Sheikh Mohammed meets prominent citizens, business leaders, investors, officials
Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE continues to advance its exceptional development paradigm characterised by investment in its people, a strong sense of community, an openness to the world, and a readiness to embrace innovation and creativity.
Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of uniting the efforts of all segments of society, including public and private institutions, to continue advancing the comprehensive development model, keeping pace with the rapid changes transforming the global landscape and solidifying the UAE's status among the world's leading nations in diverse sectors.
Sheikh Mohammed, in the presence of Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, said that Dubai's development journey is informed by clarity of vision and limitless ambition.
The emirate's path to progress is also sparked by an enduring partnership between the public and private sectors that reinforces its position as a leading global hub across various economic and social sectors.
Sheikh Mohammed with dignitaries at the event.
His Highness said, 'Dubai has, over the decades, succeeded in evolving a distinctive development model based on innovation, openness, and competitiveness, making it a preferred global destination for investment, business, and talent. The synergy between government institutions and the business sector, and the highly productive public-private partnership model is also worthy of credit.
Sheikh Mohammed greets a dignitary. WAM
The next phase of this journey calls for accelerating development, further enhancing quality of life, making significant strides in economic performance and government services, and adopting more resilient and diversified economic models aligned with global shifts and the rapid pace of digital innovation. These efforts will also help us achieve the key goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.'
Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed that Dubai's futuristic vision is built upon a competitive and sustainable economy driven by innovation and supported by investment in advanced technology and smart infrastructure. He emphasised the importance of creating a flexible legislative environment that keeps pace with global economic shifts and meets the aspirations of investors and entrepreneurs.
A young attendee shakes hands with Sheikh Mohammed. WAM
'Dubai will continue to transform its economic and digital landscape, opening new horizons for investors, and implementing high-impact projects that attract the best global talent and companies. Excellence and leadership are not achieved by chance, but through hard work, long-term planning, and the firm belief that nothing is impossible when backed up by an unwavering ambition,' His Highness stated.
Sheikh Mohammed interacted with attendees, discussing the UAE's sustainable development journey and the remarkable progress it is making across various economic spheres, driven by the leadership's commitment to provide a supportive environment for the private sector and empowering it to play an active role in accelerating development.
Sheikh Mohammed with the guests during a meeting at the Union House in Dubai.
The attendees, in turn, expressed deep appreciation for Sheikh Mohammed's accent on fostering direct engagement with various sections of the community, noting that his inspiring leadership approach reflects his vision to promote a culture of collective participation and enhance the role of all segments of society in advancing development and creating an environment conducive to innovation and sustainable growth.
On the sidelines of the gathering, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the attendees listened to a talk delivered by Shamma Bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development, about the 'Year of the Community' initiative launched by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Mohammed welcomes a dignitary. WAM
Al Mazrui outlined the ministry's key initiatives and strategies under the initiative, emphasising that it represents a remarkable opportunity to strengthen social cohesion and empower individuals from all segments of society to actively participate in the development journey. She highlighted how the initiative has become a comprehensive federal movement being implemented by various ministries and federal institutions in alignment with the President's vision of transforming the initiative into a national mission.
Al Mazrui emphasised that Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, serves as a genuine role model embodying the values of the 'Year of the Community.' She noted that this is clearly reflected in novel projects and initiatives such as 'Hewi Dubai,' the 'Community Development Fund,' and the 'Smart Buildings Policy.'
Sheikh Mohammed welcomes a dignitary. WAM
Al Mazrui highlighted the Ministry's efforts in bringing about a profound transformation through such initiatives. She noted that, through partnerships with Nafis and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, more than 3,800 beneficiaries have gained employment, significantly improving their quality of life and that of their families.
Regarding the strengthening of public welfare systems in the UAE, Al Mazrui stated that the necessary legislative environment and a financial frameworks have been established to support sustainability and innovation. Today, there are 842 public welfare organisations serving the community, with the involvement of 160,000 members and employees.
She noted that the UAE currently offers 70 places of worship for non-Muslims, enabling them to practice their customs and rites in an environment characterised by mutual respect and harmony, attesting to the country's abiding values of tolerance and oneness.
Al Mazrui added that the Ministry has launched an integrated package of programmes aimed at engaging national cadres, senior citizens, and people of determination to take part in impactful projects that serve the community and contribute to building a cohesive society.
Additionally, she highlighted a number of innovative initiatives launched in collaboration with local and federal entities as well as the private sector, all focused on promoting community sustainability and enhancing individual well-being.
Al Mazrui reiterated the importance of collective efforts amongst individuals and institutions, noting that the 'Year of the Community' reflects the leadership's vision of placing people at the heart of all development initiatives, by building bridges of understanding and solidarity, and supporting community initiatives that strengthen family bonds, national identity, and social cohesion.
Concluding the talk, she emphasised that empowering the community is not a temporary goal, but rather a sustainable approach adopted by the UAE as part of its strategic vision. The Ministry, she said, will continue to support and empower all segments of society through clear action plans and effective partnerships to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
On the sidelines of the gathering, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also welcomed Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Reem Adel Ahmed Al Zarouni, the winners of the Arab Reading Challenge in the UAE.
