Page 586 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 2)

acknowledged the progress made by Western countries or Asian powerhouses like Singapore.
Al Zeyoudi expressed confidence in the UAE’s capabilities to achieve its dream thanks to its
dedicated efforts in the past three years to set up specialist committees for talent attraction, the
changes in its visa and immigration system, the hindrances visa seekers face in the US and Europe,
and the stability, security and safety that the Arab nation provides to its resident population.
Pointing out how countries like Australia, Denmark and Finland attracted students interested in
specialty subjects, the Minister noted that the UAE is “using education as a tool to attract talent at
an early age”. However, “communicating with an Internet-oriented Generation Z, convincing them
to work with you or sustaining their interest for long is the challenge,” he added.
Yazami, who moved from California to Singapore 14 years ago to work in Nanyang Technological
University and does not regret his decision, felt there should be a government policy to attract
talent internationally. He praised the UAE for its stability and hoped there would be a Nobel Prize
coming from the Emirates soon. “Education is vital in shaping minds and learning values is equally
important for young people though many of them now feel that they can make money easily through
the Internet.
This is a dangerous trend as without the curiosity to learn or opening the minds to the world and to
history, arts, music, there cannot be a sense of belonging to humanity,” he added. Referring to the
success stories of Scandinavian countries and Asian countries like Japan and South Korea, Yazami
vouched there is a strong correlation between education and economy.
Tuvalu minister pointed out that his country has a lot to offer despite being the world’s fourth
smallest island with a population of 10,000 people that is in danger of being fully submerged in 200
years. As the first digital nation in the world, Tuvalu will continue to exist digitally long after climate
change claims it and the values that underpin their lives will live on, he noted. The world has
become a single interconnected entity, which makes it possible to invite talent to set up Tuvalu as
their work station.
“We recognise our limitations but we are innovative. We are not competing on the level of economy;
we promote our values instead.” He promoted the idea of “digital nomad – living on one side of the
world and serving the other side – since everyone wants to live in peace” and Tuvalu can offer that.
The panellists agreed that every country needs to stand for its values, which in itself will be a huge
draw in attracting talent.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/b50n9t6-igcf-2024-experts-why-favourable-residency