Sheikh Mohammed is being briefed on a project currently under development at the Laboratories.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed that the abilities of UAE youth and the determination and optimism of its society are strategic pillars in the future of the country and will help the government to formulate a comprehensive future plans that will help coping with the global economic changes.

Sheikh Mohammed'scomments came while launching Dubai Future Laboratories, the first dedicated think-tank and specialised research center in the field of future technologies. The Laboratories also act as a global incubator for developing specialized advanced technologies applications and equipment.

Sheikh Mohammed inspects the Dubai Future Laboratories.

Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar Sultan Al Olama, Director General of Dubai Protocol Department Khalifa Saeed Suleiman and CEO of Dubai Future Foundation Khalfan Juma Belhoul  accompanied Sheikh Mohammed during the event.

On this occasion, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: "Rains start with a drop and a journey of 1,000 miles starts with a step. What I saw today were drops of rain and the long miles our youth have travelled in the journey of new technology applications."

Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan take a tour of the Dubai Future Laboratories.

Sheikh Mohammed toured the facility of Dubai Future Laboratories and members of scientific research team briefed him on the projects currently under development at the Laboratories, including ventilators, drones, autonomous vehicles and innovative solutions for logistics services sector.

Sheikh Mohammed directed the teams of Dubai Future Laboratories to collaborate and coordinate with local and international laboratories, research centres and universities.

Sheikh Mohammed also met a number of national service members that are assigned to the advance electronics program. The program is the result of a collaboration between the National Service Authority at the General Head Quarter of UAE Armed Forces, the National Program For Artificial Intelligence and Dubai Future Foundation.