His Highness congratulated the winners for their outstanding achievement, emphasising that reading provides the perfect foundation for shaping great minds and that the sons and daughters of the UAE continue to excel in enriching new areas of thought and knowledge, just as they do in innovation and science.
His Highness noted that the winners would serve as great role models for a new generation that is driven by the profound understanding that knowledge opens the path to leadership, and that promoting a love of reading is an investment in the nation's future.
At the conclusion of the event, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed joined the attendees for commemorative photos.
WAM
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
5 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE, Jordan lead airdrop operation of humanitarian aid in Gaza alongside France, Germany, Italy and Spain
1 Aug 2025 23:31 ABU DHABI (WAM) His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, conducted a phone call with Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The two sides discussed the latest developments of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and ways to enhance joint coordination in relief the phone call, His Highness commended the ongoing humanitarian endeavours undertaken by Jordan to support the Palestinian people in Gaza, praising the close bilateral cooperation between the two countries in this vital Highness affirmed that under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, the UAE continues to lead global initiatives to provide urgent humanitarian support through comprehensive efforts via land, air, and sea to the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, who are experiencing extremely challenging humanitarian Highness emphasised that the 59th airdrop operation of humanitarian aid was implemented on Friday, led by the UAE and Jordan, alongside seven aircraft from France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. These efforts are part of the 'Operation Chivalrous Knight 3', which aims to deliver food and relief supplies to the most affected areas in the Highness highlighted that this operation represents an efficient model for international cooperation in providing a humanitarian response, reflecting a steadfast commitment to the principle of solidarity with impacted nations. His Highness reaffirmed that the UAE remains one of the leading countries supporting the brotherly Palestinian people, whether through direct relief efforts or continuous political and diplomatic action. Furthermore, His Highness highlighted the UAE's commitment to this unwavering humanitarian approach, in cooperation with its regional and international partners, to support civilians in Gaza and alleviate their suffering. These efforts reflect the steadfast principles adopted by the UAE to provide humanitarian support and urgent relief to nations during times of crisis, particularly the brotherly Palestinian people.
Gulf Today
6 hours ago
- Gulf Today
ADFD attends opening of Jordan Digital Health Centre
In the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), represented by Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General, participated in the official inauguration of the Jordan Digital Health Centre, a pioneering virtual hospital initiative. This initiative is part of the UAE's broader grant, managed by ADFD, to enhance development projects aligned with Jordan's Economic Modernisation Vision 2023-2025, with a total funding of Dhs1.5 billion. These projects further contribute to Jordan's National Council for Future Technology agenda and reinforce the UAE's ongoing commitment to driving strategic development partnerships in the region. The Jordan Digital Health Centre aims to connect healthcare centres and create an integrated electronic medical records management system through a unified digital platform, to enhance Jordan's healthcare sector in delivering remote care services aligned with international standards. Executed through the support of UAE-based company 'Presight,' a leader in advanced technology and AI-driven digital solutions, in collaboration with Jordan's Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, this centre marks a strategic milestone in enhancing Jordan's digital health infrastructure. During the ceremony, Prince Al Hussein extended his appreciation to the UAE's leadership, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. He emphasised that this initiative underscores the enduring strategic ties between the two nations and their commitment to advancing sustainable development and economic integration across key sectors. He also praised ADFD's key role in supporting transformative development initiatives, as the Jordan Digital Health Centre serves as a model of cross-border institutional collaboration. WAM
The National
6 hours ago
- The National
The Khor Abdullah waterway: Navigation deal or border surrender?
A 2012 agreement between Iraq and Kuwait regulating navigation in the shared Khor Abdullah waterway has triggered intense debate inside Iraq ever since, with critics warning it blurs maritime boundaries and threatens national sovereignty. Some opponents are calling to annul the deal, while others support renegotiation to safeguard Iraq's rights. Meanwhile, Kuwait maintains that its maritime boundary with Iraq, including navigation rights in Khor Abdullah, is firmly grounded in international law. Kuwaiti officials have repeatedly stressed that any attempt to revoke this agreement unilaterally is invalid and unacceptable. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged formal protests and called on Iraq to honour its commitments under binding international treaties, reaffirming Kuwait's sovereignty over its territorial waters and its right to shared navigation in Khor Abdullah. The issue of land and maritime borders between Iraq and Kuwait is highly sensitive among Iraqis with many viewing the border demarcation unfairly imposed by the US Security Council after driving Saddam Hussein 's army out of its neighbour in 1991 and say the country's weakened state at the time was exploited. It is equally sensitive from the Kuwaiti point of view due to the 1990 invasion, with concerns about Iraqi over-reach. The controversy has pitted Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani against the public, with critics accusing him of compromising the country's rights to Kuwait to secure regional support as he eyes a second term in office in November's national election. Some have gone as far as accusing Iraqi officials involved in the border negotiations of receiving bribes from Kuwait, without providing substantial evidence. Both Iraq and Kuwait claim exclusive ownership of the narrow canal, which curves around Kuwait's Bubiyan and Warba islands on one side and Iraq's Al Faw Peninsula on the other. Iraqis say it is named after a famous Basra fisherman, Abdullah Al Timimi, while Kuwaitis say its name derives from the second ruler of Kuwait, Abdullah bin Sabah, who ruled from 1762 to 1814. In early 2022, Iraq closed off the chapter of Kuwait compensation, paying its final war reparations, settling the $52.4 billion of claims made for damage inflicted during the 1990 invasion. What is the agreement and its purpose? Three years after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 833, which determined the land border between the two. However, the delineation of the maritime border was left to the countries themselves. In 2012, Baghdad and Kuwait signed the agreement and it was ratified in 2013 by the parliament in Baghdad. It aimed to regulate maritime traffic, environmental protection and safety within the estuary that forms Iraq's only gateway to the Arabian Gulf. The deal gives each country the right to control navigation and safety enforcement. It stipulates that the agreement 'shall remain in effect indefinitely' but can be mutually terminated with six months' notice. This also applies to amending it. Critics' arguments Critics – mainly legislators, independent politician and experts – argue that the terms of the accord implicitly draw a boundary, warning it could prejudice future maritime border negotiations and impose access controls on Iraqi ships, requiring Kuwaiti approval and fees. Amir Abdul Jabar, who served as transport minister from 2008 to 2010 and is one of the strongest opponents of the agreement, argues it is meant to delineate a maritime border rather than regulate navigation. Although the accord states that the agreement 'shall have no effect upon the boundary' between Iraq and Kuwait as demarcated pursuant to the UN Security Council Resolution 833 in 1993 at the creek, it gives Kuwait more control beyond that deep in the Gulf, Mr Abdul Jabar said. Article 2 of the agreement explains the term 'waterway' as the area from the point where the maritime channel at Khor Abdullah meets the international boundary between the points 156 and 157 heading south to the point 162 set by the Resolution 833 'thence to the beginning of the maritime channel at the entrance to Khor Abdullah'. 'So, the definition of the waterway in the agreement didn't stop at the 162 point – the one set by the UN Security General resolution,' Mr Abdul Jabar said. Article 4 stipulates that 'each party shall exercise its sovereignty over that part of the waterway which lies within its territorial water'. The essence of the objection, Mr Abdul Jabar said, is that it must not be applied on the area beyond the point 162 as Article 2 stipulates. 'How is it possible to divide the area beyond the point 162?' Mr Abdul Jabar said. 'We are not objecting to the [833] resolution even though it's unfair, but the government and parliament of 2012-2013 brought a new disaster [in signing this deal],' he added, warning that Iraq could lose future maritime entitlement to deeper Gulf waters and its natural resources known as the Exclusive Economic Zone. Mr Abdul Jabar had filed a lawsuit against Mr Al Sudani for 'blocking the court's ruling', by refusing to have copies of it deposited to the UN and the International Maritime Organisation. Ruling and controversy In September 2023, Iraq's Federal Supreme Court invalidated the law ratifying the agreement, ruling that it violated the Iraqi Constitution by lacking the required two thirds parliamentary majority for international treaties. Parliament had passed it by simple majority only. Shortly after the ruling, the GCC and US issued a joint statement in which they called on the Iraqi government to 'ensure that the agreement remains in force'. The Iraqi government has assured Kuwait that Iraq is committed to all its international agreements. Afterwards, Mr Al Sudani and President Abdul Latif Rashid have independently sought to reverse the ruling. These requests were withdrawn early this month and the agreement was sent back to parliament to approve in a two-thirds majority. It was a sigh of relief for the opponents. Many of them are now asking to annul the agreement by rejecting it inside parliament, while others are seeking to renegotiate it with an Iraqi team including experts, not only politicians. Protests across Iraq have continued, to reject the agreement in its current form. A public campaign is also set to be launched to collect signatures for a petition for the UN Security Council. Fadi Al Shammari, a political adviser to Mr Al Sudani, confirmed the Khor Abdullah agreement aims to regulate navigation and has nothing to do with border demarcation. 'Iraqi land is sacred, and there will be no leniency or compromise over any inch of it under any pretext,' Mr Al Shammari said, claiming that campaigns opposing the agreement are 'driven by political and electoral agendas'. Iraqis are divided about the agreement, although many of the Iran-backed political parties and armed groups are echoing the government stance. In an interview with a local satellite channel in May, the leader of the Asaib Ahl Al Haq group, Qais Al Khazali, blamed Saddam Hussein's banned Baath party for seeking to discredit the agreement by portraying it as 'giving up Iraq's borders with Kuwait'. 'Saddam was the one who sold it [the border] when he recognised resolution 833", a UN motion which set the land and maritime borders, he said. It is still unclear if the parliament will ratify the agreement or whether it will be left to the next parliament after national elections in November national elections. Kuwait is also in dispute with Iran over their maritime border and Al Durra offshore gasfield in the Arabian Gulf. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia say they have 'exclusive rights' to Al Durra and called on Iran to validate its claim by demarcating its maritime borders. Iran previously claimed a stake in the field and said a Kuwaiti-Saudi agreement signed last year to develop the field was illegal.
