Mohammed receives UK PM David Cameron
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai received Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron and the accompanying delegation at Za’abeel Palace on Saturday, November 16.
In presence of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mohammed discussed with his guest a number of regional and international matters of common interest. The meeting also touched on strengthening the historical ties between the two countries.
The British PM expressed admiration of the level of comprehensive development the country has achieved under the wise leadership of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Cameron praised the huge advancements the UAE has achieved in the fields of infrastructure, tourism and culture whilst adhering to its rich heritage.
Cameron underlined that the economic growth in the UAE is on par with countries of the developed world; a clear sign of the success of developmental approach the country has adopted.
During the course of the meeting, Cameron affirmed UK’s support for Dubai’s bid to host the Expo 2020 event saying that the emirate is a true cosmopolitan city that literally speaks the languages of the world, not forgetting the superb infrastructure and logistical superiority.
Sheikh Mohammed also discussed with his guest and accompanying delegation efforts of advancing peace in the region and the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue for the better interest of the peoples. Cameron praised UAE’s stance with regards to regional and international conflicts. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed praised UK’s support to the UAE on issues of common interest.
The meeting was attended by Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Minister of State Reem Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Director of Dubai Ruler's Court Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shebani, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, UK Ambassador to the UAE Dominic Jeremy and Edward Hobart.
Meets veteran thinker Mohamed Hassanein Heikal
Sheikh Mohammed received in his office at Emirates Towers, veteran thinker Mohamed Hassanein Heikal. (Supplied)
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received in his office at Emirates Towers, veteran thinker Mohamed Hassanein Heikal.
Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the thinker, one of the most renowned symbols of Arab journalism.
Heikal is visiting the UAE for the first time since 1975. The Vice-President referred to the high professional status of Heikal earned over the decades of performance and conducting of the interviews with the world leaders and decision makers.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed and Heikal exchanged views on the unfolding events and challenges in the region, especially in some countries facing the political and security challenges.
They also explored opportunities for tackling the challenges to restore the security and stability as well as ensure progress.
Heikel expressed his pleasure for meeting Sheikh Mohammed, citing the good hospitality, which he described as one of the values of Emiratis.
He commended the progress being experienced by the UAE, referring to the huge developments in Dubai.
The meeting was attended by Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr Abdullah Omran Taryem, Chairman of Dar Al Khaleej for Press, Printing and Publishing, Khalfan Al Roumi, Chairman of the Board of the Arab Journalism Award, Muna Ghanem Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Government Media Office, Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director General of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai, Dhaen Shaheen, Executive Director of Publishing Sector at Dubai Media Incorporation, Editor-In-Chief of Al Bayan newspaper and Raed Barqawi, Editor-In- Chief of Al Khaleej newspaper.
‘Flashes Of Thought’ in Braille
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has dedicated the first copy his Book ‘Flashes Of Thought’ in Braille to a blind man called Ahmed Al Ghafli.
Al Ghafli has communicated with the executive office of the Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, asking for copies of the original book ‘Flashes Of Thought’.
Sheikh Mohammed ordered the translation of the book into Braille, distributing it to all the centres for the visually-challenged in the country.
The Vice-President hosted Ahmed Al Ghafli and gave him the first copy of the book and had lunch with him.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, accompanied Sheikh Mohammed at the lunch.
On his account on twitter, Sheikh Mohammed hailed Ahmed Al Ghafli saying; " I received today a young Emirati blind man, who called my office and expressed his desire to have ‘Flashes of Thought’, so we printed it in Braille and gave him the first copy."
''Ahmed Al Ghafli, I knew him, despite losing his eyesight, he did not lose the vision, he is intellectual, university graduate, journalist and poetry and life lover."
''I heard about Ahmed, who likes and follows football matches through hearing and interacts with his favourite team Al Ahli,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
He concluded, tweeting, "Ahmed is a model of determination, a good story on positivity towards life and an example on the ability to achieve in spite of huge challenges."