Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday said the UAE and Dubai “draw upon a distinctive vision and clear roadmap for development” during his weekly meeting at Za’abeel Palace.
The national focus is set on social, economic and investment priorities and the UAE has “read the future well” by tracking global changes and seizing opportunities, he added. Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to business growth, both for local entrepreneurs and international investors, state news agency Wam reported.
“We have nurtured a business environment characterised by openness, flexibility, and transparency, supported by regulatory frameworks that undergo continuous evaluation and review," he said. "Dubai is a forward-thinking global economic partner and a vibrant hub for future creative sectors."
"We recognise the critical role of the business community in achieving our developmental goals and are committed to providing optimal conditions and resources to foster the growth of our partners’ enterprises,” he added.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed also received the book Seventy Years with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid: A Biography as a gift from Sheikh Hilal bin Dhiyab and his brothers, Sheikh Sultan and Sheikh Khalifa.
Emirati astronaut Mohammed Al Mulla gave a lecture titled ‘From the Desert to Space’ to Sheikh Mohammed, who also met Sir Mark Tucker, group chairman of HSBC Holdings, alongside other dignitaries, businessmen and investors.
It follows a historic week for the country, in which President Sheikh Mohamed has been on an official US visit where he has held talks with US President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and other senior figures.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
More coverage from the Future Forum
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
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Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
FIXTURES
Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)
HIV on the rise in the region
A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.
New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.
Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.
Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average.
Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Company Profile
Company name: NutriCal
Started: 2019
Founder: Soniya Ashar
Based: Dubai
Industry: Food Technology
Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount
Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia
Total Clients: Over 50
