Sheikh Mohammed highlights unified vision for UAE’s continued growth

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, convened a high-level meeting at Union House with a distinguished group of citizens, business leaders, investors, ministers, and top public and private sector officials.

The gathering underscored the UAE’s ongoing commitment to national progress and innovation under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

A model built on unity, innovation

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed that the UAE’s development path is shaped by strategic investment in its people, a strong sense of community, openness to global collaboration, and a commitment to embracing innovation and creativity.

He stressed that sustaining this momentum requires the collective efforts of all societal sectors — public institutions, private enterprises, and citizens alike — to keep pace with global transformations. This collaboration, he said, is critical to reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global leader across diverse fields.

Driving forward with clear goals

Sheikh Mohammed was joined by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated. Addressing the attendees, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that Dubai’s development journey is anchored in a clear vision and unrelenting ambition.

He credited the emirate’s progress to a robust public-private partnership model that has positioned Dubai as a preferred international destination for business, investment, and talent.

“Over the decades, Dubai has built a distinctive development model based on innovation, openness, and competitiveness,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “The next phase of this journey demands an acceleration in growth, improved quality of life, enhanced government services, and a shift toward resilient and diversified economic models aligned with global trends and the digital revolution.”

A vision for a smart, sustainable future

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that Dubai’s future is shaped by a sustainable, innovation-led economy supported by advanced technology and smart infrastructure. He noted the importance of a flexible, responsive legislative environment that meets the evolving needs of investors and entrepreneurs.

“Dubai will continue reshaping its economic and digital ecosystem,” he said. “We aim to launch impactful projects, attract world-class talent, and remain a hub for the most ambitious global companies. Leadership is earned through hard work, long-term planning, and the belief that nothing is impossible.”

Supporting private sector’s role in development

In an open discussion with attendees, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the private sector’s essential role in the UAE’s development strategy. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an environment that enables private enterprises to thrive, innovate, and contribute to the nation’s broader objectives.

This engagement aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets significant advances in economic performance, public services, and digital transformation by 2033.

Spotlight on the ‘Year of the Community’

A key moment of the meeting included a presentation by Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development, on the ‘Year of the Community’ initiative. Launched by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the initiative aims to reinforce national cohesion and encourage inclusive participation in shaping the future.

Minister Shamma detailed various federal strategies and projects under the initiative, which has become a nationwide movement. She noted its focus on empowering people from all walks of life to actively contribute to the UAE’s development goals.

Celebrating knowledge and youth excellence

Sheikh Mohammed also welcomed the UAE winners of the Arab Reading Challenge — Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Reem Adel Ahmed Al Zarouni. He congratulated them on their achievement and praised their dedication to knowledge and learning.

“Reading lays the foundation for future leaders,” he said. “These young minds represent the UAE’s commitment to intellectual growth. Promoting a love of reading is an investment in our nation's future.”

He emphasised that these role models symbolise a generation driven by curiosity, ambition, and the power of knowledge — values that echo the UAE’s broader vision for sustainable and human-centric development.