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2014-02-01
Hamad Al Sharqi hails Khalifa’s role in broadening political process
By: Staff Major Yousef Juma Al Haddad
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, has applauded His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE, for his extensive contribution to broadening political participation for UAE citizens and creating awareness for new generations of implementing democracy’s best international practices.
In a wide-ranging interview with Nation Shield, he stressed that UAE citizens can be justifiably proud of their country – that daily achieves record numbers in growth, prosperity, and luxurious living. And this rapid progress and these benchmarks stretch beyond the Arab world, also encompassing fully-developed countries.
The UAE, led by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, State President and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, is witnessing a major development on the way to political empowerment and deepening of democratic practice. How does Your Highness see this political progress in terms of the lives and future of the people and the nation?
The UAE is undoubtedly a pioneer in the deepening of the meaning of political consultation since its foundation under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, especially through the Federal National Council (FNC). The role now performed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President, in the footsteps of his founding father, is fundamental to further developing the concept of political participation by UAE citizens.
It develops new generations’ awareness of the role of His Highness in the implementation of the highest international practices in democracy, especially with the issuance of the Supreme Council’s Decree No 4 of 2006 to elect half the members of the Council. And it should be noted women were prominent in entering the council and in taking an active part in proceedings.
The general strategy of the state aims to achieve sustainable and balanced development that provides prosperity for citizens and enhancement of the UAE’s position regionally and internationally. What are Your Highness’s views in this regard and what are your expectations?
UAE citizens can take great pride in their nation that achieves record numbers in growth, prosperity, and luxurious living, not only at the level of the Arab world, but among fully-developed countries. They can be very proud.
The UAE has attained the first rating in government efficiency, second position in competitiveness, fourth in economic performance and human development, and first in community coherence, values, and conduct. This is in addition to high employment and business practice ratings. The UAE occupied the first rating in the Arab world and the 14th globally for levels of satisfaction and happiness, according to a UN survey. There is also what I call the ‘creative diversity’ or the ‘beautiful mosaic’ that embraces about 200 nationalities in the UAE. We – nationals and expatriates – should all try to maximize and maintain the gains and progress that have been made.
The Government of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has achieved numerous benefits for the homeland and its citizens at many levels. What is on the horizon, in your opinion?
I eagerly follow up the persistent efforts of my brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at Government level in housing, nationalization, development, education, and support for our youth. I would also applaud His Highness’s constant keenness to develop the Emirate of Dubai, which has become a world-class city, plus his personal follow-up of the latest state-of-the-art technology. We also cannot forget his outstanding role as a sportsman in endurance and horse-riding and racing, which has inspired UAE citizens. Another point I must emphasize when we are speaking on this subject are the extraordinary efforts by Dubai which resulted in the victorious bid to host the prestigious Expo 2020.
Does Your Highness feel satisfied with higher education output and standards in the UAE, and what are your thoughts generally on the nation?
Reality is the practical answer to your question. Most of those who direct the country, including the ministers and officials, are graduates of the UAE universities and have achieved much in both scientific and administrative fields. Higher education in our country is characterized by its high quality and has benefited from world educational and academic expertise. Many universities, including the UAE University, Colleges of Higher Technology, and other universities that are twinned with famous world universities, have consolidated their presence and maintained their extremely high standards and levels of success.
Since its inception, the UAE has always taken steps to empower women and create opportunities for them. Indeed, they represent half of our society. UAE women have achieved so many in all fields. What is your assessment of the position of Emirati women in political engagement in the FNC? In addition, what is your vision for the female role in the future in all areas and sectors?
The talk about the role of UAE women is something for the past because they are now mostly involved in the same positions as men. They practice administration and field work, plan and implement, study and teach, and even serve in the military and police force. I support giving a greater role to UAE women in formulating the present and future of the country side by side with their male counterparts.
The UAE as a nation and its people are accustomed to providing humanitarian aid for the needy all over the world. In fact, it is one of the main main pillars of UAE foreign policy. What are the thoughts of Your Highness on this important subject?
The culture of charity emanates, first of all, from our great religion and natural Arabian customs. Charity is part of our social way of life. The practical aspect of this social activity is managed through charity organizations and official frameworks. Examples include the construction of roads, bridges, and schools in Pakistan and the Al-Zaatari Camp for Syrian fugitives. These are in addition to emergency responses in case of natural catastrophes. The UAE will always be to the fore.
Fujairah boasts numerous economic achievements and accolades, especially following the operation of the Habshan Oil Pipeline that has attracted so many projects and companies to the Emirate. How does such development reflect and impact life in Fujairah?
Visitors to Fujairah can see the difference between one month and another, not one year and another. The Emirate is a hive of ceaseless activity in all sectors. The infrastructure is being rebuilt to accommodate all the economic changes that have taken place. Culture, plus the role of the media, is going to be enhanced to keep up with these changes. New hotels and shopping malls are being built, and international conferences and world-class sports events are being organized. Consequently, all these economic changes impact the daily life in the most positive way. They help to provide new jobs and bring fresh expertise to various sectors. Fujairah, with a population of 180,000, is trying to focus on quality more than quantitative expansion and on attracting important investments.
As for Habshan pipeline, Fujairah now is the second largest oil storage seaport in the world after Singapore – and we aspire to be the first.
Could Your Highness tell us about some of the features of the comprehensive plan for Fujairah Emirate 2040, and the strategies and methods of implementation now being laid?
This plan, which is being pursued through His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, concentrates on keeping up with urban development, boosting the emirate’s economic growth, and directing long-term investment towards construction of roads and development of urban utilities. It also involves allocating more areas of land for utility, development, and urban projects for citizens, and the development of parks for residential districts, resorts, and springs.
What is Your Highness’s view on Fujairah as an ideal tourist destination and what are the most prominent tourism projects and attractions planned for the Emirate in the near future?
Fujairah is endowed with unique diversity. It is located on the beautiful shores of the Arabian Gulf and has an incredible, imposing range of mountains. Between the sea and mountains there are orchards and rich oases, then comes the special beauty of the desert, as well as the valleys, wildlife reserves, and springs. The Emirate is rich in geography and history, boasting many fortresses and ancient sites that date back thousands of years. There are also a number of hotels on Al Aqah beach and Diba, in addition to projects that will add about 1,000 hotel bedrooms along with large shopping centers. There is also Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which will be an architectural masterpiece when completed. A historical center will be built at Fujairah Fortress so it will become a pivotal site and tourist destination, along with its surrounding area.
What about the cultural and media happenings in Fujairah, and particularly the role of the media in keeping up with the vast developments there?
There is, of course, available media, such as the TV and radio stations, and a comprehensive news website. His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah Culture and Media Authority, is handling the cultural and media blueprint. International agreements for co-operation have been concluded in this sphere and media companies are being attracted from outside the Emirate to benefit from all the aspects of investment provided for them in their respective fields. There are also major cultural and media forums, festivals, and awards in the areas of literature, arts, and documentaries.
Finally, we know of Your Highness’s encouragement of sporting activities and events. What is the current state of play and what is occurring with clubs so they can contribute to youth development?
Sports play a major role in everyday life in the Emirate. This is through sporting events and the continuous role of the clubs. In addition, many tournaments are being organized in a wide variety of areas, the most recent being The Football Youth Mondial which was at a global level. There are many tournaments for individual sports. We are keen on supporting sports at all levels and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Al Sharqi is handling this in a highly efficient manner.
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