Economy is doing well, says Shaikh Mohammed

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the economies of the UAE and other Gulf countries are doing well again.

Shaikh Mohammed, Shaikh Hamdan, Shaikh Maktoum and Lt-Gen Dahi Khalfan at the 11th annual Arab Media Forum in Dubai on Tuesday. — KT photo by Shihab

Assuring that the Gulf region is rising again, shedding the dust of the global financial crisis, Shaikh Mohammed repeated his perception that crises are opportunities which release the creative energies of the youth and individuals in the society.

Shaikh Mohammed said the economy of Asia is also growing well while Europe is still in the throes of the financial crisis.

Shaikh Mohammed was talking to a galaxy of Arab writers and media persons on the fringes of the 11^th annual Arab Media Forum which got under way in Dubai on Tuesday.

The Arab Media Forum 2012, organised by the Dubai Press Club, is themed on ‘Arab Media: Exposure and Transition’ and will discuss important media issues in the region.

The forum was also attended among others by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and Lieutenant-General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police.

Shaikh Mohammed, flanked by Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Majid bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, later held a dialogue with the media persons about a number of pressing Arab issues and the hopes cherished by the Arab nationals, especially in the changing Arab landscape.

Asserting the importance of holding on to Arab cultural norms, traditions and various dialects, Shaikh Mohammed reiterated the significance of adhering to Arabic Language in order to preserve the Arab national identity.

The dialogue focused on economical, social and educational development across the Arab world, which is rich in material resources, natural wealth and human intelligence. At the same time it lacks vision, determination and management of the changes in building economic, educational and social development, the dialogue noted.

Media persons cited Shaikh Mohammed’s take on the comprehensive change in many Arab states, noting that they are in a dire need of economic, educational and social changes. This is because the young generation wants such changes that would provide them with better opportunities in education, innovation and employment under a balanced social justice system, the debate noted.

news@khaleejtimes.com

(With inputs from Wam)