Moving towards a knowledge-based economy / Abu Dhabi Centre for Economic Research and Policies.

Between 2009 and 2011, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development developed a comprehensive modelling capability for the Abu Dhabi economy. This study uses the modelling system to analyze the relative efficacy of alternative labour market policies, along with more general economic development policies. The policies analyzed are based on the economic policy priorities identified in the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 (the 2Vision3) which is a long-term planning document that was produced by the Abu Dhabi government to assist in guiding economic policy over the next two decades towards transition to Knowledge Based Economy. The Vision also recognizes that a key policy to strengthen the Emirate{u2019}s economic future is social and human resources development. In fact, it is noted that social and human resource development is the 2pre-eminent objective and driving motivation behind all policies and initiatives3. With respect to the workforce, the Government{u2019}s aim is to 2ensure the availability of a stable supply of high quality labour and especially to encourage full employment among Nationals3. Hence, an ongoing economic policy focus is to develop improvements in the labour market. In the study, four modeling scenarios have been developed to simulate the impact of key policies that are likely to be implemented as part of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.