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20 Years of Creating Innovative Knowledge 20 Years of Developing the Emirati Researchers of Tomorrow 20 Years of Supporting the UAE Decision Makers

Delivering the Future… Today

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18-12-2013

Press Release

18-12-2013

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

Remarks by His Excellency Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi Director General, Emirates Center for Strategic Research and Studies (ECSSR) at the Press Conference held on the occasion marking the launch of activities celebrating the ECSSR’s 20th Anniversary

Respected Guests, Dear ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honored to welcome you to this beacon of scientific research in our beloved nation, the United Arab Emirates. I am also proud to receive you at this press conference, held today on the occasion of the launch of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR). These activities will be organized under the generous patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and President of the ECSSR. These activities will continue throughout 2014 until the closing ceremony on December 11, 2014.. We meet today to emphasize that our sustained pursuit of excellence is the fruit of exerted efforts and dedication over 20 years spent in overcoming challenges to achieve our goals, in light of the ECSSR’s ambition and determination to confirm its prestigious status not only locally and regionally, but also internationally. The ECSSR has been in a race against time to accomplish its achievements and to support national decision-making, serve the community in the UAE, GCC, the Arab region and around the world, and invest in the development of national human resources for scientific research. Such achievements

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Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

bear witness to the excellence characterizing the past 20 years of the ECSSR. We recognize the importance of the great responsibility undertaken by traditional and electronic media as a platform for responsible work, and as an influential source in forming public opinion, and we appreciate the role you are playing to highlight the status of the United Arab Emirates. We also highly value your continued efforts to promote the development, progress and prosperity that our beloved UAE is witnessing under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may God bless him). This has reinforced the ongoing cooperation between the ECSSR and the media, which has been – and will remain – the mirror that sincerely reflects the ECSSR’s efforts, research and scientific achievements throughout the past 20 years. Hence, our mission and your goals were combined to serve readers, wherever they may be, and to raise awareness to enlighten the road to the future of our beloved UAE.

We also express our full appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the excellence of this great research center. We would also like to express our utmost appreciation to the sponsors of our scientific activities, whose contributions came from their deep conviction of the ECSSR’s significant role in serving the UAE, GCC and global society; we wish all of them continued success and prosperity. Last but not least, I extend my thanks to the media for their ongoing participation in promoting the ECSSR’s role and for their living testimony to the ECSSR’s efforts and dedication to the pursuit of excellence. I would also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all of my colleagues in the ECSSR, as without their efforts, dedication and hard work we would not have achieved this distinction of over 20 years of accomplishments.

As we begin our press conference, I extend my sincere thanks to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may God bless him) for his continued support of the ECSSR. I would also like to extend my highest gratitude to His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and President of the ECSSR. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed is rightly considered the founder of the pursuit of excellence, and the continuous support, patronage and attention he lends to the ECSSR has had the most significant influence on the ECSSR’s excellence since its inception 20 years ago. Of course, on this occasion we remember the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God bless his soul), who is the pioneer of the pursuit of excellence in the UAE, and is our ideal role model in terms of perseverance, hard work, giving, unlimited ambition, and achievements in that race against time. Our thanks go to their Highnesses and Excellencies who have supported the ECSSR’s development and progress with their valuable recommendations and their presence at various occasions and events.

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Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

20th Anniversary Celebration The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) is celebrating in 2014 the 20th anniversary of its establishment, during which time the ECSSR has attained a distinguished position among prominent think tanks and research centers locally, regionally and globally. In addition, the ECSSR has successfully established its research and scholarly status, achieving numerous significant accomplishments that have contributed to creating a knowledge society and supporting the comprehensive development plans initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and completed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. Over the 20 years since its establishment, the ECSSR has managed − thanks to the direct patronage and continuous guidance of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and President of the ECSSR – to achieve the objectives of its foundation, whether they be the cultural diffusion of academic research through the implementation of numerous research programs, publications, conferences and activities – amounting to around 1,000 publications and 800 activities – or the development of national research cadres, preparing generations that are capable of implementing sustainable development plans and future initiatives.

Press Release Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

The ECSSR has also – as a result of its management’s focus on establishing innovation and creativity in its pioneering approach to its endeavors – worked regularly on formulating and developing unique ideas, initiatives, creative proposals and significant scholarly recommendations that together help the decision-maker, when encountering internal and external challenges, to take actions that guarantee support for society, its overall development and enhance its path to success.

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Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

In the Name of Allah the Compassionate, the Merciful, “Say, you work, as your deeds will be seen by Allah, his messenger and the believers.”

