Vice President and Ruler of Dubai calls on youth

40 years of the UAE: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum tells young Emiratis the future of the nation depends on their determination to succeed.

DUBAI // Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, has called on Emirati young people to equip themselves with patience, perseverance and determination.

In a speech given to thousands at Rashid Hall in the Dubai World Trade Centre yesterday, the Ruler of Dubai warned the youth, who represent the highest percentage of the UAE citizens, to guard against despair.

"I would like to tell you, young people, that - despite all the challenges - achievements were made and you are harvesting the fruit of the challenges your fathers and forefathers had to endure and overcome," he said, according to state news agency, WAM.

He added that the leaders rely on the youth and their ability to shoulder responsibility and take the initiative to build their future.

"The age of 40 is the age of maturity. That's why God sent down His revelation on his Prophet Mohammed when he reached 40 years," he said.

Sheikh Mohammed spoke of how had once dreamed the UAE would be able to manufacture its own planes and weapons, like the ones on display at the Dubai Air Show. He then revealed that the Al Ain aerospace plant, Strata Manufacturing, was ready to manufacture spare parts for fighter jets. "Now I tell you that our factory in Al Ain manufactures spare parts for these planes," he said. "This national factory is part of my national dreams."