The UAE, particularly Dubai, caught the attention of the whole world in recent years. In three decades, Dubai has transformed from an oil-dependent emirate into a major development hub, a driver of regional economies, and a model of perseverance in achieving success regardless of the circumstances. In 2004, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid addressed the Arab Strategy Forum, revealing that oil revenues constituted only a small percentage of the GDP of Dubai -- not exceeding seven percent. He indicated that the UAE had been preparing early on to diversify its sources of income.
This vision is not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather the foundation of a long-term plan. Difficult circumstances or escalating crises do not prevent strong nations from adapting and moving forward. It is natural for people to become more cautious during wars. Many people leave for their home countries if they are not engaged in work. This does not mean the country is paralyzed. Negative Western propaganda misrepresented the situation, claiming that the Dubai model has ended. This claim is not based on reality, but on a pathetic and failed attempt to tarnish the image of Arabs in general, and the Gulf citizens in particular.
The scale of the announced projects in Dubai and the UAE, and indeed throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, confirms that these countries are capable of overcoming crises through resilience, and even transforming them into opportunities. I remember an occasion when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was the Crown Prince of Dubai -- the meeting of foreign and defense ministers held in Kuwait. While Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was deep in thought, HH the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad asked him what he was thinking about. He replied, “I am thinking about how to transform Dubai into a global tourism and financial hub.” Sheikh Sabah then wondered if the regional climate would help realize this dream. Today, Dubai is an exceptional global tourism and development destination, attracting capital from all corners of the Earth. Dubai triumphed over the crises it faced and emerged stronger than before.
When you hear the music of peace, start investing.” Based on this principle, Dubai and the UAE in general never cease to build and construct skyscrapers, even under the most challenging circumstances. The UAE invests heavily in its people. Today, Emirati human capital is working hard to build knowledge alongside infrastructure development. These achievements foiled all the attempts of the Western media to distort the image of Dubai as a Gulf model. Fifty years ago, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may Allah have mercy on him, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum believed that infrastructure and knowledge development lay the foundations for a nation that is capable of evolving under any circumstances.