Twenty Years of Excellence Since its establishment, the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research has carried out its mission to support national decision-making and serve both the UAE and GCC societies in a manner that is mindful of tradition, yet embraces modernity. The ECSSR has enriched the catalogue of Gulf, Arab and international research by exploring a broad range of topics and themes addressing local, regional and international issues through around 1,000 publications and 800 events. In the past 20 years, the Center has succeeded in fostering and applying the principles of excellence in the field of strategic research, securing itself notable status as a think-tank, locally, regionally and internationally, whilst also fulfilling its mission to invest in UAE human resources and

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community development. The ECSSR has enjoyed boundless support from the founder of the UAE Federation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God grant his soul peace) and H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may God bless him); and direct patronage and guidance from H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and President of ECSSR.

It is perhaps most appropriate to measure the value of these past twenty years according to the Center’s achievements in this time. Since its establishment the ECSSR has produced thousands of research papers, academic publications, policy papers and briefings, and has trained and qualified numerous Emirati researchers. The Center has contributed to fostering strategic thinking, disseminating knowledge, and raising public awareness, both locally and around the world, whilst also providing recommendations and guidance in relation to various potential challenges to national and regional security and stability. The products and contributions of the ECSSR have retained their relevance owing to the Center’s forward-looking approach which blends intelligence and creativity in the implementation of its activities. On this occasion it is fitting to recall the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God grant his soul peace): “The size of a nation should not be measured by its wealth, as money is merely a means to an end, and great objectives can only be achieved only through knowledge. It should therefore be measured according to that knowledge, and its capability to provide a decent life for its citizens. In the UAE, we are keenly aware of the value of knowledge and learned people, in all fields.” In keeping with this theme, the activities of the ECSSR have remained fully focused on providing academic research and expertise in all the fields relevant to its objectives, sparing no effort in employing the latest and most advanced means to contribute to the development of the UAE

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

in line with the vision of its President, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (may God bless him): “We should provide ourselves with modern sciences and far-reaching knowledge. We should seek knowledge with true enthusiasm and an honest desire to develop the ability to practice all kinds of useful work. This will enable the UAE to achieve a significant civilizational transformation in the third millennium.” Excellence cannot be measured by words alone — the institutional excellence of the ECSSR is evident in deeds, facts and figures, manifested by accurate data illustrating its achievements in terms of academic activities, research, publications, and the training of UAE human resources. These activities are reflected on the ground, serving decision-makers and disseminating knowledge locally, regionally and internationally. All of you are witnesses to the achievements of ECSSR — substantial, objective efforts have been expended on the part of the media to cover the activities of the Center, providing a tangible record of how excellence has been accomplished. H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and President of ECSSR, has emphasized the need to employ a clear strategy and approach, maintaining the capacity to assume responsibility and make decisions. The Center has always been committed to implementing this vision. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed has said: “The UAE has reached its admirable status by relying on a clear strategy, a national work plan, and loyal citizens who take decisions and implement adopted strategies and plans in order to help their country achieve its objectives.”

The Beginning: An Inspired Idea and a Commitment to its Implementation On March 14, 1994, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President (may God bless him) – then Abu Dhabi Crown Prince – gave instructions to establish The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research. With the guidance and kind patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and President of ECSSR, the Center took its first steps as an academic institution of excellence and a think tank with great potential. Since then it has proceeded with great commitment and full adherence to the directives of its Director General, H.E. Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Al-Suwaidi has consistently provided the Center with strategic vision and motivation, lending his creativity, knowledge and expertise. Due to these exceptional efforts, the ECSSR has become a world-renowned think tank, with an exceptional catalogue of publications, including original studies and research covering social, economic, political, security, cultural, educational, health, energy, environmental and military issues of interest to the UAE, the Gulf region and beyond. Moreover, the ECSSR plays a role in the fields of education, information, and culture, as well as investing in human resources through its UAE national training programs. The Center’s main duties are to support the decision-making process, and to organize academic and cultural activities including specialized symposia, lectures, conferences, workshops, seminars and public events. Most of these activities focus on the analysis of issues of interest to the ECSSR, as well as on contemporary events, developments and changes at the local, regional and international levels. The ECSSR could not have achieved this outstanding status were it not for the diligent care of its management in maintaining the highest academic standards in its various outputs. The ECSSR has become well-known

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Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

among researchers and observers for producing thoughtful authentic research, reports and studies, further adding to the appreciation from decision makers in the UAE. The Center’s success in enhancing this scholarly approach can be attributed to its adoption of the latest methodologies, state-of-the-art sources of information and sophisticated data collection methods. The ECSSR is known for its consistency in applying the most appropriate research methods to investigate a selected topic. It also focuses on current affairs which attract debate and discussion locally, regionally and internationally. The ECSSR divides its efforts and research activities between five separate priority areas: the UAE, the Arabian Gulf, the Arab World, Asia, and International. The Center has a noticeable interest in forward-looking studies with futuristic methodologies in terms of assessment, comparison, and approach. It also conducts polls and surveys to measure public opinion. The ECSSR has built a wide range of scientific/academic partnerships, facilitating the exchange of experience and information with the most prominent think tanks in the world. It has also adopted an approach characterized by continuous, ongoing training and development, establishing a Human Resources Development department to enrich skills and improve results. Over the last two decades, the ECSSR has offered researchers and readers hundreds of studies, activities and events. It has enriched the Arab and foreign cultural landscapes by publishing original books and studies that adhere to the most rigorous publication standards in terms of authenticity, credibility, creativity and academic style. The Center has also encouraged Arab and foreign researchers to contribute to this endeavor.

