UAE Cabinet approves 9 days of holidays for Eid Al Fitr

By Angel Chan

Approves Strategy for Advanced Skills National Programme

ABU DHABI 27 May 2019: The UAE Cabinet has announced a week-long holiday for Eid Al Fitr, starting Sunday June 2nd, with official work resuming on Sunday, June 9th.

Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE cabinet, under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved on Sunday the public sector Eid holidays from Sunday, June 2nd, to Saturday, June 8th.

The Cabinet conveyed heartfelt greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and his brothers, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates on the occasion, wishing the UAE and the Arab and Islamic nations continued happiness and prosperity.

Eid holiday for private sector starts Ramadan 29th till Shawwal 3rd

Eid Al Fitr holidays for the private sector will begin on Monday, June 3 (29 Ramadan) until 3rd of Shawwal, with work to resume on 4th of Shawwal, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced.

This came in a circular issued by Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, in implementation of the UAE cabinet’s decision on setting private sector’s official holidays.

Strategy for Advanced Skills National Programme

The UAE Cabinet approved the Strategy for the Advanced Skills National Programme, which includes strategic objectives to position the UAE as a world leader in the field of advanced skilled development. It represents a comprehensive system that employs future skills in vital areas in the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE is making education a top priority and making it sustainable, diverse and adaptable to the requirements of future development plans. “We want Emiratis to be prepared for the changes around us and equipped with advanced skills that maintain UAE’s competitive edge.”

The Strategy for the Advanced Skills National Programme reflects the proactive and agile government vision for the future and aims to achieve community happiness and adopt best practices. The programme’s strategy is based on five key themes and a number of initiatives aimed at employing advanced skills in vital areas such as education, economy and the quality of life.

International Systems

The first element of strategy includes the definition of advanced skills, identified through the study of international systems and models of advanced skills required in UAE’s government and job market, in collaboration with over 70 different entities and companies representing 13 sectors locally and globally. 12 different skills have been identified for the UAE in four main categories: basic skills, competencies, personal traits, and specialised skills.

The second element includes advanced skills measurement tools, which will be done through a number of partnerships with international organisations, research institutions and academia to develop skills measurement mechanisms.

The third element aims to identify the target groups. The national program aspires to reach a number of target groups: students at various academic and academic levels, new graduates and employees in the public and private sectors.

Partnerships

The fourth element includes policies and programs, to ensure the participation of stakeholders, and build strong partnerships with the private sector, as well as develop the content of educational and training programs.

The fifth element is to inspire the community by raising awareness of the importance of advanced skills and providing opportunities for all groups to acquire advanced skills and lead their own development through continuous learning.

Advanced Skills Council

The UAE Cabinet also adopted the formation of the Advanced Skills Council to oversee relevant policies, programs and initiatives. The Council includes representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, the Federal Youth Authority, Advanced Sciences portfolio, Artificial Intelligence portfolio, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, and Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

In a different topic, the Cabinet also discussed the general framework for the “Security and Agility of Vital Entities”, with the aim of unifying national efforts in the area of ​​infrastructure security and agility.

The plan also aims to develop contingency plans and to ensure the continuity of services in all circumstances as part of a comprehensive risk management plan.

The Cabinet also adopted a Federal Law Decree amending certain provisions of the Federal Law on Personal Status, in the context of supporting family stability and cohesion.

In the governmental and regulatory affairs, the Cabinet adopted the formation of the Higher Committee for the Services of People of Determination in the UAE, with the aim of providing all needed support and empowerment. The committee is responsible for assessing and studying the current situation and the challenges faced by People of Determination in all field including educational, rehabilitation, health, social and employment aspects. The committee will also propose relevant policies and follow up on the implementation of programs and initiatives for People of Determination.

The Cabinet also reviewed the recommendations of the Federal National Council on the subject of “The policy of the Ministry of Health and Community Protection”, as well as the adoption of the unified final account of the Federation for the fiscal year 2018.