Forty-five years is not a long period in the history of a country. However, here, in the UAE, the pace of development after the formation of a new nation on December 2, 1971, is a thing to be quoted as an example for many other nations of the world. It is not just the development that has taken place in this region that is exemplary but also development with compassion in its civil society and harmony. The country has well regulated systems as many people who have come from different parts of the world, easily merge with the country’s ethos and have devoted their time and energy for the betterment of this region. All of us have at some level accepted it as our own land and that to, wholeheartedly.

The views expressed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai to its scientist community, throws enough light as to where this young nation wants to go and what it wants to achieve. It also depicted its journey in the past where the leadership overcame harsh living and environmental challenges, through determination and willpower, triumphing over the impossible.

Again, the nation’s hunt for the first batch of Emirati astronauts and the resolve of the leadership with a firm determination that, “there in no power strong enough to stand in the ways of those who believe nothing is impossible”, in the words of Shaikh Mohammad, shows enough of courage, conviction and determination to inspire its people to reach an unprecedented height.

The above provides much inspiration to the young, to make remarkable change in the country’s economy and society. This young nation knows well as to how and where the expertise from around the world should be fitted to get maximum results. I hope that other countries learn from the development of the UAE, how development can be achieved by determination and direction of a country’s leadership and compassion and harmony towards people living there.?- The reader is an environmental economist, based in Bihar, India

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