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The ECSSR has reaped the rewards of this experience, translating one of its early books (With United Strength: H.H. Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan ... The Leader and the Nation) into 10 languages, while the original book (in Arabic) is in its fifth edition and has consistently been one of the best sellers. The Center also published The Three Occupied UAE Islands: The Tunbs and Abu Musa — the first comprehensive book to document this issue and another of its best sellers. ECSSR publications have received a number of national and international awards. Two years after its establishment, one of ECSSR’s books, Iran and the Gulf: A Search for Stability, edited by Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, received the award for Best Book on the Humanities and Social Sciences at the 1997 Sharjah International Book Fair. In September 1998, another ECSSR book, Gulf Security in the 21st Century received the Bin Turki Foundation for Research and Future Planning award in Saudi Arabia. In 2001, an ECSSR book titled: Economic Conditions in the Coastal Emirates: (now the United Arab Emirates) 1862–1965 received the prize for the Best Emirati Book at the 2001 Sharjah International Book Fair. In 2004, the ECSSR was declared one of the most important publishing houses in the UAE at the Sharjah International Book Fair. In 2005, the book Humanitarian Intervention in International Relations won the prize for the Best Book on Arts, Literature and Humanities in the Arabic Language at 2005 Kuwait Book Fair. Another ECSSR book, Worlds in Collision: Terror and the Future of Global Order, won the 2005 prize for Best Translated Book on the humanities from Philadelphia University in Jordan. In 2006, The Date Palm: From Traditional Resource to Green Wealth won ECSSR the prize for Distinguished Publisher at the 2006 Sharjah International Book Fair. In 2010, Britain and the Administration of the Trucial States (1947–1965) won the prize for the Best Book on the United Arab Emirates from the Al-Owais Awards for Studies and Scientific Innovation. Most recently, in November 2013, the ECSSR’s refereed journal Strategic Visions was nominated as Strategic Partner for the Sharjah International Book Fair.

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

Talk of the ECSSR brings to mind the concept of excellence in industry, manifested via institutional intelligence, insightful timing, and efficient implementation. This has been achieved via diligent efforts, vigorous persistence, and relentless will. From the beginning, the establishment of the ECSSR has reflected the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God bless his resting soul), and his then Crown Prince – H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan – the depth of that vision, and the need for comprehensive planning for the future of the nation. It was therefore not surprising that H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, appreciated the idea of establishing the ECSSR. The UAE federation was established based on the far-reaching strategic vision of the founder of the nation. The state needed a national strategic mentality to nurture this vision and participate in achieving the desired outcome. All potentials and capabilities were harnessed to establish the ECSSR in the capital, Abu Dhabi, as a beacon for this mentality and approach. The Center became a role model at the Gulf, Arab and global levels, a fact proven over the course of the past 20 years. The ECSSR assumed its place in building the present and shaping the future, not only at the UAE level, but across the entire Gulf region and the world. The establishment of the ECSSR occurred at a very critical time regionally and globally, in the wake of a crucial historical moment during which the new world order began: the Maastricht Treaty was signed, establishing the European Union in December 1991; 12 countries joined the United Nations after the collapse of the Soviet Union; religious conflict broke out in the Balkan region; the US military deployed to the Gulf; and the Gulf countries began to place greater emphasis on national and regional security. Moreover, the UAE assumed greater responsibilities and roles in solving regional and global crises, participating in international peacekeeping missions. Amid all these complicated circumstances the ECSSR was launched as an institution dedicated to strategic research and the analysis of the prevailing internal and external environments, seeking

