Lebanon must become like Dubai, says Hariri
dubai — The Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic Saad Al Hariri has a very optimistic view of his country’s future. After a ninemonth deadlock, the Lebanese government was formed a month ago and it is now set to overcome its economic crisis and tackle its endemic corruption issues.
Inspired by the latest book of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Hariri said: “Sheikh Mohammed wrote in his book ‘My Story’ that when he travelled to Lebanon, he was amazed and wanted to make Dubai like Lebanon. Now since I am in Dubai, I must say, I want Lebanon to become like Dubai.”
The 48-year-old leader is the second son of former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005.
Speaking at the plenary sessions during the first day of the World Government Summit (WSG) with Emad El Din Adeeb, chairman and chief executive officer of Good News Group, Hariri promised to build a “new Lebanon” that serves the needs of its people and provides jobs to the youth across the region. Solving pressing issues, such as shortage in electricity and other utilities, would also be part of his priorities, he said.
Hariri also tackled inclusivity and emphasised how everyone, including women and the youth, has a role to play on building the future.
He pointed out that leaders must now get used to women taking up leading roles in a country. Lebanese politician Raya Al Hassan, for example, made history on February 1, when she became the first female interior minister in the Arab world.
“We want to invest in young men and women of Lebanon… and the region,” Hariri said, calling on young people from around the world to work together to achieve a better global future.
Emphasising on the importance of empowering the youth in Lebanon, he said: “If you look at our demographic fabric, approximately 45 per cent is below the age of 30. Here, we are talking about the youth. A total of 51 per cent are males, and 49 per cent are females. Unemployment is at 20 per cent and a majority of females are unemployed.”
He said various political factions in the Lebanese Republic have kept their differences aside and are now working together to help move the country towards economic growth and away from rampant corruption.
“This is the only way to save the Lebanese economy from collapse,” said Hariri.
Aware that stability and security are important for any new investor, the prime minister said reforms are being rolled out across its political landscape.
The country has spent years recovering from the assassination of Rafic Hariri and regional unrest.