UAE very well positioned on recovery path

Prime Minister holds first e-session to answer queries posed by the media on wide-ranging issues

• Staff Report
• Published: 23:42 April 18, 2009
• 

Dear friends in the media: I write this in the spirit of goodwill to thank all of you for your interest in communicating with me through the official Prime Minister's website. This is the second time that I have responded to your questions online; the first time was eight years ago, when Internet communications were still in the nascent stage - although, I must say, Dubai and the United Arab Emirates had already made noteworthy progress in this field. During that initial online interview, my objective was to stimulate the interest of the Emirati community in the Internet when the use of online communications was relatively limited.

The UAE continues to lead the Arab world in adoption of information and communication technology according to the annual global information technology report.

Little wonder, then, that I get inundated with questions from citizens and media alike. That's why I have chosen to meet with you via my website. I think hosting this encounter online will allow all of you to ask as many questions as you wish. In the last few days alone, I have received hundreds of questions from several local and regional newspapers. Naturally, there was some overlapping of questions since they came from so many different sources. Hence, I have tried to consolidate my answers in such a manner that I do not come across as repetitious.

This "interview," of course, relates to questions from the media, whose work I consider especially significant in telling the story of how Dubai and the UAE are coping successfully with the global financial crisis, and how our development plans are being advanced with the resilience and determination that has always characterised Emirati society.

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- His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

Related Links

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The government has taken significant steps to support the financial services and property industries in the UAE. Are you happy with the results so far?

I am very pleased with the results, and I am confident we are on the right track. Everybody will recognise shortly the encouraging indicators of the economic recovery.

What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the UAE, as it faces the challenge of the global economic slowdown? What are the particular challenges that Dubai faces as it positions itself as a global business centre?

The UAE's strengths are numerous. The UAE's success in facing the global financial crisis and alleviating its impact on the Emirati economy is the most conspicuous evidence of these strengths. The country enjoys a leading ranking position in several fields such as productivity, environment, connectivity, and transformation to knowledge economy. Yet the failure to match best international practices in these fields might be considered a major weakness. We always benchmark ourselves against the best. I always say that we have just embarked on a long journey of hard work to fulfil our promised sustainable development through a series of strategic projects to be established during the years to come.

If it became necessary, what further steps of support would the government consider for the financial services and property industries? Would the government consider extending support to other important industries in the UAE, like tourism? If so, what form might this take?

The measures we have undertaken so far have shifted the UAE economy from the crisis mood to the solution mood. Not one country in the world, regardless of what efficient systems it boasts, could have ensured recovery from the financial crisis before recognising its actual impact on the global economy and international markets. No one could predict ensuring recovery before the world's leading economies consolidate their efforts to face the crisis. That actually took several months of constant work. Now, optimistic voices are getting louder worldwide, while markets' fear has started to gradually diminish.

The UAE has one of the region's most progressive, vibrant and open economies. Efforts by world-leading economies to deal with the financial crisis have been effective and fruitful, while the tendency to increase international cooperation - including recent decisions by the G20 summit in London - remains very positive and encouraging. I can confidently say that the UAE is very well positioned on the recovery path, thanks to our domestic policy measures - such as the fiscal stimulus, easing monetary policy, and increasing liquidity in the system. There are some early indicators of international economic recovery. Yet, I cannot predict that the global economic recovery will proceed without potential hurdles. I cannot also claim that repercussions of the economic financial meltdown are over yet. But what I can say is that the worst is already behind us, and there is now a solid will and determination among concerned countries to join hands to collectively revive the global economy as well as their own individual economies.

Increasing financial support to other business sectors is probable, pending the actual needs of each particular sector. The UAE's tourism sector is in a good shape, with UAE hotels recording high occupancy rates. The country's tourism industry has already successful survived the worst period and resiliently adapted itself during the most critical times.

When Dubai launched the $20 billion (Dh73.4 billion) bonds and the UAE Central Bank subscribed in it with $10 billion, it was interpreted as help from Abu Dhabi to Dubai to get out of the crisis. How do you evaluate this action by the UAE Central Bank, and what about the second tranche of the bonds, which would be another $10 billion?

