UAE leadership a driving force in economic prosperity

The mark of an effective and competent leader is that they are able to determine what is right from wrong, and then have the courage to do what is right, said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance of the UAE.

Speaking at the 12th edition of the Asian Business Leadership Forum (ABLF 2019), he noted that throughout the UAE, examples abound of strong and competent leaders that have and continue to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, and in official association with the UAE Ministry of Economy, the event honoured several visionary leaders from across Asia, who inspire and set high standards in leadership excellence. In attendance were several VIP dignitaries and officials including Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister of Economy; Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy and Industry; Dr Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of State; Mohammed Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Shihhi, Undersecretary, Economic Affairs, Ministry of Economy; and Dr Tariq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares.

In his opening address, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, spoke about the tireless efforts of the leadership of the UAE, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as a global hub.

"Beyond Dubai, this forum has always celebrated Abu Dhabi and all of the rest of the emirates and their leadership," he said. "Our country enjoys a high degree of safety, stability and creativity. The economy continues to grow at a steady and level pace and is highly competitive, transparent, and supportive of businesses and entrepreneurs. We have strong institutions, and our country plays a prominent role in regional and international affairs."

Al Nahyan also noted that the UAE "deeply valued" its friendship with India, which was a guest nation at the event.

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister of Economy, also described the UAE and India as having a "legendary friendship". He noted that 2019 being announced as the 'Year of Tolerance' was the latest in a long line of initiatives and efforts that the leaders of the UAE have launched to ensure the happiness of its residents.

"We have almost 200 nationalities living here in peace and prosperity, and all of them love this land," he said. "We are proud of the achievements of this forum including the leadership initiatives that have been launched, published, and broadcasted here over the past editions. The diverse board of ABLF demonstrates the global prevalence of Asia as a power center of global growth, with countries such as India, China, Indonesia, and the UAE playing a major role."

- rohma@khaleejtimes.com

Rohma Sadaqat

I am a reporter and sub-editor on the Business desk at Khaleej Times. I mainly cover and write articles on the UAE's retail, hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.Originally from Lahore, I have been living in the UAE for more than 20 years. I graduated with a BA in Mass Communication, with a concentration in Journalism, and a double minor in History and International Studies from the American University of Sharjah.If you see me out and about on assignment in Dubai, feel free to stop me, say hello, and we can chat about the latest kitten videos on YouTube.