Speaking at the inaugural session of an investors’ conference in Dubai, Shaikh Mohammad said that he was confident of Dubai’s ability to overcome challenges posed by the global economic crisis, to meet its obligations, and to move ahead with its ambitious economic plans which are an integral part of the development of the whole country.
“The global economic crisis, despite its short impacts on the local economy, will not deter Dubai’s ambitions of implementing its development plans and will not divert it from its leading position and will not distance it from playing its role in the arena of the international economy,” he said.
“Dubai is not alone. It is an inseparable part of the UAE and this solid and strong federation which holds each other as a great strong structure. I want to tell these people who nag about Dubai and Abu Dhabi to shut up,” he said.
“The success of Dubai is an extension of the success of Abu Dhabi and vice versa. It is also true for the rest of the seven emirates forming the federation. The success of the federation is the success of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah which form an undefeatable union and a strong citadel that will not fall in front of challenges. This union is the source of our strength and confidence. I assure you that we will be there for each other when we need it.”
He said the ties between Dubai and Abu Dhabi were strong and he was surprised to hear some suggest otherwise.
“The two ruling families Al Nahyan and Al Maktoum in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are one family linked with bonds of kinship and blood and have same roots. We are one state and proud of our President, my brother His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” said Shaikh Mohammed as quoted by Wam. “Those who don’t understand this should learn,” he added.
He said that the UAE will continue to be led with the vision and ambition of its founding fathers.
“We in the UAE, under the leadership of Shaikh Khalifa will continue the march started by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and my father Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, starting from the 70’s of the past century. They both laid the cornerstone of the UAE Federation which was the blessing birth of our nation.
“Dubai today is being developed as in the past and those are its sons who are known for their ambitious and visionary look for the future, to which they move in a steady steps with hard work being their motto and a great belief in the support of Almighty God, supported by self confidence and capabilities that is strong enough to tackle all the challenges that seem to others as an impossible mission.”
He said Dubai has taken necessary steps to counter the crisis, but its actions were not in isolation. “Dubai initiatives are not isolated from the serious and significant steps that the UAE has taken in this regard. As you know, Dubai is inseparable part of the UAE Federation.”
