Shaikh Abdullah shares secrets of UAE’s success

Dubai: “Yes, we are a Muslim country and our identity is the cornerstone of our progress and openness towards the world. Yes, our land is a desert, but with the determination of our people, we have managed to transform it into a beacon of prosperity. Yes, we are not a large country but we have a big impact on the course of global development.”

These were the powerful words of reiteration by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Shaikh Abdullah was speaking at the Government Summit being held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The event is scheduled to conclude tomorrow and is being attended by heads of state, high-ranking government officials, technology experts and educationists from around the world.

Shaikh Abdullah said that with its abiding relationships spreading to 187 countries around the world, the UAE proves that a Muslim country can deliver a message of peace and love at a time of extremism.

The UAE, he said, would not have been able to accomplish what it has today if people were not proud of the country.

Speaking during a plenary session on day two of the summit titled #WeTheUAE, Shaikh Abdullah spoke about the different aspects that contributed to the UAE’s success as a Muslim and Arab country.

“People always wonder what the secret of the UAE is. How did the success of this country and its accomplishments as a proud Muslim nation come about?”

Talking about the secrets of UAE’s success, Shaikh Abdullah said the UAE’ economy played a big role in increasing its diplomatic relationships, adding that it has performed 105 diplomatic missions.

Shaikh Abdullah drew attention to the UAE’s strong focus on education and the health sector. He said 90 per cent of the UAE’s population is educated and the UAE is now home to 1,200 educational institutions.

He also stressed the important role of women in building the nation, saying: “Accomplishments of Emirati women are testimony to the success of the empowerment drive in the UAE.”

Talking about the UAE’s economy, Shaikh Abdullah said it has increased 236 times since the foundation of the state to this day, adding that the country’s dependence on oil is decreasing as it contributes today to less than a third of the country’s GDP.

The tourism sector, Shaikh Abdullah said, contributes to eight per cent of the country’s local output.

“We became a regional and international trade hub due to our advanced infrastructure. Not only have we invested in traditional sectors but also in alternative and renewable energy. We have worked tirelessly for decades, and we successfully applied economic policies that allowed 15 per cent of the national product to come from the industrial sector,” he added.

The most important contributor to the country’s success, Shaikh Abdullah said, is human capital.

“The late Shaikh Zayed taught us that human capital is at the core of a nation’s progress. Many surrounding countries suffered from brain drain, but the UAE had a reverse effect. Its population grew by 30 times since its inception. It has succeeded in attracting innovators.”

Shaikh Abdullah said UAE foreign policies that are based on a growing economy, openness, positivity, and the aim to build bridges are what have succeeded in attracting the best brains to its shores from other countries.

“UAE remains a land of opportunity, a source for inspiration and success stories. Its people are ambassadors for peace. Without our people, locals and residents, we would not have been able to reach this success, so we thank them all.”

In addition to sending a message of peace through having strong relationships with countries across the world, the UAE also sent this message to the world by becoming one of the most philanthropic countries in the world.

“Our humanitarian work increased fourfold from 2012 to 2014. Our message to the world is a message of peace and love. We are also supporting our brothers and sisters in Egypt, because their stability is important to the Arab world as a whole.”