UAE leaders credited for top government efficiency rank

A recent international report classifying the UAE as the top country in terms of government efficiency demonstrates the leadership’s sound policies and dedication to upgrading performance of the state system, a well-known analyst has said.

Mohammed Al Asumi was commenting on the Global Competitiveness Report 2013, which has just been released by Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD), ranking the UAE 1st on the index of government efficiency as well as society cohesion.

“It is interesting to note how a developing country has risen to top global rankings in such a short period of time, beating rich and developed countries in such important domains,” said Asumi, former economic adviser to Dubai’s executive office.

In an article published by the Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, he cited a recent statement by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in reaction to that ranking, in which he said this achievement by the UAE has not been realised by chance.

Sheikh Khalifa said it is the outcome of hard work based on solid foundations, and the fruit of consultation, justice, rule of law, and prudent management of the economy.

“Through his statement, the President removed all ambiguities related to the UAE’s classification among leading nations,” said Asumi, former director of the economic section at the Emirates Industrial Bank.

He noted that late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the other rulers of the UAE have laid a strong foundation for the nation’s progress.

“The achievements made by the country could not have been realised without those foundations.

The late Sheikh Zayed had a long-term vision and confidence that the UAE, the nation he led wisely, will be ranked among the leading nations of the world.

“Several international reports are testimony to the accuracy of his vision and expectations.

“UAE Citizens and leaders have followed the principles of the Late Sheikh Zayed and have made earnest efforts to continue this march of progress in all fields.”

Asumi said the UAE government’s performance became even more dynamic and efficient with the formation of the federal cabinet under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in early 2006.

He added that Sheikh Mohammad has since then spearheaded domestic issues in an “efficient and harmonious manner” that helped achieve top global rankings.

“The President has expressed admiration of the leadership provided by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his successful approach in this domain,” he said.

“Strong foundation and excellent managerial principles have enabled the UAE to achieve success at the global stage.

“No developing country has achieved these accomplishments so far and developed countries have always dominated global indices on economic, social and cultural development in the decades gone by.

“Since their independence following the Second World War, developing countries have always found it difficult to surpass developed nations in the field of development. However, the UAE’s experience has removed the word ‘impossible’ from its jargon.”

Asumi cited recent comments by Sheikh Mohammed that “the word impossible is synonymous with incapable.”

“Sheikh Mohammed has emphasised this concept in his lectures and this is also contained in his recently published book Flashes of Thought.

“His dedication is also evident in the relentless efforts he has made to achieve top ranking in various fields. By following the mantra of ‘impossible is nothing’, the UAE has presented a model for other developing nations,” Asumi said.

“The UAE has proved that with the right foundation it is possible to build great architecture and it advances the ranks of any country on global indices.

“This could be achieved if the citizens of a nation possess the will, loyalty and perseverance and if they utilise their potential.

“All that is needed to ensure these achievements is creative management, hard work and tiding over bureaucracy and carelessness.”

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