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Subject: Fwd: Fw: shikh mohammed first media e session
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From: Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem
Date: Sat, Apr 18, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Subject: Fw: shikh mohammed first media e session
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Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:06:58 -0400
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Subject: shikh mohammed first media e session
UAE Prime Minister
First Media e-Session with the Prime Minister
Dear Friends in the Media:
I write this in the spirit of good will to thank all of you for your interest in communicating with me through the
official Prime Minister's Web site.
HOUSE OVERSIGHT 024930
This is the second time that I have responded to your questions online; the first time was eight years ago, when
Internet communications were still in the nascent stage -- although, I must say, Dubai and the United Arab
Emirates had already made noteworthy progress in this field. During that initial online interview, my objective
was to stimulate the interest of the Emirati community in the Internet when the use of the online
communications was relatively limited.
Today the usage of the Internet across the UAE has come to be taken for granted; in fact, the Web has been
adopted so extensively in both the public and private sectors that e-communications are the norm rather than the
exception. We see that a large segment of our society, especially young people, believe that the Internet is the
most important source of information, education and entertainment.
The UAE continues to lead the Arab world in adoption of information and communication technology
according to the annual global infor mation technology report released before yesterday.
Little wonder, then, that I get inundated with questions from citizens and media alike. That's why I have chosen
to meet with you via my Web site. I think hosting this encounter online will allow all of you to ask as many
questions as you wish. In the last few days alone, I have received hundreds of questions from several local and
regional newspapers. Naturally, there was some overlapping of questions since they came from so many
different sources. Hence, I have tried to consolidate my answers in such a manner that I do not come across as
repetitious.
This "interview," of course, relates to questions from the media, whose work I consider especially significant in
telling the story of how Dubai and the UAE are coping successfully with the global financial crisis, and how our
development plans are being advanced with the resilience and determination that has always characterized
Emirati society.
I have also received many questions from everyday Emiratis, and these will be answered in a subsequent
communication.
In the meantime, I hope my responses will generate positive discussion about the issues and values that Dubai
and the UAE care about — the strengthening of a society that's anchored in unique Emirati traditions, and the
continued building of a global city to which all are welcome, a city that is well integrated in the fast changing
global commons that we all must share. Dubai is not only a catalyst of change; it is an exemplar of change. And
I am proud of that, just as I am proud of the economic and social contributions that Emiratis and their well-
wishers have made over these years to furthering the Dubai Vision.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
Your Highness, Dubai, the famous city known for its outstanding experience on both
regional and international levels, has been recently criticized for its development
strategy in the light of the global financial crisis. How do you perceive this campaign and
how are you dealing with it?
Criticism and negative statements do not really disturb me. We do not mind receiving objective criticism that
helps us improving our services and methods. If there were negative aspects, then we will address them and
work toward revamping them. But following the global financial crisis, what we read and heard was not in
reference to the negative aspects. In fact it was a "media bombardment" targeted at the UAE as a model for a
federal state, a successful and prosperous Arab country. And Dubai, the city that has set up a successful
economic model at a global level, was under a daily attack by some Western media, as if they were in a race
against time to harm the UAE.
As for the motives of the campaign, God Almighty knows. But it seems that the success of the Arab, whether
HOUSE OVERSIGHT 024931
individual or state, city or a company, is seen as unacceptable. It seems that seeing=2 Odistinct images of
successful Arabs and Arab countries disturbs some people. They would rather stick with the distorted images of
Arab stereotypes in their minds.
I need to stress here a very important perception. We are not growing in order to be a model for its highest
building in the world, best airport, and most luxurious hotel, and the largest seaport and man-made islands.
These landmarks and features are unique and famous all over the world. But the Dubai model is beyond that.
Dubai is an Arab city with scarce natural resources but with a clear vision of comprehensive development and
social needs. It is a city that succeeded through its investments in human resources, its unique geographical
location, and its trade expertise. This has enabled us to achieve unmatched growth and to become the focal
connection between the East and West. Dubai has proved as well the possibility of coexistence of different
cultures in an open and tolerant Arab Islamic environment.
