Sheikh Mohammed opens the Establishment's Business Centre

Q: Will young people from other emirates benefit from the Establishment?

Sheikh Mohammed:  We consider all citizens equal, whether they come from Fujairah, Abu Dhabi or Al Ain. They all have the right to benefit from the Establishment, as if it were a federal project. It is considered the nucleus of a federal project.

Press: Your Highness, are you satisfied with the quality of the ideas submitted? Are these ideas innovative?

Sheikh Mohammed:  The ideas that have been submitted are good and they will be accepted if the Establishment approves them. They are successful projects and, as my brother businessmen and other experts have assured me, these projects are good. Their assurance promotes confidence.

Press: Your Highness, since we are talking about the economy and about projects that will be successful, what is your opinion of Dubai's economy and that of the UAE this year? Are you satisfied with what has been achieved, taking into account what happened in the country in 2002, despite the circumstances that affected everyone?

Sheikh Mohammed:  In spite of the conditions we are experiencing, I am satisfied because our organisations do well, as does our economy. If you compare our situation to that of those around us, you will find that we are ahead. As I have said, we won't wait until the world's problems are solved before we start. We are pressing ahead and we are satisfied, thank Allah. However, we are looking forward to achieving bigger goals and bigger numbers. I consider this a beginning. The UAE, Allah willing, is moving to the forefront.