Ethics can make winners, minister says

In order to combat hatred and terrorism and maintain a nation’s sustainability, UAE's people must stick to their values and ethics, said Sheikh Saif bin Zayed.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, shares a light moment with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Show more

DUBAI // In order to combat hatred and terrorism and maintain a nation’s sustainability, its people must stick to their values and ethics, said Sheikh Saif bin Zayed.

The Minister of Interior said the UAE’s sustainability comes from its religion, culture, heritage, and history, which were re-enforced by the the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed.

“When we talk about sustainability, we mean the sustainability of our nation as whole, and not just one sector,” he said on the second day of the World Government Summit in Madinat Jumeirah.

He praised the countries that prioritise ethics and integrate it into they everyday lives, adding that Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, sent a team to countries such as Japan and Canada which teach ethics as part of their education system.

“We took from them what fit with our religion and history and implemented here,” said Sheikh Saif.

He also said that the common factor between all religions was their call for good ethics.

“Every time that humanity went off the track of being ethical, God sent a prophet to remind them,” said Sheikh Saif. “Being ethical comes before education and money.”

“We are today in a complicated war with hatred, sectarianism, terrorist, and, God willing, by holding on to our ethics, we will be winners.”

Sheikh Saif said that the UAE will go “to all corners of the world” to fight terrorism and will continue to be assist those in need.

He said that like humans, countries would be taken over and killed by viruses and diseases if they do not have immunity.

Addressing UAE National Service, Sheikh Saif said: “The service has entered every Emirati home, and we all saw its positive effect in those homes.

“National Service is more than just wearing a uniform, it’s about discipline and politeness.”

Sheikh Saif praised Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, for searching for sustainability through culture and heritage.

He said that the UAE must depend on its heritage to sustain its nationhood, adding: “With the speed of UAE’s development, we are not riding a fast train, we are riding an aeroplane.”