UAE leaders declare theme for 2020

LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP

The UAE leaders have declared 2020 as a preparation for the nation's 50th anniversary.

In a series of tweets, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, made the announcement. 

Sheikh Mohammed said the year will also be dedicated to designing the nation's next fifty years. 

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince added that 2020 will be the "turning point" in the country's history and hinted that they "will build a true knowledge economy based on innovation and creativity". 

The committee tasked with laying out a comprehensive development plan for the next 50 years will be headed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, as his deputy. 

The other committee, headed by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, will focus on the 50th anniversary celebrations. With Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stepping in as his deputy.

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