Dubai's model, which is part of the UAE model, lies in the success of the economy's diversification, and in
sparking the interest of the Arab region and neighboring countries in the information and communication
technology, the e-government and the knowledge economy, and in facilitating access to the people in our region
to global best practices. Our international experiences in various areas are often on display through exhibitions,
conferences and other activities.
Dubai's model also lies in proving the viability of investing in the region, of investing specifically in the
knowledge economy and in human welfare. It has also raised the citizens' expectations in the region concerning
levels of good governance and transparency, and the quality of public services and state-of-the-art
infrastructure.
Dubai is about providing the highest international standards in education and health systems. It is a city with
entrepreneurial spirit that entered into international investment areas and bought assets in global ports, airports
and financial markets. Dubai succeeded in building a global financial center and entering into partnerships with
reputed financial institutions, and was able to compete globally in the areas of air and sea transport, and
charitable initiatives that were created to help developing the less fortunate countries.
These are some of Dubai's model features, which has attracted the attention of the world, and enticed the
interest of the Arab region and its people, and inspired many people and motivated them. Is this the model that
our critics are targeting?
I asked my brothers and myself this question and I did not expect a reply, because we are accustomed in the
UAE to respond by work, not words. We believe in God and we have full faith and confidence in Him and in
our people and businessmen and the many other believers in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi is also witnessing an attack since it succeeded in leading a successful Arab union and launched
initiatives of a strategic and impo rtant nature such as "Masdar City.". I know that the international media have
covered art initiatives in Abu Dhabi, including building an outpost of the Louvre. But one gets the impression
that even in such coverage of important initiatives, there's invariably some reference or the other to discredited
stereotypes of the Arab Gulf Now the focus is on Dubai, and again the stereotypes are being brought up. It
seems that any successful Arab model in economic development invites such negative treatment in the
international media
To be fair, we read recently a few balanced articles reporting on what is the UAE doing regarding the effect of
the global financial crisis on our region.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
Your Highness, the media campaign has focused on pointing that Dubai is facing an
economic crisis threatening the foundations of its economic development. What is the
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actual impact of the crisis on Dubai economically and socially?
In fact, the campaign has gone much further than that. An American writer, well known for his extreme views,
was so keen to project Dubai's alleged "failure" in the coexistence of cultures, that he went all the way stating
that Dubai was a place where cultures break up and not where cultures meet. He reached that conclusion based
on the fact that Dubai has jailed and deported a British couple caught having illegal sex on a public beach.
With regard to the fact that the global crisis effect threatens Dubai's growth and economy, I can guarantee you
that those references constitute "wishful thinking" on the part of some people; they are illusions, not realities.
The economic foundations and development are firm and stable; otherwise Dubai would not have been able to
deal efficiently with the global financial crisis consequences. In addition to that, Dubai is not a city on its own.
It is a member of the United Arab Emirates federation, which is strong, resilient and successful — a federation
that is able to face the most difficult challenges.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
Your Highness, the foreign media are reporting on the "bubble burst." What would you
tell the people who are endorsing this view?
I keep hearing the expression of "the bubble" for the past couple of decades. In my opinion, this bubble is found
only in the minds of those who often keep repeating it and do not know its meaning. The future will prove to
them the truth.
Let me assure you we are fine, we have overcome the crisis with the least amount of losses. In our culture, we
say: be virtuous and you will gain. That is why we always look at the half full cup of water, and when we look
at the empty part, we do not moan over the void, instead we think of better and faster ways to fill it.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
Your Highness, if we were saying this is an unfair campaign against Dubai then, could
you explain to us how to get out of the current crisis?
The impact of the global financial crisis has been felt all over the world. It generated a state of panic in all
developed economies. It was expected that our region would not be immune to the crisis, especially in view of
the fact that it led to the credit freeze, write-downs at banks, deferral of mutual credits, and a freeze on lending
in some of the wealthiest industrialized countries, such as the United States.
