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19 March 2024

'It is time to look into the future with confidence and optimism'

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By Wam

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai has reaffirmed the keenness of the UAE leadership, government and people for economic and cultural openness and contribution to the peace and amity among peoples of the world.

In his speech to mark the 42nd anniversary of the UAE National Day, published by ''Dira'a Al Watan'' magazine, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the achievements made by the UAE in 2013 including, among others, the accelerated pace of economic growth.

He paid homage to the forefathers who preserved this land by standing firm against all challenges and by defying the harsh environment, scarce resources and difficult living conditions and congratulated His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the country, who is leading the Emirates through the avenues of advancement and who is giving the federation an impetus to grow stronger.

"This year," he noted, "The UAE made the largest progress ever made in the fields of global competitiveness, according to reports by the United Nations and other international organisations concerned with comprehensive development, modernity, stability, prosperity and happiness." Spelling out some of many achievements the UAE has made, Sheikh Mohammed said, ''Our country has made achievements in all domains. Our economy continues to flourish, registering the highest growth rates in the region and counted among the best performing in the world. The government's budget for 2011-13, made a big success, leading to marked improvements in the use of resources and development of government performance. The three-year 2013-16 budget, with a 15 percent increase, was issued and half of its expenses have been allocated for social benefits to citizens and human development programmes, being the main pillar for the government's policies, plans, strategies and initiatives.

''The success of our country was not a product of mere chance, but as a result of the leadership's vision, planning and keen interest in serving the country and its citizens. It is a result of continuous interaction among different generations and the unique relation of trust and allegiance between the people and their leader. It is a result of self-development, knowledge and the ability to adapt to changes. Our success is complemented by our optimistic forward looking, yearning for excellence, encouraging innovation and believing that failure is just another experience in life and a good lesson for the next attempt.

''As much proud as we are, we are not going to be intoxicated by these successes. They are in fact, an alarm for us to continue shouldering our responsibilities and a call for us to rally our efforts and to move on with our task of achieving further progress to our country,'' he added.

Sheikh Mohammed said, ''It is time to look into the future with confidence and optimism. We stand on a solid ground. Our people are enjoying the fruits of the development process and becoming an essential part of it. Our country is enjoying respect and making a strong presence in international arenas and becoming an icon for determination for success.'' The Vice President noted that just a few days before celebrating the 42nd National Day anniversary, all these indices culminated in the resounding win as the country was announced winner of the Expo 2020 hosting bid, following an arduous 2-year journey of competition with internationally-renowned cities.

''As His Highness Sheikh Khalifa affirmed, our joy in the UAE was doubled by the win as it coincides with the celebrations of the 42nd National Day. This success was the culmination of a series of successes and great achievements the UAE has been incessantly making since its establishment 42 years ago to remain in the lead in all fields.

''We have a lot to accomplish and we have no excuse for any delays or poor performance. We have what it takes to achieve as we are blessed with rich resources, capabilities, expertise, positive energy, thirst for knowledge, dedication and above all, the leadership's unlimited support,'' Sheikh Mohammed emphasised.

The future, he continued to say, is for everyone, but only those who heed its call, speak its language and explore its directions, will be able to get a fair share of it. ''Future knows no waiting, delay or procrastination. Therefore, our only choice in the UAE is to put future at the hearts of our plans. We should make the future by competing for a place in it.

''We speak the same language of the future and we are ready for its challenges, without ignoring challenges of the present.'' Farther afield, Sheikh Mohamed said,"We closely monitor the developments in the region and the world and do what we can to enhance regional security and stability and in supporting peoples' right for the determination of their future. We help fraternal countries with their development plans.'

Mohammed bin Rashid meets foreign and national media delegation

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday met representatives of media organisations of 36 Arab and other countries, currently visiting the UAE on the occasion of the 42nd National Day, and of prominent representatives of UAE media organisations, at Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa.

Present at the meeting were Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and Chairman of National Media Council (NMC); Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Sheikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and other senior officials.

At the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed spoke about a number of important topics, most notably the UAE National Day and its importance to the people for the UAE, and the success of the UAE's bid to host the world Expo 2020 and its significance both locally and internationally as well as its positive effects for the region and the world.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed appreciation of the role the media play in expressing people's ambitions and as well as in being partners to governments in observing improvement and development.

