A group of directors, deans and representatives from national and international universities in the UAE met at a strategizing session organised by The Dubai Future Foundation, to strengthen cooperation between various government bodies and private entities.

The participants emphasised the importance of implementing Dubai’s strategy to create economic and creative free zones in universities, launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, through a number of initiatives and projects. The strategy aims to achieve the goals of the Fifty-Year Charter’s 6th Article.

The involvement of higher education institutions was vital in designing the future, empowering the youth, and allowing them to reach their full potential to become leaders of tomorrow, said Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation.

“By implementing the Dubai’s University Free Zones Strategy, we will be taking the first essential step in achieving the comprehensive vision announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, through the 50-year charter, which will shape the future of Dubai in the coming 50 years, and help the country not only bridge any skills gap but allow for universities to thrive in building the economy of the future,” Khalfan added.

Dubai Future Foundation is in charge of implementing Dubai’s University Free Zones Strategy in coordination with all concerned entities.
The foundation will supervise the projects, initiatives and ideas implemented within the framework of this strategy, in addition to developing the executive plans and evaluating the proposals while working closely with government, private entities, educational institutions, and research centres, in Dubai and around the world to turn ideas into start-ups.