School children walked with pride, holding up banners that read He is in Our Eyes and Hearts at Al Mamzar, summing up the sentiments on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the accession of the Ruler of Dubai.
On January 4, 2006, the emirate of Dubai got a new visionary and its residents a reason to dream ‘big’.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has proven to the world that anything can be achieved. As he steps into the next year as leader, the country decks up for the occasion and its inhabitants salute his spirit.
At the Jumeirah Beach Residence, a heritage village brought residents closer to the Emirati culture, familiarising them with old Dubai. At the World Trade Centre, a poetry session and photography exhibition gave an insight into the roots of the emirate.
“It is his leadership that has brought all the progress,” said Ahmed Al Jasmi, coordinator of the cultural activities at JBR.
Heritage forums, crafts stalls and a gallery of rare photos of Shaikh Mohammed will dot streets and promenades in Dubai, while the sounds of traditional Emirati bands will bring the city to life today as activities take place across Dubai.
But the finale, for which all eyes will turn to Dubai, will be the inauguration of Burj Dubai.
It was this icon that officials and businessmen pointed to when highlighting the achievements of the emirate and the UAE under the stewardship of
Shaikh Mohammed.
Federal National Council Speaker Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair said, “Who in the advanced world, and the world by and large, does not know Dubai and the UAE? This inspired leader has taken the world by storm, as within a few years he has succeeded to put Dubai and the UAE on the map of the world.”
Mohammed Put Dubai on Global Map in Just a Few Years
Four years ago, just after His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum assumed office as Ruler of Dubai, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, the
Ministry of Justice was paid a visit its minister will never forget.
Hadif bin Joaan Al Dhahiri said Shaikh Mohammed took a critical look at the ministry and inspired the staff to step up and make reforms.
“While visiting the Ministry, he criticised the non-expansion of the ministry in depending on technology and computers to ensure a speed up in seeing justice done,” Al Dhahiri said.
He quoted Shaikh Mohammed as saying “slow justice is injustice which is unacceptable in the UAE”.
Today, all cases are electronically processed, and the applicants find it easy to finalise their transactions, said Al Dhahiri.
His drive to attain international standards and the best for Dubai, was a characteristic many government officials and businessmen alike noted of Shaikh Mohammed.
Humaid Al Qatami, Minister of Education, said the ministry was constantly striving to transform Shaikh Mohammed’s directives into reality.
“We ministers touch every day the keenness of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum to enhance and develop the whole society through his demands as he did not set any boundaries or limits to our ambitions in each ministry,” Al Qatami said.
“He called upon each minister to work hard to reach the best international management standards.”
The Ministry of Education has taken major steps to encourage education reform, and in accreditation and testing are underway to improve the qualities of schools.
On the occasion of the fourth anniversary of his Accession Day, officials told Khaleej Times his qualities were that of an inspired leader working towards furthering the progress, welfare and success of Dubai and the UAE.
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Speaker of the Federal National Council, demanded “Who in the advanced world, and the world by and large, does not know Dubai and the UAE?”
“This inspired leader has taken the world by storm, as within a few years he has succeeded to put Dubai and the UAE on the map of the world, and become a prominent landmark.”
Despite the challenges of 2009, government officials and businessmen said Shaikh Mohammed had taken timely steps to correct the economy.
Yusuffali MA, director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and managing director of Emke Group, said Shaikh Mohammed had continued to invest in infrastructure.
“Even when the entire world was faced with the crippling effects of economic slowdown, under his leadership, the UAE took many right measures to boost investments and lift business sentiments,” Yusuffali said.
“It continued with the inspiring projects like Dubai Metro, inauguration of Burj Dubai and the proposed bid for Olympics, to buck the trend.”
Khalid Al Malik, Group CEO — Dubai Properties Group, said this Accession Day has been marked by new milestones that send a message to the world that the emirate remains focused on its growth targets through continuous innovation and commitment to regional development.
“Supported by local talent and synergy, we pledge to transform our leadership’s vision into reality across diverse economic sectors including real estate development, tourism and entertainment.” - Adel Arafa
‘We’ve Learnt from Dubai Ruler that Ambition has No Limits’
“Since His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took the reins of power of the emirate of Dubai on January 4 of 2006, Dubai saw an accelarated rate of progress, enabling it to make great achievement is a short time, said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Dubai soon found itself ranked 35th on the list of best cosmopolitan cities in terms of infrastructure, which gives us a clear indication of the comprehensive development process sustained by the Emirate, based on an integrated strategic vision for growth and development.
