Dubai’s headquarters for futuristic technology companies and start-ups, Area 2071, was opened by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on Sunday. Located in Emirates Towers, the space is intended to unify efforts in the government and public sectors to create advancements in technology, and achieve the UAE Centennial Vision for 2071. Which aims to provide future UAE generations with a happier life in a better environment with more opportunities and world influence, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai said.
"We are working to make the UAE a main driver for the future of governments and today we launch Area 2071 in the heart of Dubai to design the future," said Sheikh Mohammed.
The area will be a meeting place in the UAE "to innovate, create and help the world to overcome various future challenges, to become the core that will summarise the future of the world in 50 years", he said.
"All the large and medium foundations and innovative minds are welcome to be the key partners and drivers in this massive project, which the entire world would benefit from and would draw a brighter future for the region," he said.
"Area 2071 will be the interface in which creative individuals and organisations will present suitable solutions for the major challenges facing humanity and will design the world’s future."
The area will "act as an umbrella" to bring together entrepreneurs, start-ups, small and medium-sized businesses, and government programmes such as Dubai’s Future Accelerators.
The Centennial Vision announced in March is based on a lecture by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The aim is to strengthen the country’s reputation and soft power, building Emirati values and ethics for coming generations, and improving the economy’s productivity.