It seems that people are not aware of the life realities in the United Arab Emirates. Well, I welcome this interpretation because it emphasises the depth of ties among the Emirates and ensures the strength of our Central Bank and its confidence in Dubai's economy.

We have announced bonds totalling $20 billion, raised half of it as a public offering, then the Central Bank subscribed to the full amount. We will pay an annual interest rate of 4 per cent on the five-year coupons. What we put forward, meets our needs at this stage. Should we need the second part - that is, $10 billion - we will then announce it to the public; we know that it will be of interest to many.

There are talks that Dubai would be selling a few state owned companies and that Abu Dhabi will be its partner in many projects in place or under implementation. What is the truth in this?

These rumours and speculations turned into news and headlines in several prominent international newspapers. Rest assured that between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, there is no buying and selling. Everything in Dubai belongs to Abu Dhabi and Dubai and the rest of the UAE, and all that is in Abu Dhabi belongs to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the UAE. Let me remind you about what the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said last month about this matter. He said that the impact of the current global financial crisis on the national economy of the United Arab Emirates has been misunderstood and exaggerated. He said that the relationship between members of the UAE Federation has been misrepresented.

"We are & one strong, coherent body. As for the measures taken [at] the federal or local level, to address the crisis, they were declared and [made] clear-cut. There was no need to unleash predictions in this respect,'' His Highness said.

With the brunt of the global financial crisis on Dubai, we noticed the continuation of most of the art, culture, media, sports, and cultural activities, in addition to the enormous financial awards being bestowed by various organisations for business efficiency, among other things. How do you explain this?

These activities were scheduled prior to the crisis, and some of them are annual events such as the Dubai World Cup, the Arab Media Forum and Arab Journalism Award. Some new events were launched, such as the World Poetry Festival - but I don't know why you are wondering about the continuation of those activities. In fact, it would be a strange thing to cancel them. With regards to the prizes, they remain as were previously announced. Do you suggest in your question that these awards have become a burden to Dubai? If so, I promise we are in a good shape. All our projects under implementation have not ceased, and we are paying our loans and debts on time, and all suppliers and contractors have begun to receive their entitlements.

The media is focusing currently on the large layoffs from the companies working under the umbrella of Dubai Holding. What is the truth regarding this matter, especially that the issue is going to reach its peak in the coming months?

The collapse of the global debt markets has pushed all the big companies worldwide to review their plans, expenses and strategies and urged them to restructure their managements including the human resources. "Dubai Holding" is not an exception at all. All its companies work on a commercial basis, and it is normal to lay off the employees who do not have roles to play during this situation. I am not sure why people are expecting a peak in the coming months. The whole process is a restructuring course that was well received by all Dubai Holding employees.

Do you think that the current crisis would impose new changes on the federal and local levels in the UAE as rumours are spreading regarding a change in progress in the cabinet?

It is obvious that things do change. Whoever does not take up the new situation and cooperate positively with it for the benefit of the nation and nationals would be incompetent. However, it is you who's saying that there are rumours that a change in the cabinet is under way.

How are the Federal Government and the Government of Dubai cooperating to re-tool the development model to address what many economists predict is a permanent reduction in credit available from international capital markets?

Whether the available global credit declines or increases, the model of our economy is stable and is developing within the framework that we created earlier. Dubai's need for credit tends to decline and the government's loans, which are modest compared to the size of the economy, all concern investment in infrastructure, not current expenditures or operational budgets. The majority of our infrastructure projects are of a long-term productive nature, such as the Dubai Metro, the expansion of the power generation station, and so on. With regard to the loans of state-owned companies - they are purely commercial in nature, and their calculations are based on the cost of the loan and the return on investment. The global financial crisis has affected the liquidity of the companies, and we believe that it is only a temporary impact. We have sufficient means to provide the necessary liquidity for these companies. I would like to stress that Dubai's economy is part of the UAE economy, and we cannot in any way deal with the situation as an independent entity. I will give you one example: We say Abu Dhabi banks, Dubai banks and Sharjah banks. These terms relate to the location of the headquarters only, since all banks operate in all the seven Emirates, and are subject to fiscal and monetary policy overseen by one body, and one central bank. In any case, credit is always available, and even a few months after the financial crisis, it had been available. Of course, this does not mean that all the available credit is desirable. This issue is subject to extensive studies and discussions and to cost-benefit equations.

