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The first Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, successfully ended with more local companies looking to integrate innovation in their businesses.
The overwhelming response from both the government and the private sector showed the increasing requirements to undertake innovation within the government and the private organisations in the UAE. Among the topics discussed in the forum were proven innovations from international speakers and company breakthroughs such as Microsoft, Philips and Procter & Gamble.
“Abu Dhabi is leading the UAE and the entire region in bringing innovation to drive economic success. The support we received from the UAE Ministry of Economy led by His Excellency Sultan Al Mansoori during the Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum clearly shows the importance of government’s plan to encourage innovation in all segments of its nationals,” said His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Khalil Al Mutawa, Chief Executive Officer, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development said,
His Excellency Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Abu Dhabi University Chairman added, “It is very motivating to see our local businesses getting out of their comfort zone and try new things that will keep them at par in other enterprises from the international market. Through the Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum, we were given a unique opportunity to learn the best innovative practices from international and local speakers which they can use in coping with the demands of the community.”
“With innovation already in place in some sectors within the UAE, the government should encourage more innovative ideas to integrate in its own economy. Innovation is a continuous process that requires an individual to open up and gain knowledge from someone who has different skills. Embracing radical and incremental innovation is important and should have the ability to take risks,” said Dr. Thomas Andersson, President, International Organisation for Knowledge Economy and Enterprise Development (IKED).
Meanwhile, Khurram Hamid, Global Head of Mobile Marketing from Procter & Gamble, said the event managed to gather innovative minded people around the globe to tackle on the pressing issue of creating innovation in the UAE. The forum convened a good mix of academic and commercial people who all have the passion to develop innovation and eventually drive economic success.
Jihad M B Al-Mughairbi, Specialist-Business Process Improvement, Municipal Affairs Support from the Department of Municipal Affairs, Abu Dhabi, expressed that the forum has urged the Emiratis to become industry-wise and encourage research and development among their ranks.
“The event has focused on the road to innovation and sustainable development in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, which will enable us to be among the five top governments in the world in 2030. Support municipalities must not only implement the tried and tested practices but should customise them to suit our culture and environment and do things in our ways.
“The UAE has a potential for growth and innovation in all areas except oil. Going green is a priority in all industries and the use of innovation will promote efficient utilisation. We are just waiting for the right target,” he added.
Paul Beazer, Facilities Manager from National Catering Corporation and the Gold Sponsor of the forum explained that it has presented very interesting ideas while emphasising the difference between invention and innovation.
“All the business models presented were quite relevant to growing organisations like ours. The UAE needs to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of innovation where there are several opportunities available,” Beazer said.
Furthermore, Racha Haidar, Project Coordinator UAE, German Training Concept from IPIC Ferrostaal Contracting LLC said, “The event was very informative to organisations and had lots of new ideas presented by some very forward-looking thinkers. The ideas presented for a new education system, if implemented, will greatly benefit the younger generation.”
The forum was attended by high-level government personalities headed by His Excellency Engineer Sultan Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy; His Excellency Abdullah Al Ahbabi, Assistant Secretary General, General Secretariat of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Khalil Al Mutawa, Chief Executive Officer, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and His Excellency Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Abu Dhabi University Chairman along with more than 150 companies.
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