The surprise event was organised to mark the Abu Dhabi Mobility Week (ADMW) that is underway till May 1
The UAE has ambitious plans to become a role model for the world and the Middle East - in education, health, technology - in all fields, said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in an interview to CCTV, a Chinese TV channel, which was aired on Friday.
There was a sense of pride and achievement as Sheikh Mohammed spoke of the determination of the people of Dubai, which was once a small trading hub.
"We consider Dubai to be the perfect city. We want it to be the best in the world, a model for other cities to emulate."
He reiterated his message of optimism and progress and said: "For me, there is no impossible. The word impossible was invented by the weak because they did not want to work."
Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE is different because it welcomes people from all walks of life, from all over the world.
The UAE is successful because it has learnt from the harsh desert environment which gives people a deeper meaning about life, he said.
"We are the sons of this desert. We live there. Our tribes come from the desert.
The desert is a treasure and has helped fulfill our hopes and aspirations.
"For some, the desert is arduous and dangerous, but we understand this environment. We see it differently and we thrive from it."
He said the Chinese development model has inspired the UAE which is keen to be part of Beijing's Silk and Road Project.
"We have allocated $3 billion to contribute to the project. We manage 77 international ports, and this project will boost connectivity and further our engagement with the world."
He said China had hosted Expo in 2010, which was a huge success, and the UAE and Dubai is set to host a memorable Expo next year.
"We promised the world that Expo 2020 would be the best in the world. We have many surprises in store," he told the channel's correspondent who he drove across the city during the interview.
He lauded Chinese President Xi Jinping for his vision and said world leaders should learn from his leadership style.
news@khaleejtimes.com
The surprise event was organised to mark the Abu Dhabi Mobility Week (ADMW) that is underway till May 1
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