DEC pays tributes to leaders

The General Secretariat of Dubai Economic Council organised a celebration to mark the 37th anniversary of the UAE National Day on Monday at the General Secretariat offices.

Juma Al Majed, Chairman of the Dubai Economic Council (DEC), said the formation of the Federation is considered to be an important event for both Emiratis and expatriates in the country.

The Federation has proved to the global community the willingness and determination of the leadership to realise great achievements in various fields, and to meet the Emirati people's ambitions of progress and prosperity.

This has contributed to make the UAE a regional and global centre of business and finance, and a crossroads of international economic and commercial networks.

Al Majed said the celebration pays tributes to statesmen who remarkably contributed to building the country. "On this occasion, it's our duty to remember the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and their brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, who laid the foundation of the Federation.

In his statement on the significant role being played by the Dubai Economic Council for the economy and society, Al Majed pointed out that the Council, which was established in 2003, given its unique structure that includes the leaders of business community and the representatives of local departments in Dubai, represents one of the historic initiatives and fruit of vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

The Council strives to take part in the progress march with all the economic activities in the emirate and the UAE through its consultancy role in reshaping the economic policies. The Council also bears a valuable mission, namely forwarding the consultations regarding strategic plans for the economy, and policy advocacy for economic issues targeting the enhancement of business and investment climate, increasing productivity, and enhancing the competitive advantage of Dubai.

Over the past five years, the council was behind several initiatives and economic policies that contributed to the enhancement of economic development process in the emirate and the whole country. These included revising the federal laws drafts such as commercial companies law, labour law, competition law, and the likes.

It also conducted a number of cutting-edge strategic researches that have direct and long-term impacts on the economic development process in the UAE. Moreover, the Council has some important initiatives such as Dubai Competitiveness Council, Dubai Institute of Economic Policy & Researches, in addition to newly established Dubai Productivity Council, all based on the best practices worldwide.

Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed bin Saqer Al Nahayan, Chairman of Executive Committee, said the National Day is an important occasion for Emiratis as well as expatriates, because it recalls the glories of the history of the formation of the Federation, which created a modern country.

Sheikh Khaled said the continuous development in the UAE, especially in the economic field, represents an additional responsibility and the Council is coping well with these developments through active dialogues and discussions on economic issues with strategic importance for the country, and proposes strategic initiatives and policies.

Hani Rashid Al Hamli, Secretary-General of the Dubai Economic Council, said: "We are proud to organise this celebration as a way of honouring our country and our beloved leaders and people.
Al Hamli said "the celebration reflects the loyalty of DEC's Chairman, members and staff to our wise leadership".

"The UAE today is standing beside advanced economies," he said.

Al Hamli said the country has succeeded in achieving comprehensive development.

"This has embodied in the welfare work and education opportunities available in the country today," he added.

"Though the world is in grip of a financial crisis, the UAE is invincible compared to many countries, advanced or emerging," he added.

He also stressed that "2009 will be the real challenge for all, and this would require more efforts to preserve the gains achieved in Federation era, and to enhance these gains in order to realise the vision of Sheikh Mohammed to place the emirate and the country among the top economies of the world".

Sheikha Mona Almoalla, DEC's Executive Director of Corporate Support Centre, said: "The formation of the Federation is the reason behind the success of the UAE in all fields, which is emulated by countries worldwide."

"Therefore, the celebration is regarded as a national duty for us as we live in a welfare and prosper state," she added.

Professor Abdulrazak Alfaris, DEC's Chief Economist & CEO, said the success of the Federation is a victory of determination, and a clear example of overcoming all economic and political challenges to build a modern country.

Lubna Qassim, DEC's Executive Director of Legal & Regulatory Affairs, said: "The National Day has huge significance for all."

"Among the many factors that contributed to the civilised development of the UAE is the issuance of legislations, laws and wise policies by the government over the past decades."

Adil Alfalasi, DEC's Executive Director of Dubai Competitiveness Council, said: "The formation of the Federation is the most important achievement in the region because of great achievements the UAE has witnessed in all fields, and its emergence in the international arena."

He said: "the Dubai Competitiveness Council, which is the first fruit of DEC, reflects the important role of DEC in strengthening the image of Dubai and the UAE in a changing world."

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