Fulfilling Dubai’s potential will require new ways of thinking, Sheikh Mohammed says

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, emphasised that the next stage of development for the UAE requires new blood and diversified ideas.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, chairs a brainstorming session with his team and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. Wam

DUBAI // A novel way of thinking and new blood are needed to realise Dubai’s potential, said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on Tuesday.

The Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai stressed that the next stage of development required fresh and innovative perspectives and diverse ideas to drive growth.

“The challenges have increased, the ambitions have widened and expectations have increased,” he said at a brainstorming session at his office in Emirates Towers.

“We always appreciate the work of those who have worked, are working and plan on continue working for the country.

“We remain in a continuous quest to enhance the lives of our citizens and the level of services provided to them.”

Sheikh Mohammed's remarks came a day after he ordered nine senior officials at Dubai Municipality to retire. He issued the decree following his spot checks of government departments on Sunday morning. Videos of the visit posted online showed officials were absent from their desks.

At the meeting on Tuesday – attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai – members of Sheikh Mohammed’s cabinet pitched ideas, initiatives and projects.

Sheikh Mohammed said open dialogue and collective thinking generated better ideas that were more likely to succeed.

“A government job is a full life in the service of the people,” he said. “The UAE was founded by a group of men who devoted themselves and their lives to their country. That’s because they saw Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid offer their days, nights, time and souls for the United Arab Emirates.”

Sheikh Mohammed told his cabinet that recognition would require time and effort.

“We want your continuous energetic activity, renewable ideas, continuous learning and strong determination,” he said.

“That’s because peaks require mettle and those who want to achieve the first places will have to devote precious time for the endeavour.

“There are thousands of work teams in the country, who work day and night in order to raise the name of the UAE and protect its assets and achieve prosperity for it and its children.

“We are part of one team unified by a single vision and a ­noble goal, to serve the people of the UAE.”

Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed the progress of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Future, which includes the General Secretariat of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Public Diplomacy Office.

Projects of the Executive Council, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and Dubai Future Foundation were also reviewed.

Sheikh Mohammed said all future projects in the UAE should carry the highest specifications and standards in keeping with the country’s international reputation, while promoting the well-being of Emiratis.

Separately, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on Tuesday met to mark Emirati Women's Day. He said the UAE's development strategy was based on investment in people, calling it "real wealth" that would secure the nation's future.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed pride in the achievements of Emirati women. “Through you and the children of this nation, with determination, will and education, the UAE will continue to achieve its goals, make progress, and accomplish excellence in all fields,” he said.