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to identify opportunities and risks that might affect the UAE’s freedom of strategic movement, and support its efforts to maintain its strategic interests, maximize its gains, and minimize costs and losses. Since its inception, the ECSSR has been at the forefront of the technological landscape in the UAE. It was the first in the country to feature a website, inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then Minister of Information, and currently Minister of Foreign Affairs. The ECSSR established the first intranet in the UAE to facilitate communication among its staff and to connect them with the internet. The ECSSR also conducted the first video–teleconference with participants from the United States, and was the first institution to build an integrated, comprehensive system to serve as a core national data-base. By the 20th Anniversary of the ECSSR, its work has been transformed and is completely online. The Center’s achievements within this period are difficult to quantify. Throughout these 20 years, the ECSSR has published more than 20,000 research papers, policy papers and other types of studies designed to support the decision making process. It has organized about 800 activities and events including lectures, symposia, conferences, round-tables, academic meetings and workshops. It has also conducted 250 public polls and surveys to serve decisionmakers, and has received hundreds of dignitaries, officials, researchers, academics, experts, media representatives and young scholars conducting research. The UAE Federation Library at ECSSR, which was launched simultaneously with the Center, holds now more than 1 million books in a variety of different fields. It also contains documents, rare books, maps and electronic learning materials. The ECSSR has also assumed the responsibility of training and qualifying Emiratis to become researchers, with more than 400 young UAE citizens, both from within the ECSSR staff and from other various government departments undertaking its programs.

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

Through its publications, activities and academic knowledge production, since its inception the ECSSR has managed to reach about five million readers/persons inside and outside the UAE, while the ECSSR website is visited by about three million users per year.

A Leading Role in Creating Community Education, Internally and Externally Since its inception in March 1994, the ECSSR has prioritized the objective of community service. This highlights the Center’s recognition of its role in the development of society through the introduction and encouragement of a culture of research among the widest possible segment of UAE citizens, largely through a variety of events and activities that cover a wide range of issues and topics of interest to the United Arab Emirates. The ECSSR management carries out the planning and organization of high-profile events. These are scholarly gatherings sought out by research groups in the region and the Arab world for their rich debates, accurate readings of reality and predictions for the future, and lists of participants, speakers, commentators and discussants usually include the most prominent decision-makers and officials in the region and the world, as well as the most prominent academics and researchers from various universities and think-tanks. The activities organized by the ECSSR management include conferences, symposia, lectures and workshops. Some of these conferences have become annual, and have gained wide regional and international acclaim, such as: the Annual Energy Conference, which tackles the most important issues related to energy economics, production, development and industry; the Annual Education Conference, which discusses the most important issues related to the development of the human element, investment in the knowledge economy, the development of educational curricula and the creation of the quality human resources required by the

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labor market; and the Annual Conference, which discusses prominent social, political, cultural, security or strategic issues that impose themselves on the UAE, the GCC, or the world. Up to the end of 2013, the ECSSR has held 40 annual conferences and 11 specialized conferences. Also, the ECSSR management organizes workshops on specific issues. The number of workshops held by the management has reached 56. It has also organized around 50 symposia, some of which have been open to the public. The management has also held 386 public lectures dealing with the most prominent world events and other issues and ideas of note. These activities have been attended by more than a million people so far. The Center holds periodic, specialized seminars, some dealing with banking and economy; some with political culture in general; while others deal with issues related to the dialectic of religion and state, and growing strategic relationships and partnerships between the United Arab Emirates/GCC and some countries or international organizations. Thanks to its excellent human resources, logistical structure, and accumulated experience in the field of conferences, the Center has become one of the preferred places to host public and private entities’ varied conferences, symposia and seminars. Therefore, any follower of the activities of the ECSSR will clearly recognize the discipline and professionalism of its activities, that the titles of its conferences, workshops, lectures and symposia cover the most prominent issues that preoccupy the region, and that they offer a scientific view from the perspective of their impact on the present and the future, allowing the general public and officials a deeper and broader understanding of such issues, upon which they might build provisions and take positions based on knowledge and awareness. The leading trends in such activities are also evident, as the Center detects up-and-coming issues of prominence, events of particular importance, and developments with major implications in order to subject them to research, study and analysis. It is therefore not surprising that other institutions recognize

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

the importance of the issues raised by the Center, and proceed to build upon the Center’s achievements by discuss these issues, developments and topics further. The ECSSR management publishes research and studies related to the work of the Center. It produces research papers and the proceedings of lectures submitted as part of the conferences, symposia and seminars that the Center organizes. The publications of the ECSSR management fill a vacuum in the Arabic library, in the areas related to politics; economy; and military, security and social studies. These publications (both original and translated) vary between books and studies covering a number of scholarly series, in both Arabic and English—some have been translated into more than 10 languages. The number of ECSSR’s publications is almost 1,000; varied between books, lectures, scholarly series and international studies. This is the target that will be achieved upon the celebration of the ECSSR’s anniversary, in March 2014. In general, the ECSSR management has established standards in publishing that are almost unprecedented in the Arab world. This ensures that books are produced to the highest standards of form and content. The ECSSR management publishes several periodic and non-periodic publications concerned with the follow-up, monitoring and analysis of political, economic, security, social and other developments, within a vision that gives priority to developments in the UAE arena, followed by Gulf, Arab and international developments. The most important of these publications are: Akhbar Al-Sa’ah [in Arabic]: an analytical daily newsletter concerned with monitoring and analyzing political, economic and security developments in the United Arab Emirates, the Arabian Gulf region, the Arab region and the world—more than 5,300 issues of which have been issued thus far. The ECSSR management also issues Al-Alam Al-Youm [in Arabic], a daily newsletter aimed primarily at serving

