H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, commended the annual meetings of the UAE government, held in Abu Dhabi on September 26 and 27.

It is a pre-emptive step towards well-planned development, he added.

''An accurate and objective reading of the reality is vital for forecasting the future,'' Sheikh Hazza said in a statement at the conclusion of the national gatherings.

''By chairing these meetings, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, are once again making the difference, painting a bright outlook, and launching initiatives that we are proud of,'' he added.

He stressed that the strategies discussed at these meetings would benefit the UAE.

The two-day annual meetings of the UAE government reviewed the progress of the UAE Vision 2020, and introduced over 120 federal and local government initiatives in 30 sectors in response to the national goals and challenges. The meetings, which also included workshops and specialised lectures, saw the launch of strategies that are designed to advance the country’s development in the next five decades towards the UAE Centennial 2071.