International Conference on Policymaking Concludes with Insightful Discussions on the Future of Port
The International Conference on Policymaking: The Future of Ports concluded on a high note on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in discussions surrounding the future of ports and border control.
The two-day event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, was organized by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
The conference's second and final day featured a distinguished group of top executives and officials in Dubai, along with an elite gathering of leaders, experts, decision-makers, and academic elites from around the world.
The day began with a keynote address by HE Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of GDRFA, emphasizing the significance of proactive governance, especially in the realm of ports. He underscored the need to analyse challenges, seize opportunities, and ensure that the conference's outcomes significantly impact policy-making and governance.
A panel discussion titled "Proactive Governance in Light of Technological Developments: Guiding the Future of Residency and Border Control in Dubai" was the first session to be held on the second day with Dr. Hanan Al Marzooqi, Governance and Compliance Director, GDRFA, moderating it.
Esteemed panellists included the Minister of Economy, HE Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri; Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA; and HE Abdul Rahman Hareb, Director of the Dubai Financial Audit Authority.
During the discussion, HE Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri stressed that the UAE's clear legislation had spurred significant economic shifts. He highlighted that the UAE had attracted foreign investments worth about AED84 billion in 2022. The country's registered companies saw an impressive growth rate of 43%, reaching 750,000, with 275,000 new additions. Further, the UAE witnessed the establishment of 997 new investment projects and recorded a whopping AED 100 billion in national non-oil exports last year.
Al Marri added that the UAE, through “We the UAE 2031,” aims to double its GDP to AED 3 trillion, increase the value of foreign trade to AED 4 trillion, and drive national non-oil exports up to AED 800 billion.
Also speaking was HE Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri. “The pandemic period has been one of the most challenging times that both our nation and the world have experienced. Recognising that the pandemic was an unforeseen and unprecedented circumstance, we have handled it with the utmost professionalism.” Al Marri said, adding that the GDRFA is fully prepared and equipped to respond to any crisis, thanks to the country’s smart and proactive planning strategies.
Proactive Government
The final day featured a significant key session titled "Strategic Governance of Proactive Government: Enhancing the Implementation of Dubai Plan 2031" with HE Aisha Miran, Assistant Secretary General for Strategy Management and Governance, the Executive Council of Dubai, underscoring three key areas during discussions. These include “projects aimed at bolstering infrastructure to lure corporations”, “proactivity, and envisioning the future,” in addition to “efforts to realise Vision 2031”. Miran noted that in the first half of 2023, Dubai Airport welcomed nearly 42 million passengers.
Adding to the list of achievements, Miran pointed out the unprecedented success of GITEX, which saw a record turnout of 100,000 attendees since its inception. Furthermore, Dubai's allure as a tourist hotspot was evident, with the city playing host to around 14.4 million tourists. In addition to this, there has been a triumphant 100% rebound in pivotal sectors, including financial services, real estate, and industry.
More Sustainable Future
Meanwhile, Hashem Al Hashemi, Head of the Technical Development and Improvement Department at GDRFA, moderated another session titled "GDRFA’s Future Strategies," during which he shed light on "Towards a More Sustainable Future", a proactive initiative that aligns seamlessly with the country's envisioned future trajectory.
Delving deeper, Al Hashemi discussed the latest technologies, innovations, projects, and advanced applications that GDRFA uses to improve the experience of travellers. He emphasized that GDRFA is committed to constantly evaluating and refining these innovations to enhance the traveller's experience, quality of life, and security standards.