2010: A year in leadership

January 2010

Meets citizens at anniversary celebrations

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum participated in a parade marking his 4th anniversary as the Ruler of Dubai in the Al Mamzar area of Dubai on January 3.

Sheikh Mohammed met with the nation's sons and daughters gathered at Mamzar Beach since early morning, many of whom were bearing flags and pictures of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed.

Inaugurates Burj Khalifa

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated Burj Dubai and renamed it as Burj Khalifa on January 4.

The 828-metre tower, built at a cost of over $1.5 billion, was named after UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"The summit of the world should be associated with a great name, and so today I announce the opening of Burj Khalifa bin Zayed," he declared.
 

Establishes Dubai Media Office

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issues Law No. 2 of 2010, establishing the Government of Dubai Media Office, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the channels of communication in the emirate.
 

Haiti initiative

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum instructed Dubai Cares to provide educational assistance to the children of Haiti.

Tariq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares stated, “Under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s direction, Dubai Cares will provide immediate assistance to 200,000 children in Haiti through our international partners Care International, Save the Children, Plan International and Unicef who are currently on the ground in Haiti.
 

Opens Meydan Racecourse

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the opening of the Meydan Racecourse, the world's largest in term of area, on January 28.

The inaugural event saw the hosting of the 2010 Dubai International Racing Carnival that continued till March 27, the date of the $10 million Dubai World Cup.
 

February 2010

Announces new oil field

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announces the discovery of a new maritime oil field off the coast of Dubai, east of "Rashid" field on February 4.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that the discovery will strengthen the economic capacities of the country and increase the UAE’s oil production.

Besides, the new discovery will have other positive impacts on all sectors of the local economy and will provide a new source of income, enhancing the comprehensive development of Dubai.
 

Announces National Charter 2021

The cabinet, chaired by UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum concluded its conclave at Qasr Al Sarab Resort in Liwa, Western Region.

In his speech concluding the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed announced the issuance of the UAE national Charter for 2021. The document that carries the theme “We want to be one of the best countries in the world” coincides with the UAE’s celebration of its golden jubilee.

Sheikh Mohammed specified four key components of the national charter: ambitious and confident people who adhere to their heritage, a strong Union with common destiny, a competitive economy that is led by innovative and knowledgeable UAE nationals, and high quality life endowed with sustainable environment.

March 2010
 
Meets Indian PM in New Delhi

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.

During the meeting they reviewed a number of economic and political issues, as well as ways to bring about peace and stability in the region, so that people may have access to healthcare, education and decent living standards, especially in areas of conflict.

The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the UAE and India in a number of fields, including economics and culture, to strengthen the bonds of friendship between their countries and peoples.
 

April 2010

Meets Bill Clinton

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with former US President Bill Clinton, the United Nations special envoy in Haiti, at the Burj Al Arab.

They discussed a number of humanitarian and educational issues during their meeting, with special attention given to areas devastated by natural disasters, as well as the large death toll and destruction which accompanies such events.

The recent earthquake in Haiti featured high on the agenda, with both leaders exchanging views on international efforts to assist the crisis-stricken country, in addition to the role of the UN and humanitarian establishments in the rebuilding process.
 

Merges GIA with TRA

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a federal decision merging the General Information Authority (GIA) with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), as part of efforts to enhance e-government services and restructure the e-government sector.

Under the resolution, GIA staff will move with the same grades and financial benefits to the TRA, with GIA's annual budget also being transferred to the TRA.
 

Decision on special needs bodies

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a decision bringing non-governmental institutions providing care and rehabilitation services for special needs patients under the control of the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs.

The decision identifies targets to be achieved by private sector rehabilitation centres in carrying out their operations, which include providing competent social, psychological and curative services to enable disabled patients to become self-sufficient, productive members of society. Support services such as nursing, physiotherapy and speech therapy are also dealt with under the new rules.
 
May 2010

Wins top equestrian honour

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was named the Equestrian Character of the Year by Oxer Sports in recognition of his support to equestrian sports around the world.

The award was delivered to Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Maktoum, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Foundation, by Carlos Vilarrubi, Chairman of Oxer, at a ceremony held on the sidelines of the Oxer Sports show jumping championship in Valencia.
 

Honours winners of media awards

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honoured the winners of the 9th Arab Journalism Awards at a gala ceremony that marked the conclusion of the Arab Media Forum 2010.

Arabic address for VP's website

The website of UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum sports a internet address completely in Arabic.

Sheikh Mohammed's website address has since then read 'sheikh-mohammed-bin-rashid.emarat' or 'mohammed-bin-rashid.emarat' when typed in Arabic script.

The new .emarat domain was made possible after the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority won approval from the Internet Corporation Assigned for Names and Numbers (ICCAN) to register domain names in the Arabic language.
 

June 2010

Issue HR law

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a law regulating human resources at federal government agencies, as part of efforts to establish clear standards and practices to be applied to all employees working within the federal government.

Affecting more than 80,000 government staff at several federal departments, the new law seeks to bring about more effective management of human resources ensuring an appropriate work environment prevails at state entities.
 