Do you believe that the UAE economy will contract this year? Or will it achieve certain growth? And at what per cent?

We are confident that our national establishments' abilities, combined with the economic measures undertaken by the government, will lead to economic growth this year. Yet, we expect that growth may not come at the same rate of pervious growth records we sustained over the past few years. While speculating global economic contraction of 0.5 per cent, international financial bodies forecast a slight growth for the UAE economy. Other forecasts speculate a 3 per cent growth for the UAE economy.

Dubai, the famous city known for its outstanding experience on both regional and international levels, has been recently criticized for its development strategy in the light of the global financial crisis. How do you perceive this campaign and how are you dealing with it?

Criticism and negative statements do not really disturb me. We do not mind receiving objective criticism that helps us improving our services and methods. If there were negative aspects, then we will address them and work toward revamping them. But following the global financial crisis, what we read and heard was not in reference to the negative aspects. In fact it was a "media bombardment" targeted at the UAE as a model for a federal state, a successful and prosperous Arab country. And Dubai, the city that has set up a successful economic model at a global level, was under a daily attack by some Western media, as if they were in a race against time to harm the UAE.

As for the motives of the campaign, God Almighty knows. But it seems that the success of the Arab, whether individual or state, city or a company, is seen as unacceptable. It seems that seeing distinct images of successful Arabs and Arab countries disturbs some people. They would rather stick with the distorted images of Arab stereotypes in their minds.

I need to stress here a very important perception. We are not growing in order to be a model for its highest building in the world, best airport, and most luxurious hotel, and the largest seaport and man-made islands. These landmarks and features are unique and famous all over the world. But the Dubai model is beyond that. Dubai is an Arab city with scarce natural resources but with a clear vision of comprehensive development and social needs. It is a city that succeeded through its investments in human resources, its unique geographical location, and its trade expertise. This has enabled us to achieve unmatched growth and to become the focal connection between the East and West. Dubai has proved as well the possibility of coexistence of different cultures in an open and tolerant Arab Islamic environment.

Dubai's model, which is part of the UAE model, lies in the success of the economy's diversification, and in sparking the interest of the Arab region and neighboring countries in the information and communication technology, the e-government and the knowledge economy, and in facilitating access to the people in our region to global best practices. Our international experiences in various areas are often on display through exhibitions, conferences and other activities.

Dubai's model also lies in proving the viability of investing in the region, of investing specifically in the knowledge economy and in human welfare. It has also raised the citizens' expectations in the region concerning levels of good governance and transparency, and the quality of public services and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Dubai is about providing the highest international standards in education and health systems. It is a city with entrepreneurial spirit that entered into international investment areas and bought assets in global ports, airports and financial markets. Dubai succeeded in building a global financial center and entering into partnerships with reputed financial institutions, and was able to compete globally in the areas of air and sea transport, and charitable initiatives that were created to help developing the less fortunate countries.

These are some of Dubai's model features, which has attracted the attention of the world, and enticed the interest of the Arab region and its people, and inspired many people and motivated them. Is this the model that our critics are targeting?

I asked my brothers and myself this question and I did not expect a reply, because we are accustomed in the UAE to respond by work, not words. We believe in God and we have full faith and confidence in Him and in our people and businessmen and the many other believers in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi is also witnessing an attack since it succeeded in leading a successful Arab union and launched initiatives of a strategic and important nature such as "Masdar City.". I know that the international media have covered art initiatives in Abu Dhabi, including building an outpost of the Louvre. But one gets the impression that even in such coverage of important initiatives, there's invariably some reference or the other to discredited stereotypes of the Arab Gulf. Now the focus is on Dubai, and again the stereotypes are being brought up. It seems that any successful Arab model in economic development invites such negative treatment in the international media

To be fair, we read recently a few balanced articles reporting on what is the UAE doing regarding the effect of the global financial crisis on our region.

