Year of extraordinary achievements

04 Jan 2007

Dubai: Today marks the first anniversary of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum becoming the Ruler of Dubai.

He took over following the death of Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

On January 5, 2006, the Members of the Supreme Council elected Shaikh Mohammad Vice-President of the UAE.

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan nominated Shaikh Mohammad as the Prime Minister and asked him to form the new cabinet. The Council approved the nomination.

In the past year, Shaikh Mohammad has issued several directives and laws with the aim to provide a decent life to every individual living in the UAE.

The past year has seen extraordinary achievements:

On February 9, Shaikh Khalifa approved the Cabinet proposed and headed by Shaikh Mohammad.

Four ministries were scrapped and new ones were formed.

Society

Shaikh Mohammad also turned his attention to people, inspecting projects and following up people's concerns across the UAE.

Last year, Shaikh Mohammad made inspection trips to all the emirates, met residents and ordered some major changes to be carried out.

To ensure the rights of expatriate workers, he ordered the setting up of a special labour court in November.

He also ordered a series of organisational measures to regulate the affairs of the foreign workforce in the country.

Shaikh Mohammad also stressed the vital need to develop education.

He issued a law setting up the Dubai Foundation for Women's Development which was tasked with developing and utilising the potential and capabilities of UAE women.

On a surprise visit to Al Watan School in Umm Al Quwain, Shaikh Mohammad met seven-year-old Jasem Mohammad Ali Al Besh. After he discovered that money was tight and that Jasem's family lived in a dilapidated house, he gave the family a Nissan Patrol and a Dh1 million villa complete with furniture and appliances. He also ordered a new fully equipped building for Al Watan School.

Rent cap

On January 1, 2007, with Dubai residents complaining of high rents, he ordered a seven per cent cap on rent increases. This decree followed an earlier one that set the cap at 15 per cent.

With the number of traffic deaths in Dubai rising, Shaikh Mohammad called for tough measures against reckless drivers. He also approved the designs of new roads in Dubai.

FNC elections

In another move, Shaikh Mohammad urged the Electoral College to participate actively in the first ever elections of the Federal National Council.

The polls have been described as a resounding success.

"The word 'impossible' is not in leaders' dictionaries. No matter how big the challenges, strong faith, determination and resolve will overcome them."

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

Timeline

At a glance

January 4: Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is appointed as Ruler of Dubai following the death of Shaikh Maktoum.

January 5: Shaikh Mohammad is elected by the Supreme Council as Vice-President of the UAE. The Council approves the President's proposal to appoint Shaikh Mohammad as Prime Minister.

February 9: In his new role as Prime Minister, Shaikh Mohammad forms a new Cabinet.

April 23: Presents the first copy of his book, 'My Vision Challenges in the Race for Excellence', to the President.

September 8: Appoints Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

December 11:Named as the New York Times' 'Entrepreneur of the Year'.

December 18: Lauds the first-ever Federal National Council (FNC) elections and praises the participation of women.