Ministers and officials proud to be part of success team

Dubai: Ministers and senior officials praised the initiatives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and said the changes and developments Shaikh Mohammad brought about in the country demonstrates his vision and places him as a role model for everyone.

They were speaking on the second anniversary of the accession of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami, Minister of Health, said the two-year period under Shaikh Mohammad had witnessed many achievements that boosted the excellence, quality and challenge in federal and local departments.

"Two years also witnessed the setting up of strategies that show his faith in the importance of planning. Shaikh Mohammad embraces the principle of planning and decentralisation," he said.

Dr Mohammad Khalfan Bin Kharbash, Minister of State for Financial and Industrial Affairs, said: "I am proud to work under the leadership of Shaikh Mohammad. He has great vision and hope for the whole region."

He said Shaikh Mohammad had initiated an economic boom, not only in Dubai, but also in the UAE.

Mohammad Hussain Al Sha'ali, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, told Gulf News: "Shaikh Mohammad has all the characteristics of a successful leader." He said the growth of the country, especially Dubai, was evidence of Shaikh Mohammad's active participation and vision.

Dr Abdullah Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), said: "The last two years have seen a tremendous growth in the emirate and my heartiest congratulations to Shaikh Mohammad on completing two very successful years."

Dr Al Karam said looking back, one can obviously see the growth in all sectors, but more noticeable is the way in which the day-to-day business of the UAE Cabinet is being run.

Result-oriented decision-making ensures that the government departments are run in a corporate style. With regular field trips and the appointment of sub-committees for efficiency, he is a role model for all the federal ministers and officials.

Education drive

"Another admirable aspect is his drive towards education. With the largest resource allocation towards education, investment in scholarships and a keen interest in schools, Shaikh Mohammad is investing in a sector that will ensure true growth in the country," he said.

Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police, said Shaikh Mohammad is a ruler who participates and encourages everyone to gives his best.

He said Shaikh Mohammad had also activated the role of federal establishments over the past two years. Brigadier Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department, said Shaikh Mohammad is a leader with a wise vision.

"He is a leader who follows up every little thing. Shaikh Mohammad is behind the development that happened at DNRD. He is a wise man who has taken the UAE to international levels."

Brigadier Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director of Dubai Civil Defence, said: "The last two years are an extension of our wise leadership boosted with achievements in all fields of life. ... It is difficult to narrow down the many achievements, but we can point to some of the achievements related directly to people's lives and those which have boosted civil defence."

Brigadier Al Matroushi said achievements included approving the strategic plan for the country and Dubai government, which defined the direction of the country's future, increasing salaries to support living standards for all employees and their families, inaugurating a number of big economic development projects, and launching the Dubai Cares Campaign.

Afra Al Basti, Chief Executive Officer of the Women and Children's Foundation, said Shaikh Mohammad is a charismatic leader, who has a clear vision and far-sightedness.

"We thank him for the initiative, which will shelter abused women and children. He supports society's sectors and helps young men to put their feet on the right path.

"He urges people to work hard. Our President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Shaikh Mohammad have placed the UAE in a unique era. Shaikh Mohammad is a humble person who is seen often in public," she said.

Khalfan Hareb, Director of Dubai Ruler's Court, said this is a great occasion and a moment of pride. "The fast developments that have taken place in the city are the result of Shaikh Mohammad's strategies and planning for the future. What he has achieved for our country in two years, other countries achieve in 20 years or more."

Mirza Al Sayegh, Chairman of the Al Maktoum Institute Board, said Shaikh Mohammad is a leader who closely follows all national issues and knows the concerns of his people.

"He has always supported the youth especially by setting up establishments that guide the youth and help them develop themselves," he said.

Mohammad Yousuf, Deputy Director of Dubai Courts, said Shaikh Mohammad was a unique leader with a unique vision. "[He] has made qualitative changes in all fields with a focus on vital fields such as education. He has taken the country to international levels," he said.