Sheikh Mohammed receives Great International Cannes Prize

The UAE has made remarkable environmental achievements thanks to the sound policies of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, said Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

"Sheikh Zayed has turned the desert into green gardens, and developed and conserved the environment, natural resources and nature reserves," he said on Wednesday after receiving the Great International Cannes Prize.

"The award is a new international recognition, and credit to the UAE's water and environmental policies," Sheikh Mohammed told reporters, adding that Dubai won the Unesco award for its better use and management of waste water in expanding greenery.

"The UAE will continue to establish new nature reserves and protected areas in the country, especially in the west of Abu Dhabi for their vital role in the eco-system," Sheikh Mohammed said when asked about plans for new nature reserves.

Sheikh Mohammed was awarded the honour at a colourful ceremony held in Cannes in the presence of the city's mayor and a crowd of senior French officials, politicians, environmentalists and dignitaries as well as a number of UAE officials.

Professor Raoul Caruba, coordinator of the Third Symposium on Water held in Cannes, said Sheikh Mohammed was given the award in recognition of his role in environmental and water issues in the UAE in general and in Dubai in particular and his efforts to achieve and spread peace.

"Sheikh Mohammed is one of the international personalities who has made great contributions to conservation and preservation of water resources and to international peace," he added.

In another success, Dubai won the International Cannes Prize for Water and Urban Areas for its good management and use of recycled water in irrigation and agricultural purposes. The Mayor of Cannes presented the award to Director-General of Dubai Municipality Qassim Sultan.

Sheikh Mohammed arrived in Nice on Wednesday and proceeded to Cannes where he held talks with Professor Caruba, president of the Mediterranean Organisation for Water, Sustainable Development and Peace, who briefed him on the the organisation's activities.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed his support for global environmental activities. Sheikh Mohammed also held talks with a number of French companies over prospects of joint cooperation and the possibility of opening regional offices in Dubai.