Subject: Clinton sees Dubai as a role model for development
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Clinton sees Dubai as a role model for development
posted on 29/11/2005
Former US President Bill Clinton praised Dubai’s achievements and the leadership of General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister.
“Dubai is a role model of what could be achieved despite the other negative developments in the region,” Clinton told delegates at the Leaders in Dubai conference through a live webcast from Sri Lanka.
“Look at Dubai, which has achieved enormous growth in such a short period of time. Less than 6 per cent of Dubai’s income comes from oil. It’s no longer an oil economy. “Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad and fellow leaders like Mohammad Al Gergawi at the Young Arab Leaders (YAL) have done a remarkable job in building Dubai, which to me is a role model for development for others.” Clinton shared one incident on how the emirate merged Western and modern Islamic principles that appealed to him.
“When I went to Dubai for the first time, I was taken to a technology facility where I hooked up to a bank kiosk and found that one can use a conventional banking service, while at the same time opt for an Islamic Sharia compliant service, which I thought was wonderful,” he said. “This is a very good example how cultures and values could be merged and offered to the rest. I was amazed and I have a lot of admiration for Sheikh Mohammad for what he’s doing in Dubai.
He said Dubai’s leaders and members of YAL can share their ideas and lend their expertise to other developing economies and show them the way how to change the lives of the people for the better. “I think much can be done by just telling others about your own achievements,” he said. “They can share their experience and ideas with others and help them develop their economies as Dubai has done.
“YAL can leverage their experience to enlighten others.” “Look at Dubai, which has achieved enormous growth in such a short period of time. Less than 6 per cent of Dubai’s income comes from oil. It’s no longer an oil economy.” (The Gulf News)
