Foreword | Special edition | Inspiring the next 50 years: A future with no boundaries

An illustration of Essam Al Tamimi, Chairman, Al Tamimi & Company. 

Welcome to this special edition of Law Update that focuses on the UAE’s Centennial 2071 plan.

This year is very much a year of reflection; a time to reflect on what the UAE has achieved since its inception 50 years ago, and a time to reflect on the UAE’s vision for the next 50 years. 

In this issue we look back, with pride, at what this country has achieved in its young life, and look forward, with optimism, to continue pursuing the vision of the UAE’s founding fathers and UAE Centennial 2071. Launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, UAE Centennial 2071 features four distinct pillars: a future focused government; offering excellent education; creating a diversified knowledge economy; and a happy and cohesive society. These pillars will ensure continued investment in the country’s future generations, and will prepare and provide them with the necessary skills to adapt to the rapidly changing times. Furthermore, the Plan will ensure the UAE preserves its place on the global stage as a forward thinking, innovative and creative hub. 

As we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of the UAE, we are also honoured to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Al Tamimi & Company’s Law Update, a leading publication since its inception. The magazine has, and continues to, document, comment on and offer insights into the country’s and region’s legal landscape. 

My partners, colleagues and I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our clients, friends and government authorities that have supported us on this journey. With their support we have made a mark as legal pioneers across the Middle East & North Africa (‘MENA’) region, whilst supporting the ideals and vision of our esteemed leaders.

A key feature of this special edition are the interviews we conducted with a number of industry leaders, who highlight the outstanding attributes across all areas of the UAE Centennial 2071 plan. Their insights provide a sense of the sheer scope and optimism of the plan and highlights how the attributes are infused in the entrepreneurial spirit of the nation to drive development. I would like to personally thank those who contributed their valuable insights to this milestone issue of Law Update. 

As a starting point, we have a special feature on the UAE Government which provides a detailed overview of how the UAE Centennial 2071 vision was born. Through a strong desire to continue to serve its people, and ensure that the UAE will top the world in all facets of its economy, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, innovation and technology [read here].

Looking at the implications of the pandemic on education and what the future might look like, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, believes the online learning programmes implemented by most schools at the outset of the pandemic were swift, made the necessary adjustments and minimised interruption to education [read here].

Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President of International Relations, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, offers insights into his vision of how Dubai and the UAE can continue to grow as an attractive financial hub. Mr Hassan also reflects on the importance of supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of women, their role in education and the workplace [read here].

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation gives his views on the Foundation’s contribution to the UAE Centennial 2071 plan [read here]. The Foundation’s name speaks for itself!

Paddy Padmanathan, President and CEO of ACWA Power, discusses how ACWA Power is supporting the UAE in its journey towards sustainability, as well as pioneering the development and cost reduction of renewable power generation and water desalination projects [read here].

Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of Al Gurg Group writes how they continue to evolve and adapt against the ever-changing backdrop of Dubai [read here].

We also hear from Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, who gives us valuable insights into the world of transport and logistics and shares his thoughts on what to expect in the future [read here].

In addition, we cover a number of topics that have left an indelible footprint on the UAE’s legal landscape and which are worthy of note. 

Our teams across the UAE touch on a wide variety of topics including: the recently established State Ministry for Food Security and the new UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 [read here]; the ever-changing nature of Space and how we can benefit from it [read here]; how the Education sector has adapted to the demands of the pandemic [read here]; and the pros and cons of introducing further tax commitments [read here].

I hope you enjoy this special edition and its celebration of the UAE.