Saddam Hussain should have listened to advice, says Mohammad Bin Rashid

Dubai: Governments shouldn't be practicing hegemony over their people nor restrict their access to services and infrastructure necessary to support innovation, said His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Shaikh Mohammad - who is credited for building modern-day Dubai with its buzzing society, and diversified economy - encouraged governments across the region to support innovation as a means towards a stronger and more stable future for their nations.

In an interview in the inaugural Middle East edition of Newsweek, Shaikh Mohammad said innovation includes space exploration and investing in new ideas.

He added that education, tolerance, innovation, as well as providing an equal opportunity, are the main keys needed by any society to advance.

Shaikh Mohammad, who is also known for his good offices across this region, revealed for the first time, information about his encounter with Iraq's late president, Saddam Hussain, who was toppled in 2003, and executed in 2006.

"The primary function of government is to build a good environment, not control [it]. The role of the government is to lay the foundations -- be it infrastructure or legislation... governments should focus on empowering people, not using power against them."

“Nations that don’t innovate, stagnate; and are left behind in the race of civilizations.”

"Tolerance is where we begin. Tolerance comes from education, knowledge and reading. Education is the Key: I have never doubted that the future starts in school.

"Next we must provide equal opportunities for all and ensure justice and the rule of law. All of these are important to build a strong and competitive economy."

"This region is my region. Its people are my brothers and sisters, and its history is the basis of my identity ... Therefore it is not on my agenda, it is my agenda."

"We in the UAE saw that the region stood on the brink of a disaster. So I went to meet with Saddam Hussain to present him with this scenario in the frankest possible way.

"I went there to offer him advice from a person who loves Iraq and its people and values their future and stability. I sat down with Saddam for about five hours. The meeting was frank and also charged.

"Saddam left the meeting four times, then returned, asked for Iraqi tea, and continued the conversation... I wished that Saddam would have taken the advice... he would have spared this region countless tragedies... he was someone who listened to himself... this is a common mistake among some Arab leaders, unfortunately."

“The mission to Mars is another investment in our people because through this project we will produce hundreds of engineers, scientists and researchers specializing in space sciences and advanced technology.”