The media campaign has focused on pointing that Dubai is facing an economic crisis threatening the foundations of its economic development. What is the actual impact of the crisis on Dubai economically and socially?

In fact, the campaign has gone much further than that. An American writer, well known for his extreme views, was so keen to project Dubai's alleged "failure" in the coexistence of cultures, that he went all the way stating that Dubai was a place where cultures break up and not where cultures meet. He reached that conclusion based on the fact that Dubai has jailed and deported a British couple caught having illegal sex on a public beach.

With regard to the fact that the global crisis effect threatens Dubai's growth and economy, I can guarantee you that those references constitute "wishful thinking" on the part of some people; they are illusions, not realities. The economic foundations and development are firm and stable; otherwise Dubai would not have been able to deal efficiently with the global financial crisis consequences. In addition to that, Dubai is not a city on its own. It is a member of the United Arab Emirates federation, which is strong, resilient and successful a federation that is able to face the most difficult challenges.

The financial crisis has restored balance to the markets following years of inflation which posed a threat to Dubai's and the UAE's economies. Do you see this tough correction, for instance to the real estate market, as a good solution to a problem that could have escalated in the future?

Sometimes opportunities are born out of crises. The most important thing is to focus on the future and develop frameworks that guarantee the highest levels of performance on the heels of the crisis. Measures undertaken by the government on both local and federal levels will ensure we shall emerge from the global financial crisis with the least damage. The UAE has proven a remarkable ability in facing and overcoming previous crises. Specialised committees and task forces are closely monitoring the development of the global crisis and analysing its impact on our economy and subsequently propose action plans to resiliently cope with these ongoing changes.

Will the global crisis have implications on the 2010 budget, particularly with regard to the basic needs of Emirati citizens?

In the last three years, the federal budget was issued early and before entering the new fiscal year. The submission of the budget for 2009 without a deficit is because its main provisions have not been affected by the global financial crisis. I also do not think that the 2010 budget will be affected. We still have seven months for the year to end, and in my opinion this is quite a long period - we may see by the end of it some positive indicators that will help in accelerating the recovery of the global economy.

In light of the global crisis some companies announced the postponement and rescheduling of some projects. What is the status of the infrastructure projects undertaken by the government subsequent to the changes in the strategic plans?

We will continue working on the infrastructure projects without any delay. What is currently under implementation will be completed, while we will re-schedule the new projects. The changes of the strategic plan will be announced as soon as the committee finishes reviewing them. Plans are always subject to change in normal times and in times of crisis.

The foreign media is reporting on the "bubble burst." What would you tell the people who are endorsing this view?

I keep hearing the expression of "the bubble" for the past couple of decades. In my opinion, this bubble is found only in the minds of those who often keep repeating it and do not know its meaning. The future will prove to them the truth.

Let me assure you we are fine, we have overcome the crisis with the least amount of losses. In our culture, we say: be virtuous and you will gain. That is why we always look at the half full cup of water, and when we look at the empty part, we do not moan over the void, instead we think of better and faster ways to fill it.

If we are saying this is an unfair campaign against Dubai then, can you explain to us how to get out of the current crisis?

The impact of the global financial crisis has been felt all over the world. It generated a state of panic in all developed economies. It was expected our region would not be immune to the crisis, especially in view of the fact it led to the credit freeze, write-downs at banks, deferral of mutual credits, and a freeze on lending in some of the wealthiest industrialized countries.

I think the panic phase is over now, especially after the intervention of governments in many major countries to regulate financial and banking sectors, and the allocation of large sums of money to revitalise their economies. This step enabled the G20 summit held in London to agree on a package of actions. For us in the UAE I can safely say we have succeeded in containing the risks of the global financial crisis in record time.

Speculation about the dirham's peg to the US dollar keeps flowing back out. What value do you see in keeping the peg in the short term and the long term? Is there any move to change the structure or composition of the peg?

Governed by strict banking principles and guidelines, the UAE Central Bank is taking care of the issue of the dirham's peg to international currencies. The US dollar's devaluation against the euro and the pound-sterling during the past few years has triggered several debates about economic threats posed by the dirham's peg to the dollar. Today, after the dollar's significant gains against other international currencies, we can barely hear these voices.

