Sheikh Mohammed chairs cabinet meeting; announces incentives for the media sector

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired a virtual cabinet meeting on Sunday, May 31 – the first day that several government employees returned to their offices.

At the meeting, the cabinet members discussed measures to bring employees back to their offices and policies to automate future government work.

A number of resolutions and amendments were approved during the meeting.

The cabinet adopted a resolution to suspend administrative fines related to bank guarantees provided by media sector owners, as part of the government’s incentives to support the country’s economic development.

Our message to everyone is: our progress continues and the recent experience has made us stronger, better and quicker. The coming phase requires a new spirit and new ways of thinking. Our work needs to be smarter and more flexible. pic.twitter.com/n2zpl0FjNB

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 31, 2020

The cabinet also approved a youth awareness policy related to the fundamentals of housing construction, which will provide the youth with the information about applying for a grant or loan from the housing authority.

With regards to legislative affairs, the cabinet amended a schedule related to charity organisations eligible for tax rebates to ensure that they can fulfil their social and humanitarian duties without burdens, support needy people, and contribute to the overall community development, reported official news agency WAM.

The cabinet ordered a study on government and judicial services too. “We formed two teams to develop smart judiciary services and study the social culture our society needs in the coming phase,” tweeted Sheikh Mohammed.

The teams will facilitate the provision of comprehensive e-services via digital channels and help simplify government services.

In addition, the cabinet launched a study on community culture, in light of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the formation of a team to identify the values, ethics and behaviour of citizens and residents, to address the current crisis and ensure positive media content, in line with the government’s current directives.

It announced the implementation of several cultural programmes to promote positive behaviour and mental health within the community.

The cabinet also approved a study on national opportunities, as well as the formation of a team to establish a comprehensive volunteering system for both citizens and residents, coordinate national efforts to organise volunteers, and monitor the implementation of regulations related to volunteer work.

It ordered a study on communication on the internet and job automation, to create an ideal environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and develop applications and e-platforms that support remote learning and work.

The cabinet has decided to revise existing legislation and draft new laws that will support remote communication. To this end, it also announced the formation of a team that will study ways of communicating over the internet and enable SMEs to develop related technologies such as e-meetings and e-signatures and which will help establish e-platforms for reinforcing government operations and transactions.

“We are approaching a new phase of gradual reopening of our economy where entities and sectors are responsible for safeguarding health of employees. Public health remains a top priority.”

“The Government has worked remotely with efficiency during the past months and today is completing its works from the field after the return of employees to work. UAE will go ahead and team work teams are required to perform with more flexible, comprehensive, and resilient approach to respond to rapidly daily changes,” added Sheikh Mohammed during the meeting.

“Our message to everyone is: our progress continues and the recent experience has made us stronger, better and quicker. The coming phase requires a new spirit and new ways of thinking. Our work needs to be smarter and more flexible.”