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decision-makers in the UAE through careful round the clock followup of the latest developments and comments made about the United Arab Emirates around the world, depending on a broad variety of Arab and international print, audio and video media, in addition to scholarly journals and studies from research centers in various countries of the world. More than 5,400 issues of Al-Alam Al-Youm newsletter have been issued so far. The newsletter also contains special reports to cover the most important developments. The ECSSR management also issues Tawassol, a daily newsletter concerned with following up and analyzing the contents of various social networking sites and issues related to them. This stems from the ECSSR’s keen interest in interacting with contemporary developments, and from its faith in the great importance that these sites represent at the political, economic, cultural, security and other levels. Additionally, the ECSSR management prepares non-periodic reports for the analysis of various aspects of important developments, whether within the local, regional or global framework. The ECSSR management also issues Afaq Al-Mustaqbal: a quarterly magazine that first appeared in September 2009. It includes a variety of topics and issues of interest to the United Arab Emirates and the world. The scope of its interests extends to cover many fields; such as economy, politics, the environment, thought, history, culture and science and technology. The topics of the magazine are presented in a form that depends on colors and images; it includes articles, interviews, profiles, reports, and analysis. Twenty-one issues of Afaq Al-Mustaqbal magazine have been issued so far. The UAE Federation Library is the largest library in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East. It is specialized in strategic, political, military, security, social and economic sciences. It is a “million book library” (the number of printed Arabic and English materials acquired

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

by the library exceeds one million), including scholarly books and references; encyclopedias; periodicals; and a set of private documents, official reports, maps, and CDs. The Center has a historical audiovisual record of local, regional and global events. This record has been prepared by the Center, since its inception, and it exceeds 122,000 audiovisual materials. In addition, there are about 30 databases and websites containing the full texts of more than 1,400 million theses, more than 16,000 titles of electronic scientific journals, in addition to a collection of rare books, references and original historical maps. Moreover, the UAE Federation Library is unique in that it is the only library in the Middle East with all the issues of Jane’s series, which are updated annually. These rich materials are made available to a wide audience of researchers, decision-makers, post-graduates and university students. The Library provides excellent service to its customers through its competent staff, thus allowing them to maximize the use of the Library. The methods and tools employed by the ECSSR’s departments vary; however, they agree on the most important goal and objective of the Center; that is spreading a culture of scientific research, expanding knowledge horizons and making them available to wide segments of the public; ranging from professionals and academics to school and university students and the general public.

A Vital Role in Supporting the Decision-making Process When the idea was put forward to establish the ECSSR, one of the main motivational forces was to create a think-tank characterized by international standards of operation, expertise and access to information at the highest levels in order to support government decision-making related to the ECSSR’s sphere of work.

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The insight of those behind the creation of the ECSSR is in line with trends witnessed in advanced countries, which adopt a strategic approach to forward planning to create a prosperous future based on stability and sustainable development, assisted by the distinct expertise and capabilities of the executive body of the state. Hence, among the main goals of the Center is the desire “to provide support for government decision-making circles through the preparation of reports on the most relevant political alternatives, as well as providing various research and recommendations for decision-makers.” In this context, the ECSSR has since its creation provided support to the decision-making process through its areas of expertise, namely: national security, social and economic welfare of the UAE, issues of concern to the Arabian Gulf region and the Arab world, and vital global issues. Generally, the contribution of the Center to government decision-making can be defined through its various activities, including the preparation of research, reports and position papers of interest; conducting polls; assessing public opinion trends; carrying out field studies; providing advice on matters such as draft laws and regulations; monitoring the media and the preparation of specialized media reports; training government cadres in areas associated with the decision-making process; organizing seminars and dialogue sessions to enhance the efficiency of the decision-making process; and providing references and databases through the UAE Federation Library for those working in the field of decision-making. The Center works to harness all its capabilities and information resources to ensure that research, reports and position papers provided to decision-makers are characterized by in-depth analysis and accurate information and data, sourced by teams across various disciplines to guarantee comprehensive coverage of important aspects of all topics under research. In addition, creative insight and scenario modeling allows a predictive analysis of likely outcomes, implications, and related

