Sheikh Mohammed praises private sector for 'key role' in UAE's growth

The Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the private sector has played a key role over the last four decades in the UAE’s development.

He said the UAE is keen to enhance public–private partnerships (PPP) based on the principle of creating win-win partnerships, and provide a conducive environment to attract investments.

Sheikh Mohammed also said that private sector’s contributions “will not go unnoticed.”

He also praised the role of the private sector in developing the healthcare sector through a number of facilities that complement public healthcare facilities across the country.

“Our objective is to have best-in-class diagnostic equipment in our healthcare facilities, as well as the best expertise in collaboration with major international institutions, in order to offer a distinctive healthcare system that provides the most effective healthcare solutions for residents and visitors

"We are confident in the ability of UAE national medical professionals to support this strategic sector, as we provide full support to help them develop their skills through medical education and overseas scholarships. We are looking to develop a new highly skilled generation of medical professionals in the UAE,” His Highness said.

Sheikh Mohammed further said: “Medical tourism has become one of the important economic sectors that we are focusing on to gain a share regionally and globally.”

His Highness also expressed his satisfaction at the development of the tourism sector in Dubai and in the UAE.

He said that the variety of choices and top tier services are increasing the expectations for the future growth of the tourism sector, as it is one of the key revenue generators for the local economy.

Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came during his tour of City Walk.

He was accompanied on the tour by Deputy Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Cabinet Member and Minister of Health and Prevention Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais; Chairman of the Board of the Dubai Health Authority Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami; Director General of Dubai Protocol and Hospitality Department Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman; and Meraas Holding Group Chairman Abdulla Ahmed Al Habbai.

The tour included a visit to Valiant Clinic and La Ville Hotel & Suites.

Sheikh Mohammed and his entourage started the tour with a visit to the Valiant Clinic, which is developed and owned by Meraas and managed by Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services, the international subsidiary of world-renowned Houston Methodist Hospital in the United States.

The Dh300 million facility is spread across 15,000 square metres.

Senior Vice President of Healthcare at Meraas Hamad Al Matrooshi briefed His Highness about the facility and the services it provides.

Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed the scale model of the 150-bed hospital that is set to be built opposite the Valiant Clinic by 2018.

His Highness also toured La Ville Hotel and Suites located in the heart of City Walk.

Operated by Marriott, the property is spread over 30,000 square meters and has a capacity of 180 suites and rooms.

At the end of the visit, His Highness praised the efforts of Meraas Holding, and expressed his best wishes for the company and its employees.

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