Science key to UAE’s economic growth: Paper

Abu Dhabi, Nov 16 (IANS/WAM) The UAE has tremendous opportunity to develop its scientific capabilities that will immensely benefit the economy, an editorial said Tuesday.

Backed by the leadership’s vision in developing a modern and progressive society, the UAE can significantly improve its scientific capabilities, the Gulf News noted.

More women must be encouraged to study science. “Sadly, few Arab women pursue a career in science and research,” it said.

“Women should be encouraged to play a greater role, and investment (in scientific research) must increase,” it noted.

“Traditionally and even in western societies the sciences (the scientific field) are dominated by men who toil anonymously in white laboratory coats,” it said, noting that in the Arab world, spending on sciences averages a meagre 0.3 percent of GDP that must be increased significantly.

Urging governments to invest directly or indirectly in fields such as computer, nanotechnology, medicine and biosciences and aeronautics, the paper noted that the benefits for the economy are huge.

–IANS/WAM