Our founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan realised this early on. Photos of him sketching his dreams in the sand are engraved in the memories of many Emiratis. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Our founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan realised this early on. Photos of him sketching his dreams in the sand are engraved in the memories of many Emiratis. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Our founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan realised this early on. Photos of him sketching his dreams in the sand are engraved in the memories of many Emiratis. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Our founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan realised this early on. Photos of him sketching his dreams in the sand are engraved in the memories of many Emiratis. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presi

Let the UAE be the role model of business owners


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On December 1, many in the UAE received a call from the number 1971, a number which coincides with the birth year of the country.

When we answered the call, it was a pre-recorded message from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

People took screenshots of the call and posted happy messages on their social media channels. It was a wonderful, and a thoughtful surprise to receive a congratulatory message from Sheikh Mohammed on the UAE’s 47th National Day.

On the same day, it was also announced that the UAE’s passport ranked first on the Global Passport Index, making it the most powerful in the world, surpassing countries such as the United States, and the United Kingdom. The goal was achieved three years ahead of its deadline.

If someone told us five years ago about this achievement, we may not have believed how fast we would be able to realise that.

All of this luxury we enjoy today with our travels was made possible because of the hard work of Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and his dedicated team.

Though all seems great, it is certainly not nearly close to the end of achieving the milestones the leaders have in mind. The UAE is working towards other grand goals such as becoming the number one tourist destination in the world by 2025.

When someone asks me,what inspires me in my business, I always refer to the UAE. We live in a country where we are constantly motivated to be our best and to conduct our work in excellence. Nothing is too small, and no goal is unattainable.

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The UAE’s continuous success story provides important lessons that businesses worldwide can benefit from:

Foster a culture of motivation

The UAE's leaders lead by example. They are hard workers, and most importantly acknowledge the achievements, and work for their citizens and residents. Achieving the passport goal in the UAE ahead of its designated deadline was not an easy task. While we were spending last summer with the company of our family and loved ones, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed was spending a lot of his time in the air, away from his family and country, working towards achieving this goal.

When you are running a business, you need to lead by example too. You need to create the culture that would allow your employees to create and make a difference. You cannot isolate yourself from that equation. You are your company. You are your business. What you do, and how you do it, will be reflected across your business. If you want your business to be number one, you need to create a culture where your team aims to be number one, where they are always inspired and motivated to do so.

Always aim for the stars

If the UAE’s story could teach us anything it is that nothing is impossible. Less than 50 years ago, many people in the world didn’t even hear about Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but now they are competing with cities such as London and New York. The UAE passport is number one in the world, and 200 nationalities are choosing to make this country their home.

Our founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan realised this early on. Photos of him sketching his dreams in the sand are engraved in the memories of many Emiratis. He aimed for the stars, saw opportunities when people could not see past what was in front of them, and most importantly he realised his dreams, and that of his people.

Commitment should lead the way

Last but not least, in order to lead a successful business, you need to realise that commitment is the way to go. If you want to achieve that dream it is not going to happen if you put in one hour of work a week. It is not going to happen if you visit the idea from time to time. The only way you will realise your dreams is if you lived and breathed them, if you commit to them 100 per cent, day in, and day out.

Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati journalist and entrepreneur, who manages her marketing and communications firm in Abu Dhabi.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company%20Profile
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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

About Krews

Founder: Ahmed Al Qubaisi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Founded: January 2019

Number of employees: 10

Sector: Technology/Social media 

Funding to date: Estimated $300,000 from Hub71 in-kind support

 

Company%20Profile
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match info

Maratha Arabians 138-2

C Lynn 91*, A Lyth 20, B Laughlin 1-15

Team Abu Dhabi 114-3

L Wright 40*, L Malinga 0-13, M McClenaghan 1-17

Maratha Arabians won by 24 runs

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

If you go

The Flights

Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Johannesburg from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. Economy return tickets cost from Dh2,650, including taxes.

The trip

Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays (worldwidemotorhomingholidays.co.uk) operates fly-drive motorhome holidays in eight destinations, including South Africa. Its 14-day Kruger and the Battlefields itinerary starts from Dh17,500, including campgrounds, excursions, unit hire and flights. Bobo Campers has a range of RVs for hire, including the 4-berth Discoverer 4 from Dh600 per day.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Match info

Manchester United 1
Fred (18')

Wolves 1
Moutinho (53')

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.