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

recommendations to be formed. Therefore, recognizing the importance of working with current realities and the need for openness to new ideas and access to specialists, the ECSSR works in collaboration – when necessary – with other think-tanks and distinguished researchers globally, to ensure provision of the highest level of support to the government decision-makers in the UAE. The objective of the ECSSR’s management with regard to the Strategic Studies Department is to analyze current and potential local, regional and international events that may affect the national security of the UAE politically, diplomatically and militarily. The ECSSR’s management also proposes appropriate recommendations and conducts predictive studies and research. In order to achieve this overall objective, the ECSSR prepares studies on UAE affairs, analyzing the most important internal political and security issues that might directly impact national security and decision-making in the country. On a second level, it prepares studies on the affairs of the Arabian Gulf region by analyzing Gulf issues and topics related to UAE national security, and preparing strategic studies related to those issues. On a third level, studies are prepared on the Arab world through the analysis of political and security issues affecting the UAE, the Middle East and the Arab world in general, and on Arab topics that may contribute to the decision-making process in the state. Finally, affairs of importance to the UAE, especially those linked to actors on the world stage and UAE strategic allies, are also covered. Furthermore, the refereed scholarly quarterly journal, Strategic Visions, first issued at the beginning of 2013, represents a qualitative addition to the ECSSR. It has been met with recognition and praise from social science researchers and specialists, due to the topicality and relevance of its form and content. While this journal serves researchers and specialists, it also assists decision-makers with analytical insights on political, economic, social and energy issues, as well as matters of interest to the decision-makers in the country, and the region in general.

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The Center has also developed a media monitoring service, which follows worldwide events affecting the interests of the UAE. This service works round the clock every day of the year, and issues more than 1,000 text alerts for decision-makers and officials in the UAE on a 24 hour basis. The service also answers urgent requests about the contents of monitored news items and has a media archive center containing more than half a million audiovisual recordings, which cover global, regional and local events since March 1994. As for the ECSSR’s activities in the field of economic and social studies, its research objectives focus on the preparation of economic and social studies in order to make recommendations for the future economic policies of the state. In addition, it studies and analyzes local, regional and international economic developments that affect the security and stability of the UAE, and prepares programs to maintain the standard of living of UAE citizens as well as the stability and economic growth of the country. The activities of the Center in this regard mainly cover general UAE economic strategies and policies, and proposals to develop them. It also examines ways to reduce the UAE’s dependence on oil as a major source of national income, and how to achieve sustainable development through economic diversification by granting particular attention to the role of the private sector, both domestic and international. Moreover, it carries out continuous assessments to determine economic strengths and weaknesses inherent in the UAE, with attention paid to the energy sector and developments in the global oil and natural gas markets. Also, efforts are being exerted to follow up on developments – including technical – in conventional and emerging energy resources, both fossil and renewable, with particular attention to alternative energy. In addition, the ECSSR analyzes various economic sectors, with a focus on the industries in which the UAE has competitive advantages, and studies the State’s financial and monetary policies and the extent of their

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

vulnerability to global changes, complex relationships with the globalized economy, and the patterns and policies of its foreign trade. Furthermore, it assesses the commercial agreements of the country and the GCC with other economic blocs, in addition to other specialized studies covering education, health etc. The ECSSR pays special attention to population and labor market studies through the analysis of trends and policies concerning the expatriate labor force and population, and updates and develops specialized databases for these areas. It also studies the effects of political and economic development and accompanying changes in society, in addition to studying social problems, identifying the causes, proposing appropriate solutions, and conducting studies on potential social developments and approaches to dealing with them. It should be noted that the ECSSR publishes a quarterly report for UAE decision-makers, – Exploring Current Strategic Events – in addition to a yearly Annual Strategic Assessment. These reports comprehensively cover the most significant developments affecting the UAE, and are made available to a wide range of decision-makers in various government departments.

Opinion Polls and Public Opinion Trends Since its inception, the ECSSR has recognized the significance of being aware of public opinion in the process of governance, being a foundation for decision making that guarantees political and social stability. There is no doubt that correct and effective governments should consider public opinion during the process of decision making. For such purposes, the ECCSR established the Opinion Polls Section from the outset to gauge public opinion trends by conducting field studies and surveys on the various domestic, regional and global issues that fall within the ECSSR’s interests. Therefore, the ECSSR puts such data in