The crisis hit the world in September 2008, but I think that the panic pha se is over now, especially after the
intervention of governments in many major countries to regulate financial and banking sectors, and the
allocation of large sums of money to revitalize their economies. This step has enabled the summit of the G20
that was held in London a few days ago, to agree on a package of decisions and actions aimed to revive the
global economy and the organization of the international markets.
For us in the United Arab Emirates, I can safely say that we have succeeded in containing the risks of the global
financial crisis in record time. This is a result of the good policies of the Central Bank, and the government's
action to ensure the liquidity of banks and the protection of deposits, and other actions at the local level, such as
the additional liquidity that the Abu Dhabi government pumped it into the Emirate's banks and the bond
issuance of $20 billion bonds.
The crisis management in addition to the decisions taken during the G20 summit have spread a high degree of
HOUSE OVERSIGHT 024933
satisfaction and optimism around the world, and reflected positively on all the nations including the UAE,
which has always had a strong, multi-potential and diverse economy.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
The Federal Government has taken swift action to deal with the crisis, but many
observers say that these actions are not sufficient to help the UAE, and Dubai in
particular, to be free of the crisis?
The actions that we took at the Federal Government were really fast, well thought-out to respond to the issues
and to overcome the negative effects of the global crisis. Having said that, our economy has shifted from the
crisis mode to the solution. Of course, we are monitoring and following up our situation and the development of
all the economic sectors through federal and local specialized committees, just as we follow developments in
the global economy and international markets. We thank God; most of the indicators seem positive now and
call for optimism. However, should we face future developments further actions, then we won't sit back.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
When Du bai launched the $20 billion bonds and the UAE Central Bank subscribed in it
with $10 billion, it was interpreted as help from Abu Dhabi to Dubai to get out of the
crisis. How do you evaluate this action by the UAE Central Bank, and what about the
second tranche of the bonds, which would another $10 billion?
When Dubai launched the $20 billion bonds and the UAE Central Bank subscribed in it with $10 billion, it was
interpreted as help from Abu Dhabi to Dubai to get out of the crisis. How do you evaluate this action by the
UAE Central Bank, and what about the second tranche of the bonds, which would another $10 billion?It seems
that people are not aware of the life realities in the United Arab Emirates. Well, I welcome this interpretation
because it emphasizes the depth of ties among the Emirates and ensures the strength of our Central Bank and its
confidence in Dubai's economy.
We have announced bonds totaling $20 billion, raised half of it as a public offering, then the Central Bank
subscribed to the full amount; we will pay an annual interest rate of 4 percent annually on the five-year
coupons. What we put forward, meets our needs at this stage. Should we need the second part — that is, $10
billion -- we will then announce it to the public; we know that it will be of interest to many.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
There are talks that Dubai would be selling few2Ostate owned companies and that Abu
Dhabi will be its partner in many projects in place or under implementation. What is the
truth in this?
These rumors and speculations turned into news and headlines in several prominent international newspapers.
Rest assured that between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, there is no buying and selling. Everything in Dubai belongs to
Abu Dhabi and Dubai and the rest of the UAE, and all that is in Abu Dhabi belongs to Dubai and Abu Dhabi,
and the rest of the UAE. Let me remind you about what The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
Al Nahyan, said last month about this matter. He said that the impact of the current global financial crisis on the
national economy of the United Arab Emirates has been misunderstood and exaggerated. He said that the
relationship between members of the UAE Federation has been misrepresented.
"We are ... one strong, coherent body. As for the measures taken (at) the federal or local level, to address the
HOUSE OVERSIGHT 024934
crisis, they were declared and (made) clear-cut. There was no need to unleash predictions in this respect," His
Highness said.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
YYour Highness, do you feel that Dubai is threatened as a result of the current crisis?
We did not at any time feel that the financial crisis is a threat. The worst is over and behind us. Since the
eruption of the crisis we did not hear of any state-owned bank or company announcing bankruptcy. None of the
economy sectors was snapped. We are currently implementing plans and programs of action to benefit from the
lessons of the crisis and ensure the recovery of the negative effects.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
The recent murders that occurred in Dubai seriously raised the issue of security despite
the speed of discovery of the perpetrators of these crimes. How would you respond to the
statements that the prevention of the assassination should come first?
Of course, prevention is better than cure. To prevent killing is a very valuable act. Often, people hear about the
cure procedures, but they do not hear about the actions of prevention. Murders that took place in Dubai in
recent months, were fewer than half of one hand's fingers -- and this is not to minimize the seriousness but just
to confirm that it is an exception and the rule is that the UAE, including Dubai, is one of the most secure and
stable countries, and this would not happen without having our authorities taking preventive measures of
utmost importance. In any case, the crime rate in the UAE, including Dubai, is one of the lowest in the world,
and we are working to remain so, and the murder of two known figures will not change the reality.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
With the brunt of the global financial crisis on Dubai, we noticed the continuation of most
of the art, culture, media, sports, and cultural activities, in addition to the enormous
financial awards being bestowed by various organizations for business efficiency, among
other things. How do you explain this?
These activities were scheduled prior to the crisis, and some of them are annual events such as the Dubai World
Cup, the Arab Media Forum and Arab Journalism Award. Some new events were launched, such as the World
Poetry Festival -- but I don't know why you are wondering about the continuation of those activities. In fact, it
would be a strange thing to cancel them. With regards to the prizes, they remain as were previously announced.
Do you suggest in your question that these awards have become a burden to Dubai? If so, I promise we are in a
good shape. All our projects under implementation have not ceased, and we are paying our loans and debts on
time, and all suppliers and contractors have begun to receive their entitlements.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
Your Highness, the media is focusing currently on the large layoffs from the companies
working under the umbrella of Dubai Holding. What is the truth regarding this matter,
especially that the issue is going to reach its peak in the coming months?
The collapse of the global debt markets has pushed all the big companies worldwide to review their plans, expe
nses and strategies and urged them to restructure their managements including the human resources. "Dubai
Holding" is not an exception at all. All its companies work on a commercial basis, and it is normal to lay off the
HOUSE OVERSIGHT 024935
employees who do not have roles to play during this situation. I am not sure why people are expecting a peak in
the coming months. The whole process is a restructuring course that was well received by all Dubai Holding
employees.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
Your Highness, Dubai was accused in the media that laid-off Arabs descend from a
specific nationality, what is the reality?
Rumors feed on human emotion. Verifiable facts, and even simple common sense, have little or nothing to do
with the way a rumor spreads. I would say that due to the steep global crisis effect on domains such as PR and
advertising, which employ by coincidence a large number from a particular nationality, or the construction
sector which also employs a large number of architects from one nationality, there is absolutely no focus on
laying off any Arab or non-Arab nationality.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
Your Highness, your recent visit to Russia complements your strategy in visiting the
strong economic countries worldwide such as Germany and China last year. Do you
think that these visits are still useful nowadays? Are you planning to20continue this
approach and what is the objective of those visits? What was the outcome of your last
visit to Moscow?
This is a strange question. We are pretty sure that this crisis will not last forever, and that it will end. The UAE
has always had good relations with all countries around the world and especially the weighty economic
countries. Our duty is to work toward developing and enhancing those relationships. In fact, during global
crisis countries should broaden those visits and enhance their bilateral relations especially since this crisis may
result in forming a new economic and political world construct.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
Your Highness, do you think that the current crisis would impose new changes on the
federal and local levels in the UAE as rumors are spreading regarding a change in
progress in the cabinet?
It is obvious that things do change. Whoever does not take up the new situation and cooperate positively with it
for the benefit of the nation and nationals would be incompetent. However, it is you who's saying that there are
rumors that a change in the cabinet is under way.
Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi
Your Highness, people who are aware of the relationship between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
say that there is no need to worry about the effect of the crisis on Dubai because it relies at
the end of the day on the financial strength of Abu Dhabi, which owns the biggest
sovereign fund in the world. What would you say?
Those people know well that they can't bracket the relationship between both Emirates into just a financial
relation. The money element is a very minimal component in a superior relationship built on family ties with a
unity soul, with "tolerance" essence and foundation concurred by both Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid on 18
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February 1968, when they met and issued a historical statement announcing the establishment of a federal
union between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and called on their brothers in the neighboring emirates to join the union.
Do you know what it meant for us to stand few days ago with His Highness Sheikh Khalifa at the "Union
House" under the UAE flag, and in the same place where our ancestors stood the day of the UAE
announcement? Would you be able to appraise our feelings at that moment? These are moments that you cannot
ponder easily. They are priceless.
Those who know the truth about the Abu Dhabi and Dubai relationship and all the other Emirates, are well
aware that the federation of the UAE is a choice of wise and liberated people who are guided by their heart,
beliefs and wisdom. They are people who God Almighty described as ready to sacrifice their souls for others.
Again, I remind you of what His Highness Sheikh Khalifa said. "We are ... one strong, coherent body.
The National Abu Dhabi Media Company - Matt Slater
The United Arab Emirates is a federation but there is a tendency, particularly in health
and education, to allow individual emirates to dictate policy. Will this continue or will
the federal government seek to establish a more unified national approach on domestic
policy?
None of the seven emirates develops its own independent health and educational policies. All legislation and
policies related to education and overall health are developed at the federal level. What is happening is precisely
the expansion of the decentralized planning and implementation in order to raise the efficiency of education and
medical services. This is what we see in industrialized countries, such as the United States and the United
Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland and others. Our experience in education foundered for many reasons, and we
are racing against time to make up for what we missed and to create sustainable development in the education
sector. Of course, the process of development widens then to diversify the teaching methods and to attract
broad participation of the private sector.
The National Abu Dhabi Media Company - Matt Slater
The Federal National Council has expressed concern that its views are ignored by the
UAE cabinet and that, in reality, they have little power. What role do you see the FNC
playing within the country's decision-making p rocess, and in what way is the Council
likely to evolve in the future?
We never received any complaints against the government for ignoring the views of the Council; instead we
always receive compliments and appreciation about cooperation. We constantly express our appreciation to the
Council for its role in the decision-making process. In fact, draft laws first have to pass through the FNC for
review and recommendations, and later sent back to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
The Council is also empowered to summon and to question any Federal Minister regarding Ministry
performance. We believe in the importance of the Council, and we respect its effective role in the process since
its inception. The current session marked a beginning of change in the Council in the method of selecting its
members. We witnessed for the first time the formation of election associations in the UAE to elect half the
members of the 40-member Council, with 22 percent of members of the Council being women, one of the
highest such rates in the world.
In any case, since the founding of the UAE we chose the approach of gradualism. We in the UAE do not work
with a "burning stages" style. Our laws and procedures are in line with reality and our reticence. We believe
that our people are satisfied with this approach that results in prosperity and stability.
HOUSE OVERSIGHT 024937
I am well aware of the foreign reports that criticize the way that the UAE deals with the issue of democracy. Th
ese reports assess our system on the basis of their own history and cultural experiences, and the experiences of
their countries — some of which have been democracies for more than 300 years. The easiest thing is to hold
general elections and to place ballot boxes and to disseminate images and words about the greatness of
democracy.
But our leadership does not look for fame, and does not import ready-made models that may be valid for other
societies, but is certainly not suitable for our society. Some months ago, we celebrated National Day, our 37th.
Do you know how we used to live before? Do you have any idea about the state of education and illiteracy,
infrastructure and public services? Do you know the details of our society's infrastructure and how it was
developed? Today, after the tremendous achievements in various fields, our people have full confidence in the
process of empowerment -- empowerment of the economy, women, the administration, the and culture as well
as political empowerment within our traditions and culture. The midterm elections of the members of the
Federal National Council is a very important step in the progression toward what is acceptable to the interests of
our people and our homeland.
The National Abu Dhabi Media Company - Matt Slater
The issues of labor rights and human trafficking continue to adversely affect the image
of the UAE abroad. Whereas there are clear policies aimed at aligning the2OUAE with
international best practice on these fronts, the actual rate of prosecutions of those
violating rights on these fronts are generally seen to be low. What is being done to address
this?
I want you to look at the results of the last meeting of the International Committee for Human Rights in Geneva,
and to look at reports that refer to the huge progress in the UAE with regard to these issues. Even the periodic
reports issued by the U.S. State Department recognize this progress, particularly on the issue of human
trafficking.
We care about the rights of workers; we care about reinforcing the freedom of people. Our aim is not to win the
approval of international reports, but we are keen to promote human rights and also deepening the values of
social justice and tolerance. We are keen to provide a model for Arab and Muslim countries that adheres to
religious and cultural frameworks; we are keen to continue to interact with the international community. We
want the respect and cooperation of all. Our religion and our values and ethics do not accept any violation of
human rights and of people -- no matter where they work and where do they come from and what their belief
and religion are. It's in our nature not to condone injustice, and we sympathize with victims and needy people.
We have very active charitable institutions operating in a large number of the less fortunate countries. We
cannot accept that any person, man or woman, would be defeated in their quest2Ofor human dignity. As for the
number of cases submitted in the courts for prosecution, I would say that it reflects the reality and it is
considered to be high in comparison with the number of the UAE population.
The National Abu Dhabi Media Company - Matt Slater
Your Highness, you are Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai,
founder of the famous Godolphin horse-racing stable, sportsman and poet. How do you
juggle your political and non-political roles, and what do you do for fun?
The day has 24 hours or 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. For me, this is sufficient time for work, hobbies and
sports. It works if you respect time and you know how to organize your schedule. Whoever enjoys his work, it
seems that you add five days to your week. I enjoy my work, which is my existence in my life: the service of my
homeland and my people. My joy increases when I see the progress and prosperity of my homeland and my
HOUSE OVERSIGHT 024938
people. I do not work alone, I have a team whom I lead and encourage and on whom I rely. Within each human
being there is an inexhaustible source of potential, but there is no human being with unlimited capacity. What is
important is to know your capacities -- and how you should use them.
For fun, I spend my time with my family at the beach or in the desert. I love to read. I ride horses. My love for
horses is indescribably enormous; it is part of20my soul and history.
The National Abu Dhabi Media Company - Matt Slater
How are the Federal Government and the Government of Dubai cooperating to re-tool
the development model to address what many economists predict is a permanent
reduction in credit available from international capital markets
Whether the available global credit declines or increases, the model of our economy is stable and is developing
within the framework that we created earlier. Dubai's needs for credit tend to decline and the government's
loans, which are modest, compared to the size of the economy, all concern investment in infrastructure, not
current expenditures or operational budgets. The majority of our infrastructure projects are of a long-term
productive nature, such as the Dubai Metro, the expansion of the power generation station, and so on. With
regard to the loans of state-owned companies -- they are purely commercial in nature, and their calculations are
based on the cost of the loan and the return on investment. The global financial crisis has affected the liquidity
of the companies, and we believe that it is only a temporary impact. We have sufficient means to provide the
necessary liquidity for these companies. I would like to stress that Dubai's economy is part of the UAE
economy, and we cannot in any way deal with the situation as an independent entity. I will give you one
example: We say Abu Dhabi banks, Dubai banks and Sharjah banks. These terms relate to the location of the
headquarters only, since all banks operate in all the seven Emirates, and are subject to fiscal and monetary
policy overseen by one body, and one central bank. In any case, credit is always available, and even a few
months after the financial crisis, it had been available. Of course, this does not mean that all the available credit
is desirable. This issue is a subject to extensive studies and discussions and to cost-benefit equations.
By Al-Sharq al-Awsat Daily
The question of population demography has been a source of worry to the UAE
nationals, as it must certainly worry Your Highness. You have announced some
initiatives in this regard, uncovering a few of them. Could you tell us more about these
initiatives?
This question is important because of its ramifications and interconnection of its economic, social, and cultural
dimensions. His Highness the President of the UAE has defined our approach toward this question. He has said
that we have a positive outlook toward the demographic structure, showing the ability of our people and state to
mix this human quantity and variety in a human framework, capable of creating a model highlighting the power
of human interaction in the process of building and raising our state to assume an advanced position on the level
of civilization and development. Such a model will help us in gaining the respect and appreciation of local and
in ternational organizations for our human and civilized treatment of all residents in our country, providing
incentives for them to take active part in the development process of the UAE.
This vision, as defined by His Highness the President, does not remove from our sight the necessity of
preserving our national identity. This was the starting point which led to the formation of a high-level
committee, headed by the minister of interior, to deal with the question of demographic structure. We highly
appreciate the work of this committee, which drew out a number of initiatives to deal with this question and
take active measures in this connection. We are preparing other measures and decisions within our declared and
transparent policy for dealing with the question of demographic structure in a civilized manner, without
HOUSE OVERSIGHT 024939
violation of our human and international commitments, ensuring the objective of variation of the demographic
structure in our country.
Naturally, our children and new generations will remain the actual solution for this question. Hence, the
development of education, the competencies and capabilities of the UAE nationals will remain our main
priority. We are optimistic about our youth, and proud of their spirit of national belonging, of their growing
realization of the importance of self-reliance and active participation in building the homeland. I follow their
activities and expect a great deal from them, and ask them to double their efforts in learning and enhancing their
competencies in various fields, in2Oorders to become a distinguished group eagerly sought after by public and
private sectors. We are eager to increase the rate of Emiratization in government and private sectors. I informed
the Cabinet last march that the rate of Emiratization in the ministries has not reached the targeted level, as it did
not exceed 54 percent and 25 percent in the Federal Authorities. I gave directives to prepare a study to denote
the reasons for such a situation in order to draw suitable programs to fill this gap.
By Al-Sharq al-Awsat Daily
Almost a year ago, Your Highness introduced a major reshuffle in the Cabinet. You
mentioned that any minister is liable to change. Is there a plan for a cabinet reshuffle
soon?
There is a fact which should not be absent from the minds of people — that is, the government is at the service of
the people. A reshuffle is introduced when there is a need for it, and when we find that it suits an active
handling of the need of national demands, to ensure the power of the union to achieve the objectives of its
strategy, and whatever objective that may come up to meet the actual developments. I still say that any minister
or a man of responsibility entrusted with him is open to replacement by another one who is more capable of
shouldering that responsibility. The basic reference in any decision of this type is the criteria of performance
and level of fulfillment of plans for development projec ts.
By Al-Sharq al-Awsat Daily
Frankly, people outside the Emirates think there is a kind of sensitivity among the seven
Emirates. With reference to the federal system adopted by the state, how do you respond
to that?
I do not understand what you mean by "sensitivity" and the relation of the word to the federal system. But I
know the reason behind your question: it is the media reports which tried, in handling the reflections of the
international financial crisis on the UAE, to place hurdles and fabricate differences between Abu Dhabi and
Dubai. These are vicious attempts that ignored the way the UAE faced the repercussions of the global financial
crisis and the superb performance of our federal entities, under the leadership of His Highness, the President of
the UAE. The performance was excellent, and it presented a new proof of the capability and power of the
federation to face difficult challenges. Anyhow, since you brought the subject up, it is useful to remind
everybody that the seven Emirates chose the federal system, realizing that it is the most viable system to
survive and develop. The founding fathers had wisdom, vision and a future perspective. Whoever knows the
history of the area and its situation prior to the establishment of the union will realize the great achievement of
the union in the establishment of the UAE. If the results are the test, then look at the advance and achievements
of the UAE20after 37 years of the Union. The UAE is a state of institutions governed by a constitution, which
covers the allocation of responsibilities to local and federal authorities. Like all federal states, the Federal
government is concerned with all the sovereign affairs, whether related to defense policy, the armed forces,
national security, foreign policy, and financial policy, legislations related to justice, economy, labor or
residence of foreigners.
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Among the most important historic achievements we take pride in is the building of the national Emirati identity
which did not exist before the rise of the Union state. This identity settles deep down in the souls of all Emiratis,
runs in their blood-veins, and fills them with feelings of dignity and loyalty to their country, the UAE.
Every citizen and person of responsibility in the UAE puts his Emirati national sense of belonging above that of
his own area. Basically there is no conflict, but integration, between the two. When a person introduces himself
as coming from Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, or Dubai, he is not unlike an Egyptian who introduces himself as coming
from Cairo, Asyut, or Alexandria, or a Saudi, who introduces himself as coming from Riyadh, Makkah, or
Dammam.
Unfortunately, some people who do not know the Emirates and the facts of life there, pass judgment on what
they do not understand. We are, in the words of my brother Sheikh Khalifa, members in one body, strong and
held together. There are no sensitivities among the Emirates, but t here is mutual cooperation and help within
the one state, the one national identity; and at the same time, within the one state there is room for competition
in the fields of good deeds achievement, excellence, and the service of the country and citizens.
By Al-Sharq al-Awsat Daily
Do you support increasing the scope of the federal government's authorities while
decreasing those of local governments towards the overall welfare of the UAE?
There is no conflict between the local and federal authorities. There are federal and local roles which are clearly
articulated by the Constitution of the UAE. All sovereign issues fall within the jurisdiction of federal
government, represented by His Highness, The President, Members of the UAE Supreme Council, The
Cabinet, The Federal National Council, Federal Law.
The federal government enjoys full authority to carry out its mandate articulated by the Constitution. Extended
or limited scope of authority is not a theoretical issue. Meanwhile, promoting non-central governmental models
and offering more authorities to local governments is now a growing trend in different parts of the world, even
in single region state. Decentralization has proven quite successful in handling development requirements,
enhancing government performance and increasing productivity of public organizations.
In the UAE, we are very keen on ensuring complementary roles and responsibilities among ministries and
federal authorities and2Othe local departments and establishments towards achieving highest government
performance levels across the UAE.
By Al-Sharq al-Awsat Daily
In times of crises, Dubai always comes into the world's focus. Are you concerned by
international reports highlighting Dubai's economic shortcomings during the global
financial downturn?
We are completely aware of our capabilities and we don't overestimate our abilities. Dubai's success in
introducing a unique developmental model has gained remarkable international recognition. As you know,
success implies a certain burden that cannot be avoided. The international focus on Dubai is absolutely normal.
During crises, people usually turn their attention to those who have proven a successful track record. The
current crisis has brought Dubai's developmental model with all its successes into a tough test. Some have
speculated that Dubai will fail this test, simply because they do not know the UAE nor what Dubai has achieved
based on solid foundation of knowledge, expertise and business ties across the globe. Dubai's achievements are
part of the UAE's remarkable progress. I know that some people from outside the region have wished that
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Dubai model will go down the river. I am fully aware that some financial and economic circles were not happy
with the progress we managed to achieve on various tracks including investment, aviation industry, IT and
global competition in mana ging and financial markets.
The UAE has proven remarkable competency in addressing difficult questions imposed by the global financial
crisis. I strongly believe it won't be long before international focus will shift from what is claimed to be
Dubai's shortcomings to Dubai's and the UAE's overall success in passing this difficult test.
By Al-Sharq al-Awsat Daily
Almost a year ago, and during your visit to Asia, you warned against the global financial
crisis. Why precautionary measures have not been undertaken to avoid negative impacts
of this crisis on both Dubai and UAE?
The crisis have taken the whole world by surprise and evolved in tremendous pace. During my visit to Asia, I
had warned against turmoil in financial and commodities markets, marginalizing the role of international
financial institutions and potentials that these institutions fall short from fulfilling their expected roles in a
world where all international markets became very much related, turning into one huge global market which
does not follow any international rules, regulations or supervision.
I had urged leading world economies to move swiftly and reconsider roles and mechanisms of international
financial establishments and institutions, especially the International Monetary Fund -- and that what exactly
the G20 summit did last month earlier this month.
Regarding the precautionary measures, I believe that no preventive measures neither i n the UAE or any other
country in the world, would have provided the desired immunity from the ramifications of the global financial
meltdown. The UAE's solid economic structure, efficient performing establishments, adoption of a balanced
model of conservative banking policies overseen by the Federal Central Bank and liberal economic approach,