There are no absolute wins or absolute loses to pegging a local currency to a single foreign currency or a currency basket. Decisions are always determined in light of the size of benefits.

Do you feel that Dubai needs an efficient auditing body to investigate and curb corruption in financial institutions? How can the UAE move faster in fighting corruption and promoting transparency?

There is already a government financial audit department. The department has a track record of successful performance, and it has done very well with investigations related to corruption cases. Enhancing financial auditing systems and capabilities is undoubtedly important and that is exactly what we are doing now. As for promoting transparency in fighting corruption, I confirm that the UAE is committed to the highest levels of transparency. There is no room for corrupt officials and citizens among us. Handling corruption cases does not mean prosecuting, judging and penalising corrupt individuals only; it is also aimed at filling all administrative and legal loopholes.

The murders that occurred in Dubai recently seriously raised the issue of security despite the speed of the discovery of the perpetrators of these crimes. How would you respond to the statements that murder prevention should come first?

Of course, prevention is better than cure. The murders that took place were fewer than half of one hand's fingers and this is not to minimise the seriousness but just to confirm it is an exception and the rule is the UAE, including Dubai, is one of the most secure countries, and this would not happen without having our authorities taking preventive measures of the utmost importance. In any case, the crime rate in the UAE, including Dubai, is one of the lowest in the world, and we are working to remain so, and the murder of two known figures will not change the reality.

The UAE is a federation but there is a tendency, particularly in health and education, to allow individual emirates to dictate policy. Will this continue or will the federal government seek to establish a more unified national approach on domestic policy?

None of the seven emirates develops its own independent health and educational policies. All legislation and policies related to education and overall health are developed at the federal level. What is happening is precisely the expansion of the decentralised planning and implementation in order to raise the efficiency of education and medical services. This is what we see in industrialised countries. Our experience in education foundered for many reasons, and we are racing against time to make up for what we missed and to create sustainable development in the education sector. Of course, the process of development widens then to diversify the teaching methods and to attract the broad participation of the private sector.

The Federal National Council has expressed concern its views are ignored by the UAE Cabinet and that, in reality, they have little power. What role do you see the FNC playing within the country's decision-making process, and in what way is the Council likely to evolve in the future?

We have never received any complaints against the government for ignoring the views of the Council; instead we have always received compliments and appreciation about cooperation. We constantly express our appreciation to the Council for its role in the decision-making process. In fact, draft laws first have to pass through the FNC for review and recommendations, and are later sent back to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.

The Council is also empowered to summon and to question any Federal Minister regarding Ministry performance. We believe in the importance of the Council, and we respect its role in the process since its inception. The current session marked a beginning of change in the Council in the method of selecting its members. We witnessed for the first time the formation of election associations in the UAE to elect half the members of the 40-member Council, with 22 per cent of members of the Council being women, one of the highest such rates in the world.

In any case, since the founding of the UAE we chose the approach of gradualism. Our laws and procedures are in line with reality and our reticence. We believe our people are satisfied with this approach that results in prosperity and stability.

I am well aware of the foreign reports that criticise the way the UAE deals with the issue of democracy. These reports assess our system on the basis of their own history and the experiences of their countries -some of which have been democracies for more than 300 years. The easiest thing is to hold general elections and to disseminate images and words about the greatness of democracy.

But our leadership does not look for fame, and does not import ready-made models that may be valid for other societies, but is certainly not suitable for our society. Some months ago, we celebrated National Day, our 37th. Do you know how we used to live before? Do you have any idea about the state of education and illiteracy, infrastructure and public services? Do you know the details of our society's infrastructure and how it was developed? Today, after the tremendous achievements in various fields, our people have full confidence in the process of empowerment - empowerment of the economy, women, the administration, and culture as well as political empowerment within our traditions and culture. The mid-term elections of the members of the Federal National Council is a very important step in the progression toward what is acceptable to the interests of our people and our homeland.

