ABU DHABI, 7 August 2007 — The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development yesterday unveiled details of its 2008-2010 strategic framework, which focuses on preserving the UAE national identity and coping with the requirements of the country’s fast paced economic and social development.
Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al-Owais, minister for culture, youth and community development, said the ministry’s plans mirror the key objectives of the UAE government strategy, which places a special emphasis on youth as a major catalyst for development.
“Preserving the UAE national identity and encouraging the youth to be actively involved in sustaining the country’s cultural heritage are some of our principal objectives,” Al-Owais said.
He said innovation and creativity were essential tools for development. “We are keen on developing talented young UAE nationals, who can contribute to the country’s development. The ministry also seeks to increase awareness on the country’s rich cultural heritage among youth and strengthen the bond with their roots,” said Al-Owais.
Providing necessary tools to enhance creative capabilities and encouraging the youth to contribute to excellence are also some of the measures proposed by the ministry.
“The recently launched UAE National Cultural Encyclopedia is one of the ministry’s most important initiatives. The encyclopedia will help document the nation’s cultural heritage for future generations,” said Al-Owais.
The encyclopedia will contain the database of all Emirati intellectuals and artists, their creations and writings as well as reviews and opinions from others. It will also contain the data of institutions that are interested in the UAE’s cultural affairs and information regarding libraries in the UAE.
