UAE | Government

UAE global model for co-existence, says Mohammad

"Dubai and the UAE are models of human co-existence, so why can't the world follow suit".

  • By Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief
  • Published: 01:04 February 9, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • The Free University of Berlin honoured Shaikh Mohammad with a gold medal for his pioneering role in the development of Dubai and the UAE, and his vision in leading the country towards prosperity and growth.
  • Image Credit: WAM
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Berlin: “Dubai and the UAE are models of human co-existence, so why can't the world follow suit?''

With these words - received with a standing ovation - His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, ended his two-day official visit to Germany.

Shaikh Mohammad's impromptu speech was delivered to a huge audience of professors, academics, German scientists and students at the Free University of Berlin, his last stop before concluding the visit.

The university honoured Shaikh Mohammad with a gold medal, which he said was an award for all the people of the UAE.

The university said the award was presented to Shaikh Mohammad for his initiatives in science, welfare and humanitarian issues in the UAE and abroad and for his success in integrating economic and social growth on one hand and the growth of educational initiatives and knowledge on the other.

Elaborating on the challenges faced by the UAE after its inception and its subsequent growth and prosperity, Shaikh Mohammad said: “We built a modern and peaceful society in the middle of the desert, with giant projects of international status ...

"We have democracy embodied in our Majlis [council] where the Ruler meets people face to face. We have our own democracy, a free nation and people that are free to say what they want ... Just as you cannot convince me to wear your suits in the UAE, I cannot convince you to wear my dishdasha in Berlin.''

Shaikh Mohammad also called on the German private sector to invest in the fields of technology, higher education, medicine and tourism in the UAE.

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