The issues of labour rights and human trafficking continue to adversely affect the image of the UAE abroad. Whereas there are clear policies aimed at aligning the UAE with international best practices on these fronts, the actual rate of prosecution of those violating rights on these fronts is generally seen to be low. What is being done to address this?

I want you to look at the results of the last meeting of the International Committee for Human Rights in Geneva, and to look at reports that refer to the huge progress in the UAE with regard to these issues. Even the periodic reports issued by the US State Department recognise this progress, particularly on the issue of human trafficking.

We care about the rights of workers; we care about reinforcing the freedom of people. Our aim is not to win the approval of international reports, but we are keen to promote human rights and also deepen the values of social justice and tolerance. We are keen to provide a model for Arab and Muslim countries that adheres to religious and cultural frameworks; we are keen to continue to interact with the international community. We want the respect and cooperation of all.

Our religion and our values and ethics do not accept any violation of human rights and of people - no matter where they come from and what their beliefs are. And we sympathise with victims and needy people. We have very active charitable institutions operating in a large number of the less fortunate countries. We cannot accept any person would be defeated in their quest for human dignity. As for the number of cases submitted in the courts for prosecution, I would say that it reflects reality and is considered high in comparison with the number of the UAE population.

The question of population demography has been a source of worry to Emiratis, as it must certainly worry you. You have announced some initiatives in this regard, uncovering a few of them. Could you tell us more about these initiatives?

This question is important because of its ramifications and interconnection of its economic, social, and cultural dimensions. His Highness the President of the UAE has defined our approach toward this question. He has said that we have a positive outlook toward the demographic structure, showing the ability of our people and state to mix this human quantity and variety in a human framework, capable of creating a model highlighting the power of human interaction in the process of building and raising our state to assume an advanced position on the level of civilisation and development. Such a model will help us in gaining the respect and appreciation of local and international organisations for our humane and civilised treatment of all residents in our country, providing incentives for them to take an active part in the development process of the UAE.

This vision, as defined by His Highness the President, does not remove from our sight the necessity of preserving our national identity. This was the starting point which led to the formation of a high-level committee, headed by the minister of interior, to deal with the question of demographic structure. We highly appreciate the work of this committee, which drew out a number of initiatives to deal with this question and take active measures in this connection. We are preparing other measures and decisions within our declared and transparent policy for dealing with the question of demographic structure in a civilised manner, without violation of our human and international commitments, ensuring the objective of variation of the demographic structure in our country.

Naturally new generations will remain the actual solution for this question. Hence, the development of education, the competencies and capabilities of UAE nationals will remain our main priority. We are optimistic about our youth, and proud of their spirit of national belonging, of their growing realisation of the importance of self-reliance and active participation in building the homeland. I follow their activities and expect a great deal from them, and ask them to double their efforts in learning and enhancing their competencies in various fields, in order to become a distinguished group eagerly sought after by public and private sectors. We are eager to increase the rate of Emiratisation in government and private sectors. I informed the Cabinet last March the rate of Emiratisation in the ministries has not reached the targeted level, as it did not exceed 54 per cent and 25 per cent in the Federal Authorities. I gave directives to prepare a study to denote the reasons to draw suitable programmes to fill this gap.

There are those who say that senior positions in Dubai are granted to a few select people, which is described as the phenomenon of the "Super Man." How would you comment on this?

My answer is that all positions are available to competent Emiratis and we are very keen on rejuvenating our system. The "Super Man" phenomenon you are talking about does not exist in our organisations and institutions. I am aware of those reports but would invite you and others to conduct a search within those senior positions to discover the truth on your own.

You have put Emiratisation on top of the country's development priorities. Meanwhile, the number of private sector companies has significantly increased. How do you see this impacting Emiratis' job opportunities? Do you believe it might be necessary to expand the Emiratisation plan to cover a larger portion of private sector companies?

The Emiratisation plan is primarily based on training and qualifying UAE nationals, equipping them with all necessary tools and competencies and supporting them to confidently compete in the job market. I am positive most private sector companies prefer to recruit UAE nationals as part of their Corporate Social Responsibilities. Also the salaries of UAE nationals -however high they may appear , are far less than those of expats. Employing a UAE national will open the door for more interaction with government departments and local customers, who are eventually the highest spenders. If some companies fall short of their responsibilities towards the local workforce, then the government will intervene through a set of measures and incentives to encourage these companies to live up to the expected level of responsibility.

