Dubai: The UAE leaders met Saturday to take part in brain-storming sessions on the post-oil economy at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort in Dubai. During the retreat, four working groups that included ministers, experts and general managers were formed to propose ideas and discuss initiatives.

The ministerial retreat was held in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Both leaders took part in the retreat’s panel sessions, which aim to draw up a comprehensive national programme that ensures the diversification and sustainability of the country’s economy. The retreat, attended by officials from federal and local departments, will continue Sunday.

“As we used to be before, we are united under one roof with one vision and one future, Bab Al Shams is our springboard towards the UAE post-oil journey,” Shaikh Mohammad said.

The retreat began with a set of panel sessions. The first day of the retreat began with sessions in which participants looked at the current state of the UAE economy by reviewing the GDP growth rates since 1980, and the contribution of oil and non-oil sectors. One of the sessions was dedicated to highlighting opportunities for the development of the vital non-oil sectors in the UAE to contribute to strengthening the UAE’s position.

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