21 January 2015
Above statement made during RTA's Knowledge Week

Roads & Transport Authority - Mohammed Al Munji:

H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Establishment, said: "The Dubai's innovative history geos back to 1833 when Al Maktoum ascended to the rule of the city i.e. when Sheikh Maktoum the First took the reins in the Emirate in an era marked by economic openness and governance. Archaeological discoveries indicated that Dubai has played a vital role in the international trade across the Arabian Gulf during the third and first millennium B.C."

Bin Huwaireb made this statement during a lecture he gave at the Head Office of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) as part of the events of the Knowledge and Innovation Week in the presence of H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority, and a host of top executives of the RTA.

He added that Al Maktoum had managed during a short period of their reign of the Emirate to transform it into a political and economic power to be reckoned with and managed to overcome several challenges in the aftermath of the two world wars and the collapse of the pearl trade. Sheikh Maktoum II decided in 1894 to abolish the entry tax of boats in Dubai; a decision which prompted traders to move from the Linja, Al-Ahsa and other areas to Dubai, which has become a thriving maritime hub.

"The late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum was a pioneer of innovation of the modern Dubai and had a shrewd vision for 50 years or more. He used to do things by himself and remain hands-on in all projects undertaken such as the dredging of the Creek and setting of Jebel Ali Port and engaged in massive infrastructure projects. The late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who took the mantle & followed suit, appointed his brother HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 1995 as Crown Prince; which signaled the start of an era marked by a new phase of innovation and world-class achievements. Examples of projects launched included Dubai Internet City, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Media City, E-Government, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai World Financial Center, the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Metro, Burj Khalifa, Meydan Racecourse, Smart Government, Al Maktoum International Airport and winning the bid to host Expo 2020," he continued.

Bin Huwaireb commended RTA's efforts in cementing & showcasing the value of innovation and knowledge as key pillars of sustainable development, adding "that the Knowledge and Innovation Week fits perfectly with the strategy of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment which also plays a key role in nurturing a generation oriented towards prosperity through adopting a number of initiatives highlighted by the Knowledge Conference last December."

At the end of the event, Al Tayer decorated bin Huwaireb and Dr. Khalid Almuneef among other dignitaries who took part in the Knowledge Fair. He toured the Fair which included a number of pavilions spotlighting old and modern technologies and the evolution drive as well as Emirati inventions.

-Ends-

 

© Press Release 2015