Tells CNN the "worst is over"

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on June 23 told the CNN that "the worst is over and Dubai is looking for new opportunities for growth."

Sheikh Mohammed said that he viewed the global recession as a challenge and that companies there are restructuring in response.

"I don't call it a recession, I call it challenge," said Sheikh Mohammed said in a CNN's exclusive interview.

"The companies are restructuring because it's a new world. You have to stop and restructure," Sheikh Mohammed said.

 July 2010

Equine Savior Award

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum receives the Ellen and Herbert Moelis Equine Savior Award for Philanthropy, in recognition of his charity work aimed at saving aging racehorses from slaughter by retraining them in England and America. The award was presented during an annual gala event in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Umrah pilgrims

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum funded more than 120 citizens, including students from the Rashid Summer Camp, to visit Saudi Arabia on a private plane to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. Also among those chosen to travel to Mecca are outstanding students attending summer camps in Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, as well as a number of Government of Dubai employees working in support of summer activities in the emirate.

Ambulance Law

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Law No.15 of 2010, amending Law No.13 of 2006, regulating the Centre of Ambulance Services in the emirate of Dubai. Under the new provisions the centre, now renamed as the 'Dubai Ambulance Services Foundation', will be assigned additional responsibilities, including granting 'No Objection Certificates' (NOCs) for licensing of ambulances and first aid training centres in the emirate.

Human Resources Law

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved a law regulating human resources at federal government agencies, as part of efforts to establish clear standards and practices to be applied to all employees working within the federal government. Affecting over 80,000 staff at various federal departments, the new law seeks to bring about more effective management of government human resources, while ensuring that an appropriate working environment prevails at government entities.

August 2010

Dubai Cares’ campaign

As per the directives of UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Cares announced a 'School Feeding Campaign' as part of its efforts to help attain the UN Millennium Development Goal 2 of achieving universal primary education by 2015. The campaign aimed to provide school children in developing countries with the required daily nutrition and adequate food in order to improve their access to quality primary education.

Prisoners released

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ordered the release of 557 prisoners from Dubai punitive and corrective institutions to mark the occasion of Ramadan. Dubai Attorney General Essam Al Humaidan expressed deep gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed for his humanitarian and social gesture, which he said would reunite and benefit the families of the released prisoners.

Meeting intellectuals

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received a group cultural and artistic personalities, who paid him a courtesy call on the occasion of Ramadan.

They congratulated him on the advent of the month and wished him good health, in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Health programme

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is briefed about the features of work plan of the Federal Health Authority programme.  The programme is set to streamline and develop the health sector nationwide. The UAE Health Minister, Board Chairman of the Health Federal Authority Dr Hanif Hassan, presented the electronic demonstration in the executive office at Emirates Towers in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Touring Ministry of Education

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the headquarters of the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Dubai today, accompanied by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

National Brand

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the launch a country-wide contest to design the "Nation Brand". Launched under the motto "The Nation Brand Contest", the historic visual identity contest will attract the country's talented youth to participate.

September 2010

Sheikh Khalifa welcomed back

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan returned home safely morning after recovery from illness. Upon arrival, he was received by UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Mohammed visits schools

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum made a field tour to a number of government schools in Dubai and Sharjah today, the first day of the academic year, to inspect the readiness of these schools for receiving students for the academic year 2010/2011. Sheikh Mohammed began his tour with a visit al Nukhba Model School in Dubai, where he attended the morning assembly and listened to the school’s morning programme. He was briefed by the school’s principal Khawla Al Abdooli on the procedures taken on the first school day. Sheikh Mohammed thanked the principal and the teaching staff for their efforts and urged them to work harder to contribute to the development of the educational process.

Pensions Authority

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued cabinet decision No.11 for 2010 on the structure of the General Pensions and Social Security Authority (GPSSA).

October 2010

Arab-African summit

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum lead the UAE delegation to the Arab extraordinary summit and the second Arab-African summit, both of which were held in the Libyan city of Sirte. Sheikh Mohammed visited President Bashar Al Assad of Syria at his place of residence in Sirte, Libya. He visited the Ouagadougou folklore market, where he acquainted himself with Libyan handicrafts, costumes and local cuisines.

My Government initiative

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched an initiative titled, 'My Government', an integrated communications portal designed to enhance direct connectivity between federal government entities and client users of their services.
Touring Fujiarah

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the Centre for Rehabilitation of People with Special Needs, an affiliate of the Ministry of Social Affairs, in Fujairah.
September

November 2010

Global Agenda Summit

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the official opening of the World Economic Forum's third Summit on the Global Agenda at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. The summit, brings together over 600 of the foremost global experts from business, government, academia and civil society working together to address the key issues on the global, regional and industry agendas.

World Economic Forum

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with Dr. Klaus Schwab, founder and chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi.

