Minister: UAE’s economic strength stems from friendships and partnerships.
The economic resilience of the UAE is not an overnight achievement; it stems from robust partnerships and visionary policies, as stated by Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. During the ‘Building the National Narrative’ session at the Arab Media Summit, he emphasized that successful economic frameworks start with a clear vision of objectives, an understanding of their significance, and a comprehensive plan for execution.
Building Economic Resilience through Strategy
Bin Touq articulated that resilience is the bedrock of a thriving economy, describing it as the “insurance of economies.” He pointed out that the UAE is embedding this concept into its policy formulation and growth strategies. The minister highlighted that true economic diversification should be approached from a perspective of friendship rather than mere partnerships. In a world increasingly characterized by fragmentation, fostering friendships across borders can enhance economic resilience.
He noted that traditional economic practices often focus on finding the lowest-cost supplier or the quickest logistical routes. Today, however, the need for resilience and redundancy in supply chains requires a paradigm shift. The minister urged the importance of evaluating the implications of these friendships and partnerships in fostering a robust economic framework.
The Role of Communication in Economic Development
Another key point raised by Bin Touq is the critical role of government communication and journalism in shaping the perception of the UAE’s development on the global stage. Effective communication, coupled with sound policy, creates a recognizable brand of success, as seen in Dubai’s flourishing landscape. He argued that despite the global trend of fragmented policies, the UAE should maintain its focus on prosperity rather than allowing disruptions to hinder growth.
He further illustrated Dubai’s commitment to turning concepts into actionable plans, emphasizing a structured approach: defining goals, articulating the rationale, planning the execution, and then following through. In the context of recent global challenges, he reassured that the UAE has kept a consistent economic message without wavering in response to external shocks.
Constant Communication During Crises
Bin Touq underscored the need for consistent communication during crises. He emphasized that when challenges arise, the focus should not be on amplifying messages but rather on ensuring ongoing dialogue. Journalists and international audiences gauge the UAE’s resilience not just by its crisis response but by its consistent messaging that aligns with long-established policies.
He continuing conveyed that unifying policy and communication is crucial, noting, “50 percent of the work is policy, and 50 percent is communicating that policy.” A strong policy framework alone is insufficient without robust communication strategies to convey its relevance and impact effectively.
In conclusion, the UAE’s economic resilience is the result of strategic partnerships, well-crafted policies, and consistent communication. As the nation navigates an ever-changing global landscape, these elements serve as the cornerstone of a sustainable and resilient economic future.
