Dubai-UAE: 28 February, 2018:  Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) launched four initiatives as part of the UAE Innovation Month, in line with the Foundation's Strategic Plan. The plan is aligned with the vision of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to advance innovation and shape a creative mindset in the country.

Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Executive Chairman of Al Ihsan Charity Association, and Environmental Advisor to the Ajman Government, headlined a workshop entitled ‘The Spirit of Innovation’, that drew the participation of the Foundation’s employees and key business partners and stakeholders.

In an inspirational address, His Highness highlighted the vital need to enhance awareness of innovation and creativity among organizational teams in the private and public sector to achieve the wider national goals of sustainable development. As part of this initiative, IEPO also posted a video film entitled ‘My steps towards innovation’ on all AMAF’s social media channels, in addition to distributing it internally among the Foundation’s staff.

Also, AMAF’s Minors' Affairs Department hosted the ‘I innovate’ exhibition. Showcasing some innovations created by the Foundation’s minors, the event also featured a contest to identify the best ones, triggering enthusiasm and a spirit of healthy competition among the young participants. 

Furthermore, AMAF’s conducted the ‘Innovative Recess’ initiative. Convening different staff teams from the organizational units for informal brainstorming sessions with their directors outside the Foundation's premises, and thereby distancing them from daily work pressures, the sessions documented all of the innovative ideas and suggestions that were later carefully examined for implementation.

Speaking on the UAE Innovation Month initiatives at AMAF, His Excellency Ali Al Mutawa, AMAF’s new Secretary General, said: 'Our visionary government realized a long time ago that countries and societies aspiring to leadership and excellence must shape the culture of innovation and ensure that they implement innovative approaches across all domains. 

“Following the UAE President’s announcement of 2015 as the UAE’s Year of Innovation, the march of creativity has continued across all the emirates. At Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, we are proud of our wise leadership and fully committed to its vision and guidance. Today, the Foundation boasts generations of managers, employees, minors, families and endowers who share the same dream of achieving excellence in creating a brighter and more innovative future for our minors and ensuring their development into productive citizens of tomorrow.'

Pointing out that in addition to celebrating the spirit of innovation in the country, AMAF’s initiatives reinforce the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring a nation-wide culture of innovation, His Excellency Al Mutawa said: 'I believe that our participation in the UAE Innovation Month will lead to a renewed focus on innovation and contribute in no small measure to shaping a better future and happier society.'