An epitome of development
Vice-President was yesterday honoured for his leadership in Arab development and his unconventional vision in empowering Arab communities
ARAB DEVELOPMENT: The Arab League eulogised Mohammad’s influential contributions in the field.
EMPOWERING ARABS: The League recognised leader’s unconventional vision to empower region’s communities
HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS:
Managing world’s biggest humanitarian and development institution in the UAE
GOVERNANCE:
Leading Arab renaissance in administration as UAE leads over 50 global competitive indexes
The Arab League has honoured His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai with the Arab League Shield for Leadership in Arab Development.
The honour recognises Shaikh Mohammad’s development efforts and vision in empowering Arab communities, according to Egyptian state media.
During a ceremony in Cairo yesterday, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, received the award from Ahmad Abu Al Geit, secretarygeneral of the Arab League, on behalf of Shaikh Mohammad.
Reacting to the news on Twitter, Shaikh Mohammad said: “We see government work as a journey towards making ourselves more competitive. In the UAE, we love to work on enhancing our competitiveness and believe that the government is a key engine of development in all sectors.
“The Arab world needs to transform its administrative operations and shed conventional ways of thinking. We need a clear vision to enhance the effectiveness of government.”
He added: “The best contribution a citizen can make to his country and society is to help enhance government processes because they drive progress in every sphere. The UAE is part of the Arab world, and we are keen to share our experiences with those who want to learn from them.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Abu Al Geit said: “When someone mentions the word ‘development’, they automatically think of Shaikh Mohammad. His initiatives, innovative ideas and massive projects transcended the UAE’s borders for the development of the Arab region. Shaikh Mohammad is one of the pioneers who discerned the utmost priority for development in the current Arab reality.”
The Arab League secretarygeneral pointed out that Shaikh Mohammad’s vision could be summarised with his quote: ‘A man has two choices, either to be a follower or a leader, and we greatly aspire to be pioneers’.
“He was able to instil a spirit of innovation in Dubai, a city which has become a source of pride for Arabs. We look to Dubai and we see an innovative government, which inspires people to take the initiative,” Abu Al Geit said.
“What differentiates Dubai’s model for development is that people are its cornerstone, not natural resources that will eventually be depleted.”
In the UAE, we love to work on enhancing our competitiveness and believe that the government is a key engine of development in all sectors ... The Arab world needs to transform its administrative operations and shed conventional ways of thinking.”
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum