Rashid's far-sighted vision hailed

Dubai's socio-economic development has been made possible by the far-sighted vision of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

"Politically, the former Ruler of Dubai, along with President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, have created a federal state, which stands today as a model for well-established Arab unity," Sheikha Manal, daughter of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, said in a statement distributed by the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre to mark Sheikh Rashid's 11th death anniversary.

"Sheikh Rashid was able to captain Dubai's ship to safety despite the daunting political challenges faced by the Arab nation at that time," she said.

Economically, Sheikh Rashid set a solid foundation for a modern city which is now at par with major international cities, Sheikha Manal said.

She said Dubai has become an economic hub that cannot be ignored in the global economy, thanks to the far-sighted vision of Sheikh Rashid.

"Sheikh Rashid was a visionary leader because he endeavoured to bring in foreign technology and adapt it to serve the country and its people. The UAE has been fortunate to have great leaders like Sheikh Rashid, Sheikh Zayed and Rulers of the Emirates," she said.

Sheikh Rashid, she added, had concealed behind his modesty, diligence in dealing with day-to-day details of his development programme.

"I, along with girls of the UAE, am proud of this land which harboured a great man like Sheikh Rashid. He was a unique leader and a pioneer in a new era who conceived that justice, tolerance, development and determination are pillars for building countries and achieving a better future for man. These pillars have made the UAE a model of peaceful coexistence," Sheikha Manal said.

"Thanks to Almighty Allah for granting the UAE visionary leaders like late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum," Sheikha Manal concluded.