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A vision for a more prosperous future
By Mohammad Abdullah Al Mutawa, Special to Gulf News
gulfnews.com
People often recall their memories in search of certain events. Most of the time memory tends to be selective, and we recall only happy events. People usually avoid remembering bad things, which cause them pain. Life is a long, but not particularly smooth, journey.
Life is a challenge for those who want to leave an imprint on history, and those who take the challenge become the topic of discussion between supporters and opponents.
Man has always been looking for happiness by trying to find solutions to different crises that face him. Throughout this journey, many schools of thought have come into existence, searching for the truth. And this marked the beginning of intellectual conflict.
Each school tried to convince the largest number of people of its philosophy of life and happiness. All thoughts and humanitarian movements throughout history saw happiness as the top priority.
It was important to adopt a peaceful and scientific method to make people happy. Yet, this was not the dominant method, and human beings were usually the victims. Throughout history, the world has been through many experiences during which the word and the sword were used. History never forgets those who stood by people to realise their dream of peaceful co-existence, freedom and equality.
Important roles
In turn, it will not forget those who suppressed minorities and abused their political, social and economic rights. History books carried the names of many leaders who played major roles in their people's lives.
However, people realise they can live in peace if there is a visionary leadership behind them. In this case, building a modern society in which people are treated equally, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and ideological backgrounds, would be possible. Such visionary leaders leave a mark on history.
Among these leaders is the late Shaikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, a modest man who believed in peace, and built a modern city in the pre-oil era. Since the early 1930s, Shaikh Saeed worked tirelessly to place Dubai on the world's economic map.
Following the death of Shaikh Saeed, Shaikh Rashid took over and continued the march of progress that was started by his late father. He was known for his strong belief that life is a challenge, which requires taking a risk to make dreams come true. He was also known as a pioneer in the areas of economy and trade.
The late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was another historic leader, who believed that leadership is dedication, strong faith and hard work for the benefit of all. He devoted his life to achieving the well-being of the UAE people.
It was the UAE's great fortune to have two such great leaders to drive the country towards greater progress and prosperity. They succeeded in creating a federation between the tribal society and the modern state.
After their deaths, a new generation of political leaders emerged. The young leaders were following in the footsteps of the founders, to continue their development march and lead the country to a more prosperous era.
In his book My Vision: Challenges in the Race for Excellence, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has laid down his vision on the development strategy and great accomplishments achieved in the UAE in general and Dubai in particular. The proof he provides is Dubai, which has emerged as one of the most successful stories of development in the world.
This can be judged from ground realities, based on giant projects and diversification of the economy. Dubai has proved that it is no longer an oil-reliant economy. Dubai has also become a tourism hub that attracts tourists from around the world. Shaikh Mohammad's vision is the dream that has really come true.
Shaikh Mohammad's vision lays down the future of a new society in the 21st century with a culture of harmony and tolerance between the East and the West. Within a decade, Shaikh Mohammad contributed to creating a new Dubai, and introduced new mechanisms of success.
Shaikh Mohammad presented the proper means to build this futurist UAE for the entire world to admire for many decades to come.
Dr Mohammad Abdullah Al Mutawa is a professor of sociology at the UAE University, Al Ain.
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