“We have always learned from Shaikh Mohammed that ambition knows no limits and the word ‘impossible’ must not exist in the dictionary of achievers. We also learned that the objectives and aspirations could best be realised through teamwork. Shaikh Mohammed has a resolute will and clear-cut plans to elevate the emirate to a standing of a premier financial hub at a regional and global level, capable of rising to all challenges down the path to global prominence, ” said Al Tayer.
Shaikh Mohammed believes that the tackling of the main strategic challenges lying ahead over the nest two decades hinge on who will be able to go an extra mile in setting higher performance levels, and keeping abreast of developments in all walks of life, the official said.
Khalfan Takes Pride in Dubai’s Progress
As Dubai gears up to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Accession Day of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, top official of Dubai Police took the
opportunity to expresses their faith and confidence in Dubai Ruler’s
leadership.
Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police told Khaleej Times, “As we
celebrate the Accession Day of Shaikh Mohammed, we look to the World from the top of the tallest
building in the world (Burj Dubai) and say, ‘Here we are’. We say so in message of pride and progress that spring from the faith in the Almighty Allah, with unwavering will.”
He talked about the successes the Dubai Police has achieved in a very short time, in tackling crimes, major and minor ones in 2009.
Since the inception of the law enforcement body in the ‘70s by Shaikh Mohammed, which was founded on two important pillars — efficiency of human resources, who are always in continuous training, and the use of hi-tech equipment, he said the force has achieved enormous success in making the emirate safe.
A proof of this is the fact that the Dubai Police’s reach has not been
limited to the borders of the emirate but has helped catch criminals
internationally.
Talking about his vision for the future, as Dubai enters its fifth year under the leadership of Shaikh Mohammed, Lt-Gen Khalfan said, “My confidence in Allah towards a better future, is
unlimited, and I have faith and trust in His Highness Shaikh Mohammed,
and that confidence that springs from my experience from working under
the leadership of a man who always finds solutions to any problem he comes across.”
Therefore, according to him,
everyone and I always work with confidence and assurance in the wake of
the repercussions of the global financial crisis which affected some local companies.
About the debt crisis faced by some companies recently, he said that
debts of some companies are not a problem big enough to affect the sound and strong national economy, as many countries, including the USA have
suffered from the crisis.
He added that the affected companies will recover, it’s only a matter of time.
He also reiterated that the UAE
will remain the oasis of safety and
will ensure to provide a good environment for investment and a decent
life to its citizens and expatriates, in a well-established country under a
wise leadership.
Shaikha Hind Praises Mohammed
Her Highness Shaikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Chairperson of Shaikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Child Creativity, felicitated Shaikh Mohammed on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of his accession to power in Dubai.
In a message Shaikha Hind said, “I am pleased and honoured to offer sublime congratulations and felicitations to His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of his accession to power in the Emirate of Dubai.”
“They really are four years of continuous, selfless service to the homeland and the citizens. The impressive achievements of His Highness during this short span of time, made pioneering contributions for supporting and promoting sustainable development in our beloved country. These radiant four years of hard work provided light for national work and triggered achievements that exceeded all perceptions and expectations,” Shaikha Hind said.
“His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has a big heart that embraces everyone with love, affection and care. His benevolence towards children is remarkable and his generosity always painted smile on the lips of the deprived. This has been testified by innumerous humanitarian gestures of His Highness,” added Shaikha Hind. — Wam
‘Journey Towards Education Reform to Continue’
“Dubai is fortunate to have a Ruler who understands the importance of education,” said Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director-General of Knowledge and Human Development Authority, on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the Accession Day of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Dr Abdulla added, “In the four years since Shaikh Mohammed became the Ruler of Dubai, after which was created the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, we have set out on a journey towards education reform together.”
Quoting late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, saying, ‘Youth is the real wealth of the nation’, Dr Abdulla said, “It is our job to protect this precious resource and prepare them to take a leading role in the future of this nation. We congratulate Shaikh Mohammed on this fourth anniversary, and thank him for being with us on this important
journey.”