His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, met with a group of prominent national figures, business leaders, traders, investors, government ministers, and senior officials from various governmental and semi-governmental institutions, as well as executives from private sector organizations and investors, at the Al-Muhafiz Majlis in the Union House, Dubai.
During the gathering, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasized that the UAE, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, is committed to establishing a unique development model based on investing in people, enhancing stability, opening up to the world, and adopting the latest knowledge-driven solutions and innovations. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts from all sectors of society, including governmental and private institutions, in continuing the comprehensive development journey and keeping pace with rapid global transformations to solidify the nation’s position among leading countries across various sectors.
Sheikh Mohammed further highlighted, in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairwoman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Foundation, that Dubai’s development trajectory continues confidently and steadfastly, built on a clear vision and an ambition that knows no bounds, through a partnership model between the public and private sectors, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a premier global hub in various economic and social sectors. He remarked, “Dubai has succeeded in the past decades in establishing a unique development model grounded in innovation, openness, and high competitiveness, making it a preferred destination for investment and business, as well as a haven for talents and skills from around the world. These achievements are the result of joint efforts and integration between governmental institutions and the business sector, stemming from a constructive partnership between the public and private domains. The next phase necessitates accelerating development, enhancing quality of life, achieving qualitative leaps in economic performance and governmental services, and adopting more flexible and diverse economic models that align with global transformations and the accelerating pace of digital innovation, achieving key objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasized that Dubai’s future vision is centered on a competitive and sustainable economy, driven by innovation and supported by investment in advanced technologies and smart infrastructure, while ensuring a flexible legislative environment that aligns with global economic developments and meets the aspirations of investors and entrepreneurs. He reiterated that “Dubai will continue to enhance its economic and digital environment, open new horizons for investments, and implement quality projects that attract minds and global companies. Excellence and leadership are not achieved by chance, but through diligent work, long-term planning, and a firm belief that nothing is impossible when it comes to ambition.”
He engaged in friendly discussions with attendees, reflecting on the sustainable development journey of the nation and the significant progress the UAE has made across various economic avenues, driven by leadership’s commitment to fostering an encouraging environment for the private sector, enabling it to play an active role in accelerating development.
The attendees expressed their deep appreciation for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s commitment to direct communication, affirming that this inspiring leadership approach reflects his vision to enhance a culture of participation and the role of different community components in supporting development and creating an environment that nurtures innovation and sustainable growth.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed listened to a lecture delivered by Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development, about the “Year of Community” initiative introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Her Excellency highlighted key initiatives and strategies launched by the ministry related to the “Year of Community,” emphasizing that this year serves as a pivotal opportunity to strengthen community cohesion and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to actively participate in the development process. It has become a comprehensive federal movement implemented by ministries and federal institutions in alignment with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s vision of transforming the initiative into a national direction.
Her Excellency noted that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of Dubai’s Executive Council, serves as a true role model in embodying the values of the “Year of Community” through integrating community segments within a comprehensive developmental vision. This is reflected in tangible projects and initiatives such as “Dubai’s Cultural Hub,” “Community Development Fund,” and “Smart Building Policy.”
She pointed out the ministry’s efforts to transform beneficiaries into employees and productive contributors to society, having successfully employed over 3,800 individuals through partnerships with “Nafis” and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, which has improved their quality of life and that of their families. Regarding empowering public benefit organizations within the country, she mentioned the establishment of a legislative environment and financing system to support sustainability and innovation, with 842 organizations currently serving the community, supported by 160,000 members and employees. Moreover, she mentioned the existence of 70 places of worship for non-Muslims, where they can practice their rituals respectfully and peacefully, symbolizing tolerance and unity.
Her Excellency emphasized the launch of an integrated set of national programs aimed at involving youth, senior citizens, and people of determination in quality projects that serve the community and contribute to building a comprehensive societal framework. She also discussed innovative initiatives launched in collaboration with local and federal entities and the private sector to enhance community sustainability and improve individual well-being.
She highlighted the significance of collaboration among community members and institutions, stating that the “Year of Community” embodies the leadership’s commitment to placing people at the center of development by building bridges of understanding and solidarity and supporting community initiatives that enhance family ties, national identity, and social cohesion.
To conclude her lecture, she affirmed that empowering the community is not a temporary goal but a sustainable approach adopted by the state as part of its strategic vision. The ministry remains committed to supporting and empowering all community segments through clear work plans and effective partnerships to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid met with the winners of the Arab Reading Challenge in the UAE, Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Reem Adel Ahmed Al Zarooni, congratulating them on their achievements in this significant cultural challenge. He affirmed that reading is fundamental to building conscious minds, and the youth of the UAE excel not only in innovation and science but also in intellectual pursuits. He pointed out that such exemplary models serve as inspiration for a new generation that believes knowledge is the path to leadership, and that investing in reading is an investment in the nation’s future.