UAE, 5 October 2017- The Department of Economic Development (DED) – Ajman will host on November 1, 2017 the 4th Emirates Economic Planning Forum at the Emirates Hospitality Center (EHC) in Ajman. To be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman and Member of the UAE Supreme Council of the Union, the two-day forum under the theme ‘Overseeing the future in light of new economic changes’ will take place in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi. 

H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy, said the Emirates Economic Planning Forum provides a national platform to promote cooperation and communication between the Ministry and the UAE’s various Departments of Economic Development.  

H.E. added that the session affords concerned federal and local government bodies with an opportunity to work together to develop key economic planning and development strategies, drive the UAE’s economic progress, and bring the country to new levels of distinction and excellence. 

According to H.E., the fourth edition comes amid expectation that the country will achieve a 3 per cent economic growth by next year driven primarily by its growing non-oil sectors and increasing large-scale infrastructure projects. 

The UAE, H.E. said, is considered one of the most diversified oil-exporting Arab nations in the world, with the country’s oil activities accounting for only less than one-third of its gross domestic product (GDP).  He noted that the UAE is expected to lead other GCC countries in terms of economic growth in 2018.

H.E. Eng. Al Mansoori commended the efforts of DED-Ajman to ensure the succes of the forum’s latest edition. He also lauded the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi for supporting and leading the call to organize the forum and adopting the ‘Integration, planning and partnership’ slogan.

For his part, H.E. Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi, said: “Hosting the Economic Planning Forum for the fourth year in row is a testament to our unshakable resolve to continue our path of integration and constructive communication aimed at achieving inclusive economic development in the UAE.”

He added that the event is in response to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE President, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Supreme Commander of the Union Defense Force; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and Their Highness Members of the UAE Supreme Council of the Union.

H.E. Al Hajeri noted that the Department of Economic Development –Abu Dhabi has been designated to organize the forum this year after Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm al-Quwain, reflecting the commitment of the UAE’s Economic Development Departments and the Ministry of Economy to promote partnerships and sound economic integration and planning to accomplish the goals of UAE Vision 2021.

H.E. also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to DED-Ajman in organizing the current edition and its untiring endeavors to ensure its success. He said the forum has become a common platform for all concerned local bodies and stakeholders involved in enhancing the UAE’s regional and global competitiveness through their unique initiatives, ideas, projects, and plans.