Speaking on the UAE National Day, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, "Our joy today as we celebrate the 42nd National Day is doubled by the UAE's winning of the bid to host the world Expo 2020." He described the occasion as the crucial day which saw the establishment of the UAE Federation, and the current celebrations of the occasion as an opportunity for Emiratis to express their love and loyalty to the historic determination and will against challenges.

Sheikh Mohammed attributed the success of the UAE in hosting Expo 2020 to the wise leadership and directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the follow-up by General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces who was interested in following up all stages of work in the lead up to the UAE's win which is one of its most important achievements in terms of global competitiveness.

He also attributed the success of Expo 2020 bid "to the wise policy established by the nation's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who laid the solid foundations for the country's strong and friendly international relations based on mutual respect. This policy is followed by my brother President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, supported by my brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed."

"We worked hard to provide the basis of this achievement. Allah helped us to succeed. We are now thinking beyond Expo 2020, as we are in a new phase of achievements. The future will be our main concern.... to peacefully coexist with others and to do good for all." "We thank all the countries which stood by us and voted for us, as well as the countries which did not vote for us." He described the success of Expo 2020 bid was not only an achievement for the UAE, but also a strategic success of a vast region inhabited by two billion people. "

The UAE engaged in a fierce international competition to host this global mega event to its land in order to open promising and unlimited opportunities for the peoples of this region to achieve their aspirations and find a proper position within the progress of the world."

Sheikh Mohammed praised all the relevant teams government departments and ministries for their role in making the national achievement of hosting Expo 2020. Paying a special tribute to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) he said, " Led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, MoFA has made exceptional efforts. All worked as one team and the positive energy was always there during all stages as all the efforts and strengths were unified for the achievement of one goal. Thank God for helping us make this achievement."

"We were glad to see that all people here including nationals, residents, guests and visitors were happy when we dedicated the win (of Expo 2020 bid) to all Arab and regional countries. During our work on the bid, we put in mind, not only interests of the UAE, but also the interests of the whole Arab region. The interests of their peoples were always on our mind. We thank our brothers for their stance for the UAE Persistence leads man to success." Answering a question by a member of the visiting media delegation on when Arabs would manufacture their own weapons, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, "We don't want weapons. We do want peace. As my brother Mohammed bin Zayed said, international relations are more important than guns and missiles." He also re-affirmed the UAE's commitment to promote global peace against wars.

"We want peace to prevail the whole world so all people can live in peace and safety. The people of the U.A.E. enjoys peace and happiness under the leadership of my brother Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, and under follow-up by my other brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed." "We hope that peace will prevail all our Arab countries. We tell them that determination, will and positive attitude are important factors for the targeted positive development," His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said.

On his part, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister ( Chairman of National Media Council (NMC), affirmed that the prosperity of the nation and the welfare of nationals is among the top strategic goals the UAE is seeking to achieve under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, within the vision of Sheikh Mohammed, and under follow-up by General Mohammed."

Thanking Sheikh Mohammed for his unwavering support, Sheikh Abdullah said, "Any successful official looks forward to working as a member of a team led by Sheikh Mohammed. This is a big honour that requires more efforts and commitment on the way to achieve the successes the wise leadership of the nation seeks to achieve in the service of the country. Thanks to this vision, the UAE has succeeded in earning international respect and appreciation."

 

Mohammed bin Rashid honours Expo 2020 team, attends National Day celebrations


His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday honoured the members of the Expo 2020 team who worked for the past two years on preparations that contributed to the success of the UAE's bid to host the world Expo 2020 in Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, attended the honouring ceremony for the Expo 2020 team.

Sheikh Mohammed also honoured the UAE ministerial team led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, to the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) during the Expo 2020 voting process when Dubai emerged winner of the World Expo 2020 bid.

Sheikh Mohammed also honoured the members of the Higher Committee on Hosting the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group.

At the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid greeted all the members of the team and the committee for the sincere efforts they made for their country and people at regional and international circles.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid described this national collective effort as a source of pride for the UAE leadership, government and people. He made note of the huge cohesion and solidarity between the UAE society and the country's delegation to Paris. He described the interaction as an unforgettable and touching scene for the UAE people and the whole Arab Nation.

