UAE | Government

Elections are a step in the right direction

Prominent personalities in private sector feel polls will reinvigorate the economy and benefit the country

  • By Mark Johnson, Business Editor, Arif Sharif and Nermeen Elkady, Staff Reporters
  • Published: 00:00 December 2, 2005
  • Gulf News

Dubai: It is a step in the right direction, prominent personalities in the private sector said.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, CEO Dubai Holding and Chairman of Dubai Development & Investment Authority (DDIA), said: "If you look at President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's recent announcements he talks about building up the society, indicating that the people will build the foundation of the whole country.

"I think his decision today of having elections is part of the natural extension of what he had previously talked about. I think it's important because at the end of the day with this decision we'll see a tremendous improvement in productivity and quality across all sectors."

Khalid Bin Kalban, Chairman, Dubai Investments, said: "It's the right move in the right direction. We think that it's definitely going to bring more stability and balance to the Federal National Council. As people are elected there will be a positive addition to the members circle, and we hope that those who are elected represent the private sector and non-governmental officials. I think this will bring economic benefits to all, because they are going to represent a wide range of issues, which represent the views of the people of the UAE. I would really like to see more variety of people represented in the council; economists, businessmen, and women.

Eisa Abdul Fattah Kazim, director-general, Dubai Financial Market (DFM), said: "This will certainly consolidate and enhance the process of people's participation in terms of presenting their opinion to the council and that will certainly be reflected in the process of decision making by the different constituents of the government.

"We are enhancing and building the institutions that would help disseminate the opinions of the public and communicate this to the government.

"This is not new. People have been doing this through the Ruler's majlis that is open all the time for presenting opinions and ideas. But what is different probably now is that we are institutionalising it.

"The voice of the business community has always been reflected in the economic councils and the executive council in Abu Dhabi. But it will probably now be enhanced and consolidated. You have seen in the chamber of commerce in Abu Dhabi the level of participation. Whoever is capable and whoever deserves will certainly be elected, so it is going to be based on the merits of the person."

Mohammad Ali Al Hashimi, chief executive, Amlak Finance, said: "This is definitely a step in the right direction. Today, if you look at the UAE you have government entities being run like private businesses that target bottom lines, with accountability and responsibility.

"We have made major steps in the last 25 years and are moving to being a developed country and these are the kinds of things you will have to do. This is a positive move in the right direction for the UAE because it will give opportunities to people.

"There are a number of issues that are discussed in government that are not just related to business but there are issues that have social implications and are linked. Business and politics always mix everywhere in the world. It is a part of life. The bottom-line affects everything that we do in life, generally.

"The decisions that we make, politics and business should go hand in hand. I think the businessmen will be active in politics. They will be looking to get a wide range of people with varied experience that will benefit the country in the long run. It will make the UAE a good place for all people. ""

Saeed Al Naboudah, CEO of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), said: "It is quite a milestone. It's the right time because it will consolidate everything that has already happened. Progress isn't a one man job. It is a group effort and this is what I think this is all about, there are so many possibilities and so many doors that are now open.

"It is a welcome sign of further progress in an already successful policy that they are following. Moreover, it's going to have a good effect not just on business but overall as well, because it will help us all progress."

Ahmad Bin Sulayem, chief operating officer DMCC and director DGCX, said: "I'm happy that we are trying new methods in an effort to get everyone in a consensus. However, we have to make sure that if we go down an election route we do get the right people to run things properly. Obviously, there will be some organisations that will welcome this process and some will prefer the existing way things are done.

"Every culture is different. I don't think we will ever have exactly what they have in the UK or US, because we are culturally very different. But we will have a kind of transparency here. It will be something more befitting our culture."

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