During the ‘Reading Day,’ SLC also conducted a Cultural Competition and announced the winners of the contest ‘I Read to You.’ The Secretariat concluded its celebration of UAE Innovation Week 2016 with an ‘Open Day’ featuring contests and other entertaining activities that highlight innovation and creativity.