Demonstrating his usual concern for the citizens, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, undertook a quick inspection tour of the central and eastern regions of the country. Shaikh Mohammad was keen to learn from the citizenry what problems they faced, especially following the recent and unusually heavy rainfall that affected the country. By meeting the people in this fashion, he is able to get to speak to people who, in the normal course of events, would rarely, if ever, be able to have direct contact with officials. So it is very much a case of Shaikh Mohammad learning first hand any trials and tribulations faced by residents in far-flung villages around the country.
Immediately following his visit, in which he was accompanied by various government officials and editors-in-chief of national newspapers, Shaikh Mohammad briefed President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the outcome of his tour and that he had ordered the construction of 40,000 villas for nationals around the country. To add to their aid, Shaikh Khalifa also ordered a comprehensive upgrade of all basic services, including water, electricity and roads to improve the standards of living of those who live in distant regions.
It is particularly heartwarming to know that despite the busy schedules of both Shaikh Khalifa and Shaikh Mohammad, they can set aside time to ensure the standard of living for all citizens is improved and equalled where possible. With the development in main cities being as it is, it can be easy to overlook the needs of the less fortunate ones living in remote villages who may need assistance from the government. That is why, at the same time, Shaikh Mohammad announced a doubling of the social aid budget to Dh2.2 billion.
