Sheikh Mohammed announces Dubai Healthcare City

The following is the translated transcript of Sheikh Mohammed's speech announcing Dubai Healthcare City.

In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate.

Ladies and gentlemen, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.

At this time last year, during the first Dubai Strategy Forum, I defined the means necessary for implementing a vision. A few days ago, during the second Dubai Strategy Forum, regional personalities discussed the major challenges, including economic and human development, as well as government performance. I believe that the results of the Dubai Strategy Forum should form the basis for work in the region, serving its interests.

I am proud of the speed at which new initiatives are implemented and the work that has been achieved so far. I am also proud of Dubai Government's employees, who are committed to achieving the vision. And today, we introduce a new initiative reiterating our commitment to the integrated process of development and enhancing Dubai's place as a central gateway for the region and a bridge between Europe and Asia.

Naturally, health is the most valuable thing one can possess; without good health, a person suffers, as does his family and, ultimately, the economy. Therefore, the growth and development of any successful economy depends heavily on the health of its citizens.

Today, I am glad to announce Dubai Healthcare City and our vision and strategy for this City is to become, in the near future, an internationally renowned site and a centre for integrated medical services at the international level.

Dubai Healthcare City is an initiative for everyone, especially our children and grandchildren, and for our country and our entire region. I am sure that our children, who are going to supervise the implementation of this initiative, will succeed in this task, just as over 1,000 years ago their ancestors succeeded in presenting humanity with the most important achievements in medicine, surgery and medication, and in building, managing and organising hospitals.

Those who will supervise the implementation of the initiative must co-ordinate with the Department of Health and Medical Services and the Ministry of Health to ensure that their efforts are integrated and that their actions are in harmony. This new initiative will need the combined efforts of all, and its projects will result in a qualitative change in medical services for our country, our region and our Arab world.

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.

WAM