Dubai: Changes witnessed by the world in 2015 will be positive for the UAE due to its strong and diverse economy and the confidence the world over in the UAE’ stability.
The statement was made by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during the Arab Strategy Forum, which opened in Dubai on Sunday.
Shaikh Mohammad said the UAE is well prepared for global economic scenarios. He pointed out that the UAE is ready to keep pace with all social, technological and political changes. As part of its plans, the UAE has diversified its economy without reliance on oil, and established balanced relations with all global economic powers away from temporary alliances, Shaikh Mohammad said.
“The UAE has consolidated a clear foreign policy based on clear and effective economic cooperation with all countries and for the sake of all people across the world,” Shaikh Mohammad added.
Commenting on his outlook for the UAE’s future, Shaikh Mohammad said he is optimistic that the year 2015 will see some positive political indications in the region despite difficult changes. “Among these indications is that Egypt has begun to strongly resume its economic and political stability, and we will clearly see its effects and impacts in the upcoming year.”
Regarding Iran’s nuclear dossier, Shaikh Mohammad said that there are a lot of positive indications signifying that the issue of the Iranian nuclear programme will reach an outcome due to the strong international alliance against terrorism. An example of these positive signs is that a country like Iraq is heading towards more stability.
On the economy, Shaikh Mohammad predicted that Arab oil-importing countries will benefit from low oil prices in the coming year, which will have a positive impact on their development, stability and markets. Shaikh Mohammad also expects that a number of development projects will be launched in GCC countries, and that Gulf nations will forge strong economic partnerships with countries like Egypt and Jordan.
Regarding his outlook for the year 2015 in general, Shaikh Mohammad said: “Despite the challenges we are experiencing every day, and those that are yet to come, we should always look at the positive aspects in our region.”
Shaikh Mohammad urged the media to avoid exaggerations that draw a dark picture of the region’s future.
The forum was also attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister.
