'Dubai will become world leader under Mohammad'

Dubai: On the occasion of the second anniversary of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's accession as Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Gulf News spoke to people on their views about the Dubai Ruler's accomplishments over the past two years and his vision for the future.

Enrico Clavaton, 28, from the Philippines, has been in Dubai for two years. He feels that the changes since he has arrived are good. "There's good governance," he said. "The systems in place are good for visitors and for business in Dubai," he said.

Sreekumar, from India, has been in Dubai for four years. The 26-year-old said a lot of things have changed over the past two years. Business, traffic, and rules and regulations have all improved in that time, he said.

"The business environment in the UAE is moving well and tourism is improving. I think Dubai will be number one in the world. Shaikh Mohammad is improving a lot of things. I'm a chef, so with tourism going up, it's good for my work."

'Best mind for future'

Sabeel Abdullah, 48, an Emirati, said: "Shaikh Mohammad is the best man in the world. He makes many things happen for the UAE. First, he makes it for the people. He has the best mind for the future. What is happening is for everyone, the UAE people, for Arabs, and for everyone who comes to Dubai, including tourists. Shaikh Mohammad is not just talk. He is working very hard and has a very good team working with him."

Yousuf Abdullah, 41, is also a UAE national. He said Shaikh Mohammad is working 24 hours a day for his people. "You need someone to work for the country, to make it for locals and for expats as well."

He is proud that Shaikh Mohammad gives money to those who need it most, and not just in the UAE, but outside the country as well. "Dubai Cares has given children in other countries the opportunity to go to school. He will keep doing more in the future."

Nancy Magpantay, 30, is from the Philippines. "He's a good person. He's doing so many things in Dubai," she said. "In the future he will add more and it will be more beautiful here."

She is particularly happy about the construction of the Dubai Metro. "The trains being built are going to be very good for all the people here," she said.

'World builds Dubai'

Alex Verget, 22, from the United States, said: "Shaikh Mohammad has the vision of a falcon, the strength of a stallion and the heart of a lion."

He said over the past two years Dubai has got water taxis, new bridges, Salik and robot jockeys for camels. "He has worked tirelessly to improve life in Dubai for Emiratis and expatriates. Dubai is building 'The World', while the world builds Dubai," he said.