Outstanding leadership

Dubai: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, yesterday hailed the exemplary achievements of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum since taking office as the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE.

Speaking on the occasion of Shaikh Mohammad's second anniversary of assuming office, Shaikh Hamdan said: "These two years have been the hallmark of Shaikh Mohammad's outstanding contribution, judicious guidance and inspired leadership at the federal level. This short time span can be truly termed as an era of milestone developments in the history of the UAE.

Pioneering

"We have witnessed the unfolding of his superior leadership capabilities through his creativity and pioneering blueprint for Dubai and for the nation. His disciplined and result oriented working methods, consistent performance and accomplishments have established a template for future generations to emulate."

Shaikh Hamdan added: "The Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE has ushered in a qualitative leap in government sector performance through his proactive mindset and timely initiatives. We are fortunate to be part of this high-paced growth era that has been catalysed by him in the country. There are several lessons to be learnt from him on ways to be a model citizen as well as a responsible human being."

Shaikh Mohammad's phenomenal success in cultivating team spirit at the federal government called for special praise, said Shaikh Hamdan.

Citing examples of Cabinet meetings at outdoor venues such as resorts and the informal interaction of ministers with citizens in remote areas, Shaikh Hamdan pointed out that such unprecedented initiatives were a testimony to Shaikh Mohammad's distinctive style of governance.

"Shaikh Mohammad has set an exceptional example and has given us a clear mandate to drive forward the country's progress," Shaikh Hamdan added.

Charting the UAE Federal Strategy and ensuring its launch at the beginning of 2007, besides the issuance of the federal budget on deadline were some of the other noteworthy achievements of the rule that Shaikh Hamdan pointed out.

Global recognition

"Shaikh Mohammad's leadership and initiatives have brought the UAE global recognition, admiration, respect and appreciation. The world regards his pragmatic leadership as a sincere endeavour to ensure the well-being of the entire humanity.

"Looking ahead, we have enormous trust in the capabilities of Shaikh Mohammad to shape a secure roadmap that sustains the success of our people and the country," he concluded.

PEOPLE SPEAK

Ashour Mousa, Emirati
The keenness to support education, not only regionally, but also internationally, through launching the Dubai Cares Campaign, shows Shaikh Mohammad's vision and wisdom that education is the basis of everything.

Nawal Al Dossary, Emirati
The strategic plans for the city in various fields show Shaikh Mohammad's vision, which he has for the country as a whole. We are competing with cities of the world. Under Shaikh Mohammad, even more progress had been made.

Salma Abdullah, Emirati
There are no words that can do justice in describing Shaikh Mohammad's vision, which has brought our country this far. I cannot begin to describe the achievements that Shaikh Mohammad has brought since he became Ruler of Dubai.

Christo Tromp, South African
He made the world see Dubai not as an area with oil but as a city with natural beauty that everybody is welcome in. There are few places where regardless of your nationality you can still feel at ease and we all work and live in harmony.

Rola Ezzedin, Lebanese
Shaikh Moha-mmad is deter-mined to fight illiteracy. The educational institutions in the country have been developed to educate the human resource capital. Incorporating technology is another achievement.

Shwaib Ahmad, Pakistani
By placing an emphasis on education, Shaikh Mohammad is making the country an educational destination for many people all over Asia. Many people will choose to study in the UAE rather than spend money in Europe or the US.