Burj Khalifa launch proves UAE’s strength: Mohammed

Dubai’s ruler says the launch of the Burj Khalifa is proof that the "UAE is a strong country thanks to its leadership, people, economy and infrastructure".

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the opening of the world’s tallest edifice proved the UAE economy was “robust” and that the country was “able to confront any challenge or crisis, regardless of their magnitude”.

"Is there a financial crisis? The answer is yes, there is a global crisis that we did not create but we could not avoid since it was imposed on us, “ Sheikh Mohammed told state-owned website Wam.

“We are part of this world and we cannot shield ourselves and our economy from the impact of the crisis that caused more damage to the world's economic superpowers than it did to us," he said.

Sheikh Mohammed noted that huge projects were still being developed in the UAE, particularly in Abu Dhabi.

"This is proof that our national economy is robust and that our leadership, institutions and private sector are capable of surmounting difficulties and confronting challenges with resolution, fearlessness and confidence.

"We are able to confront any challenge or crisis, regardless of their magnitude.

"True leaders," he continued, "prove themselves by the way the deal with crises.

“Thanks to Allah the Almighty, we have the will power, the wise leadership, the strong belief in Allah the Almighty, the faith in our people's capabilities and the patience when things get hard.

"Let's see which of the world's economies will rise again and shake off the dust first. Let's wait and see," he added.