In a speech broadcast on television and radio across the UAE on Wednesday, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed outlined his vision for the country. It was the first such televised address since he was elected President in May, following the death of Sheikh Khalifa. Sheikh Mohamed stressed the importance of the foundations that Sheikh Khalifa, and the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed, had laid for the UAE’s bright future.
At the centre of Sheikh Mohamed’s vision, he made clear, is the UAE’s people.
“We are fortunate to have a nation of such people who, before and after the union, and even through difficult times, have proven their spirit and determination to overcome the toughest challenges,” he said. “Equally, we deeply appreciate the valued role of our residents who consider this country their second home, and their continued contributions in building and developing the UAE since its union.”
Since the UAE was founded in 1971, its population has grown at an impressive rate, in tandem with its economy. Today, the country numbers nearly 10 million people, who enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the region and, indeed, the world.
Achieving this level of development at such pace is impossible without the state’s earnest investment in the potential of its people. In the UAE, it has done so by expanding education and employment opportunities to all of its citizens, developing knowledge in science and technology, attracting residents with diverse and unique skill sets from a global pool of talent, and pursuing an aggressive economic diversification strategy that has set the stage for a strong post-oil future.
Achieving this level of development at such pace is impossible without earnest investment in the potential of the UAE's people
“Striving to empower [the people of the UAE],” Sheikh Mohamed said, “has always been and continues to be our nation’s top priority. Ensuring our people have everything they need to live fulfilled, comfortable and happy lives remains the basis of all our future plans.”
Sheikh Mohamed also noted the role of the private sector, which he described as “pivotal” to the growth of a robust and diverse economy.
Equally important, however, is Sheikh Mohamed’s emphasis on building a tolerant and open society that the UAE can be proud of on the world stage. It is a mission he inherited from Sheikh Khalifa, who in turn inherited it from Sheikh Zayed. Thus far, it has been an enormous success, with the UAE becoming a society that draws on Islamic values of tolerance and compassion to create a country in which people from all kinds of backgrounds can thrive.
Editorials from The National
Turning that model into an example for others is also a priority. In his speech, Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s desire to “champion peace and stability in our region and the wider world, supporting others and advocating for wisdom and co-operation for the good of mankind”. He described Sheikh Zayed’s approach of strengthening the UAE’s “role among the world’s leading countries by providing humanitarian aid, and by continuing to extend a helping hand to communities in need around the world, irrespective of religion or race”.
Most clear in Sheikh Mohamed’s address was his confidence in the UAE’s ability to build on its achievements, and to achieve so much more in the future, not just because its ambitions are drawn from modern ideals, but most of all because they are firmly rooted in the country’s long-standing traditions.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
6.30pm Meydan Classic Trial US$100,000 (Turf) 1,400m
Winner Bella Fever, Dane O’Neill (jockey), Mike de Kock (trainer).
7.05pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Woven, Harry Bentley, David Simcock.
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner Fore Left, William Buick, Doug O’Neill.
8.15pm Dubai Sprint Listed Handicap $175,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Rusumaat, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.
8.50pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group Two $450,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Benbatl, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner Art Du Val, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
10pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Beyond Reason, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
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Premier League results
Saturday
Crystal Palace 1 Brighton & Hove Albion 2
Cardiff City 2 West Ham United 0
Huddersfield Town 0 Bournemouth 2
Leicester City 3 Fulham 1
Newcastle United 3 Everton 2
Southampton 2 Tottenham Hotspur 1
Manchester City 3 Watford 1
Sunday
Liverpool 4 Burnley 2
Chelsea 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1
Arsenal 2 Manchester United 0
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The UAE's journey to space
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
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The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
F1 2020 calendar
March 15 - Australia, Melbourne; March 22 - Bahrain, Sakhir; April 5 - Vietnam, Hanoi; April 19 - China, Shanghai; May 3 - Netherlands, Zandvoort; May 20 - Spain, Barcelona; May 24 - Monaco, Monaco; June 7 - Azerbaijan, Baku; June 14 - Canada, Montreal; June 28 - France, Le Castellet; July 5 - Austria, Spielberg; July 19 - Great Britain, Silverstone; August 2 - Hungary, Budapest; August 30 - Belgium, Spa; September 6 - Italy, Monza; September 20 - Singapore, Singapore; September 27 - Russia, Sochi; October 11 - Japan, Suzuka; October 25 - United States, Austin; November 1 - Mexico City, Mexico City; November 15 - Brazil, Sao Paulo; November 29 - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