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the service of researchers and decision-makers to enhance the ability to make decisions with an objective academic approach. As various governmental departments have given greater attention to the services provided by the ECSSR in terms of opinion polls, measures have been taken to expand the size of the Opinion Polls Section by increasing its human, technical and technological resources in order to be an integral department as part of the Scientific Research Division. Thus, the Opinion Polls Department was created, becoming the third department along with the Strategic Studies Department and the Economic and Social Studies Department. As such, the expansion and incorporation of the Opinion Polls Department into the Scientific Research Division achieved another unique feature of the ECSSR’s research activity and role in supporting governmental decision making. It became essential to integrate the work of the three departments of scientific research, in the context of providing the decision-maker with a unique service featuring in-depth academic and theoretical analysis of events and issues of strategic significance to the UAE, which enabled the Opinion Polls Department to conduct field studies. Thus, the outputs from the ECSSR comprise a significant, rich and unique resource for the departments that support governmental decisions. In this regard, we have provided the best material resources to the Opinion Polls Department, and we have opened an electronic opinion polls unit that allows for surveys over the telephone and via e-mail, in addition to various social media and modern technology for making personal interviews. At the same time, the ECSSR trains human resources and develops their capabilities in accordance with best practices in the field of opinion polling.

Provision of Advice for the Drafting of Legislation The ECSSR effectively participates in the efforts of the government and legislative authorities to conduct a public, academic and scientific dialogue on important draft laws and executive regulations. To this effect, the ECSSR provides feedback on the different stages of drafting legislation, whereby the ECSSR is requested to express its opinion within

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

its areas of interest, by providing assessment and recommendations on the drafts of all the different phases, or through participation in the committees and seminars associated with the process of preparing those drafts.

Investment in National Human Resources Within the efforts made by the UAE to develop its human resources by providing its nationals with the latest methods of education and training, the ECSSR plays an important role in the development of training programs to hone the skills of national researchers, particularly those in the area of decision support. Therefore, the ECSSR organizes training courses in specific fields related to the activities and academic interests of employees of governmental agencies and institutions. In addition to training promising nationals, the ECSSR has a special interest in the fields of study and training that serve the making of policies and strategies of the State by offering scholarships and research grants to nationals, adopting their studies and scientific activities, and announcing incentive rewards for excellent research. In terms of personnel training and development, the ECSSR has succeeded in providing contemporary and high-quality training programs that benefit hundreds of national trainees from inside and outside the ECSSR, enhancing their experience and levels of performance. In addition to these short training courses, the ECSSR regularly provides three specialized courses, namely: Diploma in Administration, Diploma in Management, and Scientific Research Diploma. Furthermore, the ECSSR provides a range of programs including: research projects, scholarships and grants inside and outside the country, and visiting scholar programs.

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Academic and Research Collaboration The ECSSR is central to research and academic collaboration in the Gulf, the Arab world and internationally. Within its various activities, the ECSSR offers administrative, academic and research development services that provide the necessary means for mutual cooperation and exchange of experience with other institutions in the UAE, GCC, Arab countries, and the world. The ECSSR organizes seminars, symposia and conferences in partnership with many organizations and regional and international research centers, on political, strategic, security, military, economic and social issues, through protocols signed between the ECSSR and other organizations and centers. This provides for cooperation, correspondence and participation, and the effective scheduling of joint publications, mutual visits and meetings. As for the various entities within the UAE, the ECSSR supports and cooperates with them without the need for agreements, since they are already part of the national strategy. By July 2013, the ECSSR had signed 72 academic collaboration agreements, regionally and internationally, with research institutions and academic centers interested in expanding the horizons of scientific research and academic activities in more than 17 countries. Below is the list of prominent institutions with which the ECSSR has signed scientific collaboration agreements: Council of Ministers of Labor & Ministers of Social Affairs in the GCC States; The American University in the Emirates; Bahrain Journalists Association; Istanbul Policy Center, Turkey; The Egyptian Cabinet; Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) Egypt; Arab Women Organization (AWO), Cairo; Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi; Arab Writers Union, Damascus; Jordan Institute of Diplomacy; King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, Riyadh; Centre Tarik Ibn Zyad, Morocco; Turkish Foreign Policy Institute, Ankara; Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad; Egyptian Armed Forces Center for Strategic Studies, Egypt; Qatar Center for Futuristic Studies, Doha; Al-Urdun Al-Jadid Research

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

Center, Jordan; The Chartered Institute for IT, UK; Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training, Seoul; BBC; National Research Council for Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences, Republic of South Korea; German Marshall Fund, USA; The Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies, Republic of Benin; Institute for Higher National Defence Studies, France; Military Center for Strategic Studies of the Italian Center for High Defence Studies, Italy; Middle East Center, University of Utah, USA; Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Berlin, Germany; Indian Council of World Affairs, India; Institute of Political Studies, France; School of Policy and International Affairs, University of Maine, USA; William S. Cohen Center for International Policy and Commerce, University of Maine, USA; Academy of National Economy under the Government of the Russian Federation; China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, China; Deutsches Orient-Institute, Germany; Center for Iranian Research and Analysis, USA; Middle East Institute, USA; and Netherlands Institute for International Relations, Netherlands.

