UAE signs agreement at WEF to host 4th Industrial Revolution research centre

The UAE has signed an agreement at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to launch the Emirates Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“The new research centre, to be run by Dubai Future Foundation, reinforces UAE’s leadership in shaping the world’s future,” said Dubai’s Crown Prince and chairman of Dubai Executive Council Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is leading the UAE’s delegation to the WEF.

Today, we signed an agreement with WEF to set up the world’s 1st Affiliate Centre for the 4th Industrial Revolution. The new research centre, to be run by Dubai Future Foundation, reinforces UAE’s leadership in shaping the world's future.

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) January 22, 2019

The forty-ninth session of the WEF is being held in Davos from January 22-25 and is themed ‘Globalisation 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.’

Sheikh Hamdan also met with founder and executive chairman of theWorld Economic Forum Klaus Schwab and discussed ways of boosting their strategic partnership and cementing a new model for globalising knowledge and innovation.

Proud to head the UAE delegation to WEF in Davos, Switzerland. The UAE is an active participant in the Forum that brings together more than 3,000 govt officials, executives, entrepreneurs & experts from around the world to discuss future challenges. pic.twitter.com/qJoVuyZ6la

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) January 22, 2019

In an opening address at the event, Schwab stressed issues around the theme of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

He said “we want to be future-oriented, and not just absorbed by crisis management”.

He stressed that “globalisation 4.0 has to be more human-centred, as well as more inclusive and sustainable”.

Highlighting the role of young social entrepreneurs and leaders in bringing about this change, he urged leaders to “listen to the young people”.

The UAE delegation is participating in 10 sessions of the WEF’s agenda, focusing on global challenges related to quality of life, economy, advance sciences, space, artificial intelligence, environments and entrepreneurship.

It includes minister of Cabinet and Future Affairs Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, minister of State for Finance Obaid Bin Humaid Al Tayer, minister of Climate Change and Environment Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zuwaidi, and minister of State for Happiness and Quality of Life Oud Bint Khalfan Al Roumi, among others.