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29 March 2024

UAE in strong position to win Expo: Clinton

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum receives the former US President Bill Clinton (Wam)

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By Staff/Wam

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today received the former US president Bill Clinton at Dubai Government Media Office.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of humanitarian, cultural and political issues, most notably the current situation in the Arab region, and the importance of cooperation on a global scale to bring endurable peace and stability.

The former US president lauded the cultural boom the UAE is witnessing in general and Dubai especially, alluding to Dubai's position as a cosmopolitan city that has become an example of innovation and excellence in various fields. Clinton also hailed the social and cultural harmony the city enjoys.

Clinton has also city the success story of Dubai, which resulted in an excellent economic and investment diversity, thanks to the long-term vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his belief in his people's ability to innovate and lead in different sectors.

Bill Clinton received from Sheikh Mohammed an English copy of his book "My Vision", which depicts the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's visions and personal experiences in politics, economy, culture, equestrianism and Sheikh Mohammed's positive future outlook on his country and its people.

The meeting was attended by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar, Muna Ghanem Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Government's Media Office, along with a number of officials and the guest's entourage.

Optimism and positive energy make the future: Mohammed


His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed his happiness over the findings of the Arab Youth Survey that was conducted by Burson-Marsteller and Penn Schoen Berland, and unveiled on Tuesday, which showed the Emirati youth’s confidence over their country’s ability to compete globally.

In a post on his Twitter page, Sheikh Mohammed said: “When Arab youth were asked about their most favourite country of residence, the UAE was their first choice, followed by France and the US. When they were asked about the model nation they think their countries should follow, the UAE came first, followed by France and US and when they were asked about the country they saw as a model for growth and development, UAE again came first followed by China, France and the US.”

“It is not about showing off”, Sheikh Mohammed explained, “I truly believe we’re still learning and in the early stages. Our goal is to compete globally in all areas.”

Sheikh Mohammed went on to say: “[I’m] pleased to know that the survey also showed that UAE youth, more than others believe in their country’s ability to compete globally. [I] was also delighted to read that 74 per cent of Arab youth are optimistic about the future. Such optimism will make a better tomorrow for all.”

'Dubai's model of shared prosperity is an inspiration to many countries in Middle East'

Former US President Bill Clinton today addressed students of the American University in Dubai (AUD), on his 6th visit to the campus since he spoke at the university’s graduation back in 2002.

During an open session with more than 500 of the AUD students, President Clinton praised the UAE’s achievements and vision for the future, underlining the richness of its diversified social structure.  

“Places that have come back from the tough economic crisis the best and the quickest are the ones which have an operative model which creates cooperation across all sectors of society, races, religions, and ethnic groups, where people find a way to celebrate and are proud of their differences and they work together in shared responsibility explained President Clinton.

“That’s what Dubai and the UAE represent and I think you are in a strong position to win the bid for Expo 2020 because Dubai’s model of shared prosperity is more important today than ever and an inspiration to many countries in the Middle East.”

Earlier, President Clinton started the open session with students saying “I first came here to AUD 11 years ago and I love this place! AUD represents the future of this region and the larger world. But don’t get careless and keep doing what you do best here in Dubai.”

The AUD’s Executive Vice President Elias Bou Saab welcomed the former US President and said: “Welcoming President Clinton back on campus is always a great thrill for us at AUD. We are proud to call him a friend, and a true inspiration to everyone.”

He was speaking in the presence of AUD’s President Dr. Lance de Masi, US Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Rob Weller, AUD Governing Board Members Joseph Ghossoub and Justin Cooper.

During the session, students took turns asking questions revolving around the peace in the Middle East, the conflict in Syria, and North Korea, as well the President’s view on Africa as a developing continent.

President Clinton toured the studios and facilities of the ‘Mohammed bin Rashid School for Communication’ with Dean Ali Jaber and met with some of the school’s students studying on under the Mohammed bin Rashid Scholarship Program at AUD stating that this program opens the door to top flight media education to students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue their dreams, such an outstanding example of wisdom and generosity is highly uncommon.

He also met with the currently enrolled Clinton Scholars at AUD, who happily took a picture with him captivating the celebration of the 155th Clinton Scholar at AUD, part of the special scholarship program created in the President’s name. The President also took the time to chat with the AUD Student Government Association members.