Dubai: Senior officials were urged on Wednesday to prepare for new challenges and shun "the distortions that don't reflect the reality on the ground".
"You have to keep working hard and learn from your mistakes," His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was quoted by WAM as telling officials and directors of local government bodies and institutions during a meeting at his palace in Zabeel.
"Those who work hard would naturally make mistakes; I want you to work hard for your country even if you make mistakes," he added.
Shaikh Mohammad told the officials, in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, that he wanted to meet the emirate's leaders to "motivate and encourage you in the face of the challenges of the new era in confidence… without the need to listen to all the distortions [in the media] that don't reflect the reality on the ground [and] the formidable achievements which we, as leaders and citizens, consider as a source of pride". "I want you to keep up the good work and never be downcast," he added.
"I learn a new thing every day and feel happy that I have added on a new experience and new knowledge."
The Vice-President commended the work by the officials in the past few years in infrastructure, tourism and service sectors and the housing and real estate projects. These achievements, he added, "reflect the ability of the sons and daughters of this nation to be creative and shoulder the full responsibility without the need for foreign experts."
The meeting was also attended by Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and Group.