Also on Sunday, Sheikh Mohammed, flanked by Sheikh Hamdan; Sheikh Abdullah, a host of ministers, senior officials and an audience of some 20,000 people, attended the 42nd National Day celebration staged at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

The celebration featured the 'Happiest Nation', a six-scene operette inspired by a poem by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The musical illustrated the cultural diversity of the UAE as the happiest nation, the achievements of the nation's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE environment, economic progress, high competitiveness ranking and government efficiency. In one of the scenes, Emirati schoolboy Ali talked about Expo 2020 and the establishment of the UAE Federation in 1971.

The celebration was concluded by a dazzling display of fireworks.
 

Mohammed bin Rashid issues law establishing Al Jalila Child Culture Centre

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (9) of 2013 establishing the Al Jalila Child Culture Centre as a public institution. He also issued Decree No. (31) of 2013 appointing Princess Haya bint Al Hussein as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Al Jalila Child Culture Centre .

Both Law No. (9) and Decree No. (31) of 2013 are effective from their date of issuance and shall be published in the official gazette.

Law No. (9) of 2013 defines goals for establishing the aforementioned centre with a special focus on preserving the identity and the cultural heritage associated with Emirati children who constitute an important segment of society. The objectives also comprise maintaining a safe social environment to augment the role of family and school, presenting heritage to children in an innovative and exciting approach that does not contradict with the concept of modernity, developing skills and nurturing talent so as to sustain a progressive human development drive.

Article III of Law No. (9) stipulates that the Al Jalila Child Culture Centre is to be established as an autonomous corporate entity that is independent in terms of finance and administration. The centre, which will be attached to the Culture and Arts Authority in Dubai, will also have the legal capacity to practice its powers and pursue the realisation of its goals.

Al Jalila Child Culture Centre is tasked with rolling out programmes and initiatives that connect institutions and members of society to boost up the culture, heritage, traditions and values associated with childhood and means of utilising modern day tools to enhance different aspects of the child s personality. The centre will undertake an important role of putting into motion programmes that focus on developing the skills, critical thinking, innovation and creativity of children alongside equal focus on improving personality characteristics.

In the context of creating and sustaining a rich environment that augments the role of family and school, Al Jalila Child Culture Centre shall have the capacity to issue publications and organise cultural activities that involve children, parents and teaching staff. Furthermore, the centre will be capable of establishing companies and carrying out investment projects to create financial resources. It will also establish direct connections with similar centres, authorities, societies, and organisations both locally and internationally.

Chaired by the wife of Sheikh Mohammed, Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, the Board of Trustees of Al Jalila Child Culture Centre will be tasked with defining the general policy and creating strategic and development plans that serve the goals of the centre. It will also adopt administrative, financial and technical regulations that govern the centre as an entity capable of establishing committees, both temporary and permanent, and ink agreements with relevant societies, institutions and authorities.

As per Law No. (9) of 2013, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees shall appoint a Chief executive Officer and a Chief Technical Officer in addition to a number of employees in administration, finance and technical departments.

Mohammed attends ‘Happiest Nation’ celebration

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the ‘Happiest Nation’ celebration to mark the 42nd National Day of the UAE at the Burj Park, in Dubai.

During the event, Sheikh Mohammed honoured the Higher Committee for Hosting World Expo 2020 in Dubai and its team of officials, professionals, technicians and others who worked hard over the course of two years to prepare Dubai’s bid to host the event.

A special recognition was given to the members of the Higher Committee for Hosting World Expo 2020 in Dubai headed by Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Mohammed also honoured the ministerial delegation headed by UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan who played an integral role in representing the UAE at the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris, France, where the voting for World Expo 2020 took place.

In this context, Sheikh Mohammed noted the unwavering efforts of the Expo 2020 committee, its team members, public and private institutions and individuals who supported the UAE in its quest to host the global event.

The “Happiest Nation,” the main event for the 42nd UAE National Day celebrations in Dubai kicked off after the honouring of the Expo 2020 team. The event attracted more than 20,000 people at the Burj Park area near Burj Khalifa.

The show illustrated the interaction between the different nationalities in the UAE and was inspired by a poem by Sheikh Mohammad, where he expressed the UAE’s historical legacy, its current developments and the future that awaits it.

Present at the event were Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ministers, sheikhs and top government officials from across the UAE.

The event concluded to a dazzling fireworks display. (Courtesy: Sheikh Mohammed’s website)