Dubai’s Ruler: No Excuse For Delays After Expo 2020 Win

Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has urged the nation to continue striving towards greater success and has warned against getting complacent after Dubai’s recent Expo 2020 win.

In his speech to mark the 42nd anniversary of the UAE National Day, the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister said: “As HH Sheikh Khalifa affirmed, our joy in the UAE was doubled by the win as it coincides with the celebrations of the 42nd National Day.

“This success was the culmination of a series of successes and great achievements the UAE has been incessantly making since its establishment 42 years ago to remain in the lead in all fields.

“We have a lot to accomplish and we have no excuse for any delays or poor performance. We have what it takes to achieve as we are blessed with rich resources, capabilities, expertise, positive energy, a thirst for knowledge, dedication and above all, the leadership’s unlimited support,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“Every peak we reach overlooks the next. This is the recipe for success and advancement.”

He also credited the UAE with making the “largest progress ever made” in the fields of global competitiveness, according to reports by the United Nations.

Sheikh Mohammed said, “Our country has made achievements in all domains. Our economy continues to flourish, registering the highest growth rates in the region and counted among the best performing in the world.”

He also commended the government’s 2013-16 budget, which focuses on social benefits to citizens and human development programmes.

“The success of our country was not a product of mere chance, but as a result of the leadership’s vision, planning and keen interest in serving the country and its citizens.”

He added: “As proud as we are, we are not going to be intoxicated by these successes. They are in fact, a warning for us to continue shouldering our responsibilities and a call for us to rally our efforts and to move on with our task of achieving further progress to our country.

“It is time to look to the future with confidence and optimism. We stand on solid ground. Our people are enjoying the fruits of the development process and becoming an essential part of it. Our country is enjoying respect and making a strong presence in international arenas and becoming an icon for determination for success.

“The future knows no waiting, delay or procrastination. Therefore, our only choice in the UAE is to put the future at the hearts of our plans. We should make the future by competing for a place in it.”