Source: TRA.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has implemented new programs to encourage internal innovation. Employees now have expanded opportunities to share their insights and actively participate in the TRA’s development.

The Idea for Tomorrow initiative, implemented at both TRA’s Abu Dhabi and Dubai locations, features idea boards on each floor. This allows employees a convenient method for sharing suggestions. TRA’s Innovation Committee will then select ideas with the most potential to improve TRA’s services, work environment, and the telecommunications sector as a whole.

TRA also organized workshops to familiarize employees with the framework of innovation, emphasizing its significance. The workshops trained participants in applying innovative ideas and utilizing creative problem-solving techniques. Best practices for innovation were presented, and brainstorming sessions were held. Discussions also covered obstacles to innovation and strategies for overcoming these limitations. Employees gained skills in decision-making and goal prioritization, fostering a supportive environment for generating innovative ideas.

Furthermore, TRA introduced the Interactive Innovation Gate, an internal online platform for employees to exchange ideas. Recognizing that motivation fuels successful ventures, TRA plans to reward the most exceptional innovations. Ideas will be evaluated based on their contribution to TRA’s progress, their effectiveness in developing new services, and their potential to increase revenue.

HE Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, UAE TRA Director General, explained, “These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation by providing our employees with the resources and support they need to think creatively. The next seven years will be critical in shaping the future of the UAE, and we must encourage young people to share their ideas and participate in the decision-making process.”

Ahmed Al Falasi, TRA Human Resources (HR) Manager, noted, “TRA has adopted an innovative development plan that encourages creative thinking and enhances employee leadership and confidence by involving them in the development process and valuing their input. The UAE is building a comprehensive innovation system, and for it to succeed, we need innovative leaders capable of tackling future challenges. Therefore, our HR approach focuses on cultivating our employees’ leadership abilities.”

Source: TRA. HE Al Mansoori inaugurated TRA’s Innovation Center at the TRA Dubai headquarters, in the presence of HE Ibrahim Abdul Malik Mohamed, the General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare Secretary General. 

Coinciding with UAE Innovation Week, TRA launched its Center of Innovation on November 23. The center is designed to stimulate innovation, with adaptable rooms for brainstorming sessions and smaller meetings.

The center also features a smart library to provide employees with resources to expand their knowledge base. Available in both English and Arabic, the library’s collection includes Flashes of Thought and My Vision by HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid, as well as other books and publications relevant to information and communications technology. The library covers various topics including science, culture, science fiction, and history, and it offers periodicals related to health, engineering, the environment, nuclear and renewable energy, law, and business administration.

At the launch, HE Al Mansoori said: “This inauguration occurs at a pivotal time, as we witness the announcement of the Supreme Policy for Technology Science and Innovation and the launch of UAE Innovation Week. This opening is in line with TRA’s commitment to supporting the goals outlined in the 2020 Vision, United in Knowledge, and fostering the ongoing knowledge and innovation-driven renaissance in our country."

Engineer Mohamed Al Zarooni, UAE TRA Polices and Programs Director, added, “The library was designed for ease of use, with users able to access it through various channels, such as the smart application and the website. To make things more efficient for readers, we incorporated various search options, including topic and title search functions. The library will help our employees increase their awareness of a broad range of scientific and cultural subjects.”