Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's opening speech at the World Government Summit demonstrated the strong faith the leadership of this country has in its people. As The National reported yesterday, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai said that the most important of the UAE's developments were reflected in its people. He expressed particular pride in the young people who contribute actively to the advancement of the country.
Just 45 years since the union of the seven emirates, the country has come a long way, and that progress has been driven by substantial investment in education. As Sheikh Mohammed pointed out, the UAE had only 40 university graduates when it was established, but it now has 77 universities. This is a translation of the vision of our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, who saw people as the only true resource. He said: “The real asset of any advanced nation is its people, especially the educated ones, and the prosperity and success of the people are measured by the standard of their education.”
Even though the education system will always be a work in progress, and there are many areas that need improvement, the country is heading in the right direction. Our education authorities are constantly looking at ways to raise overall standards and strengthening school curriculums by adding new areas of study. The latest example is the Sanaa classes that will be introduced in all public and private schools next year to ensure that pupils better understand the nation's history and heritage. Importantly, these classes will also be attended by expatriate students, ensuring that they understand how they fit into the rich mosaic that is the UAE.
While education is the foundation for development, there are many other areas in which this country has been making steady progress, both socially and economically. Women’s participation in government, as Sheikh Mohammed also pointed out, is more effective than ever, with one-third of Cabinet members female. There is a goal for that to rise over time to 50 per cent. The economy is more diversified than ever, as the non-oil sector continues to grow in size and contribution to the GDP.
As discussions about the future of the Arab world take place, the UAE’s success provides inspiration. While the country, as Sheikh Mohammed said, is not perfect, it’s doing its best to fight corruption and learn from its mistakes and the mistakes of others. This attitude is essential to ensure sustainable development.
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If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
SPECS
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now
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Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
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