Some of those expats felt optimistic about recent announcements made by some real estate companies that property buyers in certain projects in Dubai or Ajman will be offered "permanent UAE residency." How does the government perceive the "Permanent Residency" promise?

Offering residency is far beyond the jurisdiction of any real estate company. It is a sovereign issue governed by laws and regulations. But I wonder if one buys property in London, Paris, Cairo, or Beirut does this mean obtaining a permanent residency there? We are very keen to ensure convenient conditions for expat property owners. However, we will be issuing a new law that includes a long multi-visit permit soon.

How do you evaluate the experience of the women whom you empowered to assume administrative and legislative roles in the UAE?

The experience has been very successful and most of those women have demonstrated remarkable commitment and significant competency in performing their duties and fulfilling their responsibilities. They have also proven that the UAE woman is completely reliable and worthy of trust in all leadership and non-leadership positions.

What was the response of the UAE health authorities following your direct criticism of doctors' professional competencies and your urging that medical services across the country be enhanced?

There has been remarkable progress in the quality of health care services, which still fall short of our expectations. I appreciate that pulling together loose ends to rectify mixed processes accumulated over many years takes time. Yet, efforts are now under way to develop the health care sector and work is progressing in the right direction. Competition resulting from the growing presence of private health care organisations has reflected positively on the overall medical performance. I believe all private and public sector doctors will live up to international best practices very soon.

The region is clearly looking at nuclear energy as a means to meet its energy needs in the future. What is your view on the proliferation of nuclear technology in the Middle East?

The UAE's announced stance is very clear: All countries have the right to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes. We look forward for the day when the entire Middle East region will be declared free of all nuclear and mass-destruction weapons.

Your received President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Dubai last week, and escorted him on a tour that included key landmark developments across the Emirate. What was the significance of this visit?

I meet with His Highness Shaikh Khalifa on a regular basis. We are companions on our journey of development, and he is our Leader and our President. Dubai is his home and he is most welcome at any time. The visit comes in line with His Highness' ongoing follow up on development efforts across the seven Emirates. He is always keen on meeting his people across the country to listen to their views and ensure their own welfare.

As a matter of fact, all His Highness' visits to Dubai are important. His latest visit was significantly important as he toured Dubai's new landmarks, expressing his satisfaction at Dubai's milestone achievements. He was also very keen to visit Union House where the establishment of the UAE Federation was proclaimed. The visit was in honour of this remarkable achievement.

ill health speculation rumours 'malicious

What comments do you have about the rumours suggesting you have had a health problem lately?
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His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, dismissed rumours he had recently been suffering from ill health. He said the rumours were "part of the psychological war waged on Dubai in recent months" and that rumours "never targeted unsuccessful, backward or marginal people." I thank God that I am well and in the best of health and peace of mind and soul. The rumours about me are a part of the psychological war that was waged on Dubai in recent months. Rumours have never targeted unsuccessful, backward or marginal people. I personally pay no attention to rumours, as I know they are short -lived. When people find out the facts, they respect and appreciate you more; their good feelings toward you grow, and the rumour-mongers diminish in their eyes. In fact the last few months I have participated in four endurance races where I was able to race for more than 120km in each.

How do you juggle your political and non-political roles, and what do you do for fun?

The day has 24 hours or 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. For me, this is sufficient time for work, hobbies and sports. It works if you respect time and know how to organise your schedule. Whoever enjoys his work, adds five days to his week. I enjoy my work, which is my existence in my life: the service of my homeland and my people. My joy increases when I see the progress and prosperity of my homeland and my people. I do not work alone, I have a team who I lead and encourage and on whom I rely. Within each human being there is an inexhaustible source of potential, but there is no human being with unlimited capacity. What is important is to know your capacities - and how you should use them. For fun, I spend my time with my family at the beach or in the desert. I love to read. I ride horses. My love for horses is indescribably enormous; it is part of my soul and history.

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