Future Vision The ECSSR has devoted itself to implementing its interim and strategic plans for the coming years up to 2021, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates. The plans are as follows:

First: Publication, Education and Awareness: The ECSSR still continues plans to double its intellectual and academic output of books and daily and periodical publications on all political, economic, social and security matters, in addition to environmental fields to cover all the activities of the UAE, and the requirements of the sustainable development process up to 2021, and to keep abreast of regional and international developments and changes.

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Second: Expansion of its Social Activities: The ECSSR intends to expand its activities and events by holding academic conferences, seminars and symposia, lectures and workshops on four levels as follows: 1. At the internal level – based on its research, developmental, and educational role in the society – the ECSSR’s future plans aim to increase the organization of such activities to include all the Emirates of the UAE, build strategic partnerships, conclude collaboration protocols with other institutions, and enhance the current strategic partnerships with various ministries and other institutions. Furthermore, there is a plan to organize such activities in a way that includes sectors of sustainable development, e-government, national ID-related projects, social welfare institutions, women, maternal and childhood organizations, and early preparation for any potential challenges, in addition to expanding the scope of the ECSSR’s usual annual conferences, such as the Energy and Education conferences, to include other fields such as health, environment, the knowledge society, and other significant fields. 2. At the Gulf level, the ECSSR undertakes various efforts at several different levels, cooperating and coordinating with research centers in Gulf countries, and seeking to satisfy the increasing need for predictive research and studies, particularly relating to economic, social and security development in the GCC countries in order to support their development. Furthermore, the ECSSR has never overlooked the significance of monitoring and identifying all manner of challenges that the GCC countries might face.

Additionally, the ECSSR devotes itself to expanding its research activities, and building strategic partnerships with all the GCC countries’ institutions that seek to support relationships and partnerships, particularly those related to crystallizing visions that

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

would promote the federal process and integration among GCC countries for the next decade and beyond. 3. At the Arab and international level, the ECSSR’s future plans include the preparation of research and studies that will accelerate the process of comprehensive and sustainable development in all fields for any Arab entity requesting it, in accordance with the best modern international standards, especially since the UAE model has become one of the best in terms of development and the knowledge economy, which depends on creativity and innovation. The ECSSR will organize a new event under the title ‘The First Arab Pen Forum,’ aiming to enrich the debate on Arab and international issues of interest to readers.

Third: Building Partnerships and Cooperation Agreements: The ECSSR will continue adhering to its strategy of expanding its academic partnerships though cooperation with the United Nations and its organizations concerned with human development; international security and peace; human security; countering terrorism, piracy and poverty; dealing with the affairs of refugees fleeing wars, disasters and armed conflicts; illegal migration; as well as all that supports human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the struggle against slavery, regardless of religion, race, color, sex or any other consideration. In this context, the ECSSR’s experts have put together plans to address future challenges threatening society such as environmental and climate change, the issues of man’s carbon footprint, and environmental pollution or damage of any kind or form to the natural world, for the purpose of strengthening the green economy and preserving the environment.

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The Year of Celebration The ECSSR will continue its anniversary celebrations throughout the year with various activities and events such as the issuance of gold and silver coins and postage stamps with the slogan of the ECSSR’s 20th Anniversary. In addition, it will organize three lectures per month to be delivered by high profile and global personalities who will address topics; make informative and celebratory visits throughout the country, highlighting the ECSSR’s accomplishments inside and outside the UAE; and hold external events and fairs through academic cooperation agreements. Furthermore, the ECSSR will issue a special book on its 20th Anniversary; announce a research competition—the Zayed Award for Scientific Research; issue a book of perspectives on the ECSSR; arrange an exhibition in the UAE Federation Library on the historic journey of the ECSSR; issue the second evaluation of Arab and international research centers; honor its friends; and conclude the year with a special celebration of its 20th Anniversary.

A Final Word The level of excellence reached by the ECSSR, its scientific and research results and accomplishments, its activities over the past two decades, the varied support provided by the ECSSR for community awareness and education, and to decision makers, public and private UAE departments, and researchers of various specializations, would not have been possible without the endless support and guidance of the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (may God protect him), and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and President of the ECSSR, who have chosen H.E. Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi – Director General of the ECSSR, one of the most prominent contemporary Arab thinkers in the field of scientific research locally, regionally and globally – to implement that vision, accomplish those targets, and manage this academic edifice.

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR

The ECSSR enters its third decade with an ever stronger determination to follow the directives of the wise leadership; participate in achieving the UAE’s future visions, including the UAE Vision 2021 and Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, based on the knowledge economy, human development and a sustainable approach; develop scientific research on the local, Gulf and Arab levels; and also play an effective part in the cultural renaissance regionally and globally.

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Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the ECSSR