Noor Saif Al Mazrouei

Knowledge serves as a driving force that propels societies toward development and progress, reflecting and showcasing the capabilities of society in utilising and harnessing its resources for the benefit of its members and all humanity. It enables the achievement of breakthroughs in various fields in a world driven by knowledge, technology, and creativity.

While knowledge forms the basis for the development of societies, innovation and creativity are key drivers of growth. Indeed, innovation and creativity reflect the optimal utilisation of knowledge to improve lives, deal with problems and challenges and turn them into opportunities that benefit societies. However, in order to achieve these objectives, it is necessary to introduce certain measures that will provide the innovators with resources and support to enable them to produce tangible results on the ground.

In the Middle East, the UAE’s model presents a prominent example of a knowledge-based economy, where knowledge is the central factor of production and the key engine of economic growth. The country is actively investing in education, research and development, and innovation.

Meanwhile, it adopts information and communication technology applications in a knowledge-based economy that thrives on competencies and expertise aimed at achieving sustainable development for the country.

Over the past years, the UAE has succeeded in developing a knowledge model, positioning itself as a leading country in development experience. It has successfully expanded the information, communication, data technology, innovation, and digitalisation sectors.

Knowledge assessment indicators stand as evidence of the UAE’s achievements.

In 2023, the UAE maintained its top rank among Arab countries in this respect. According to the “Global Knowledge Index”, the UAE retained its 26th rank globally among 133 countries. This reflects the country’s endeavours, guided by its wise leadership, to promote, disseminate, and exchange knowledge and ultimately build a knowledge-based economy.

The education system, for example, contributes substantially to building the UAE society by emphasising the development of skills and capabilities essential for the knowledge economy. Besides education, there is a notable investment in research and development, with expenditure reaching 1.5% of GDP in 2022. Investment extends to supporting research centres and technology companies in developing new technologies and innovative applications, particularly in areas like Artificial Intelligence, financial services, and logistics. These efforts aim to achieve further advancements in the knowledge economy.

The UAE stands out as a country that attracts global talent and expertise due to its favourable business environment. It is known for enabling smalland medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship because it supports early-stage start-ups by offering them finance and training while protecting intellectual property rights for every creative entity to enhance competitiveness and innovation.

Through the “UAE Innovation Strategy”, the country seeks to bolster its standing as a global innovation hub. This involves fostering cooperation among governmental, private, and civil society entities, establishing appropriate legislative frameworks for innovation in the economic sector, as well as attracting and supporting talent, and providing an environment conducive to creativity.

The UAE is an exemplary model, both within the Arab region and on the global stage, for achieving a knowledge economy. Through its ambitious plans, the country has solidified its position among the top innovative countries and uplifted its ranking on the Global Innovation Index. In 2023, it secured the top rank on that index at the Arab level and 32nd place globally.

This achievement is evidence that the wise leadership of the UAE invests in human capital, high-quality education, the development of a favourable business environment, infrastructure, and communication technology, with the ultimate goal of making innovation a culture of daily life.

The writer is a researcher at TRENDS Research & Advisory