Mission Possible

Following the completion the on-site filming of 'Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol' in Dubai , UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has said that the UAE places a high value on innovation and creativity as key catalysts that enrich the human experience. He also stated that Dubai spares no effort in supporting innovation in various forms of cultural pursuits, including cinema. Sheikh Mohammed's remarks came during a meeting with stars and production crew of the Hollywood movie. The team wrapped up after just under a month of filming in Dubai - the longest period the team has stayed in any of the cities to be featured in the film.

Queen Elizabeth

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi today, in the presence of Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Graduation Ceremony

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended a ceremony at Zayed II Military College in Al Ain to mark the graduation of its 35th class of officer cadets.

Pratibha Patil, President of India

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum held a meeting with President Pratibha Patil of India, during which they discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations and boosting trade and investment between their two countries. During talks at Dubai Ruler's Court, Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the Indian premier, stressing the importance of consolidating cooperation at various levels in the interests of their peoples.

GCC leaders

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received speakers of GCC advisory, national and representative councils at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi today, in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Chinese delegate

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received Zhang Goali, member of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee and Governor of Tianjin City, at Al Marmoum resort. During their meeting they discussed bilateral relations, focusing on trade, investment and tourism.

Police graduation

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended a ceremony to mark the graduation of the 18th batch of officer cadets to obtain master's degrees at Dubai Police Academy.

Budget approved

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired a meeting of the UAE Cabinet at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. The cabinet approved the federal government's budget for 2011-2013, which seeks to achieve sustainable development in the country, as per the vision of the UAE's wise leadership. Federal expenditure during the three-year budget cycle is expected to be around Dh122 billion, with Dh41 billion appropriated for 2011 alone.

Young Arab Leaders

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the 5th edition of the annual Young Arab Leaders (YAL) forum at the Address Hotel in Dubai

Noor Foundation

In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Law No.18 of 2010 establishing the Noor Dubai Foundation as a non-governmental and non-profit corporate body.

FNC

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the 5th ordinary session of the 14th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council (FNC) in Abu Dhabi.

Mohammed Top Digital Ruler

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been listed as one of the top ten global leaders who use social media to enhance dialogue and discuss issues with nations and people from around the world in a more personalised manner according to a new report. The report was issued by the Washington-based Digital Policy Council, which monitors the usage of micro-blogging sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

December 2010

Wildlife initiative

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum set free 170 houbaras. The move comes in line with President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's policy to boost the numbers of houbaras in the region, while relocating the endangered birds across the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula. The release reflected Sheikh Mohammed's deep interest in important environmental issues.

Social welfare system

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a decision amending the social welfare system in the country to give greater benefits to female employees working at the federal government. Under the new rules national women working at federal agencies, whose husbands are deceased, unable to work due to disability or unemployed, will be entitled to social assistance to support their families. The legislation further stipulates that divorced women can also lodge claims, so long as they submit official documentation proving that their ex-husbands are disabled and unemployed.

Arab Education Forum

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum held talks with Ministers of Education representing member nations of the Arab Bureau of Education for Gulf Arab states, at Al Marmoum. During the meeting they reviewed a number of educational issues discussed at the 21st General Conference of Ministers of Education, which was held today in Abu Dhabi under the chairmanship of Minister of Education Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qattami. Sheikh Mohammed expressed his great confidence in the ministers' ability to make constructive decisions and recommendations to enhance education across the GCC region.

Best governance

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the opening session of the Dubai Forum for Best Government Practices at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The forum, organised by the Dubai Government Excellence Programme, is aimed at boosting government performance through the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices.

Cabinet approves budget

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired a meeting of the UAE Cabinet at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. At the outset of the meeting the cabinet approved the 2011 budget for the General Authority for Pensions and Social Security and a cooperation agreement signed with the UK Government concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Meeting Bill Clinton

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received former US President Bill Clinton at his resort in Al Marmoum. During their meeting Sheikh Mohammed and his guest exchanged views on a number of issues related to healthcare and education around the world, including the role played by civil institutions and communities in supporting vital concerns in these fields.

Media plan

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed Dubai Media Incorporated's (DMI's) media plan for 2011, during a meeting of the media organisation's supreme committee. The meeting took place at Meydan Hotel in Nad Al Sheba, under the chairmanship of Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office and Managing Director of DMI, Ahmed Abdullah Al Sheikh.

National Day Ceremony

UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended this evening a ceremony organised by the Dubai Committee for National Day Celebrations in the Burj Khalifa area to mark the 39th national day anniversary. The celebration featured visual displays of the federation's various stages, a military parade and a performance of the 'Kulluna Khalifa' operetta in the English language. Kullunna Khalifa, which means we are all for Khalifa, is a phrase which has been adopted for the UAE's 39th National Day celebrations this year.

Addressing the nation

In a statement given to Dira Al Watan magazine, UAE Vice- President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum described December 2nd as one of the most glorious national days in modern history thanks to the unification efforts of the country's founders. He said that the day had grown to be an Arab symbol, embodying the pan-Arab sentiments put forth by UAE leaders and the founders of the federation, Their Highnesses the late Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, along with their brothers, the rulers of the emirates.
 

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.