Abu Dhabi has initiated an ecotourism drive to encourage private-sector investment in undeveloped parts of the emirate – particularly its islands and the Mirfa coastal region.
The move is part of the Ghadan 21 programme, announced by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, in 2018. Ghadan 21, which means Tomorrow, is an initiative intended to boost the private sector and prepare Abu Dhabi for a post-oil economy.
The scheme which was underlined at an event on Tuesday formally began in January, with yesterday’s event designed to take place six months into the three-year programme, with the overarching aim of reducing the economy’s reliance on fossil fuels.
“We have a very clear vision to diversify the economy away from oil,” said Rashed Al Blooshi, undersecretary at Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
“As a result we have put very clear steps in place to shift the economy. We have huge potential to do so, and to proceed with that we have come up with these initiatives, with the close cooperation of the private sector.”
The open data programme will enable potential investors and other parties to ask Abu Dhabi Data Authority for information held by the government, which will help them make informed decisions. The move is designed to create an “open data culture”.