The National Innovation Strategy was first announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, on 19 October 2014.  Later on 30 November 2014, the UAE Federal Cabinet of Ministers met to approve the designation of 2015 as the Year of Innovation in a plan to make the UAE a world innovative leader.

“Announcing 2015 as the Year of Innovation comes to support federal government efforts, attract national skills, increase distinguished research, as well as boost efforts to build a national cadre who are able to lead our future in this field towards more progress, prosperity and innovation” said His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.  “We live today in a world witnessing rapid changes and continuous developments, full of opportunities, discoveries and inventions” he added.