Interviews

Dubai TV: Your Highness, what is your opinion of the contract signed this morning between Emirates and Airbus and Boeing; and the extension of Dubai International Airport, in light of the current situation the global civil aviation sector is experiencing?

SM: In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate. I will respond in English for my visitors.

When you say, "Life is normal," - everybody can say life is normal - but we have to prove that life is normal by all these projects and the air show and of course the signing of Emirates for this plane with this large budget. So, we believe in the future and we're going ahead.

Al Sayad: Your Highness, Dubai has reached the top in everything, certainly your Highness' plans account for a percentage of this success. I would like to ask you to tell us what percentage of Dubai's success is due to your plans and your creative ambitions.

SM: I would say that the UAE has reached the top.

I think we are still at the beginning. Thanks to the leadership of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Maktoum we are on the right path. We are still at the beginning, the road is long and hard.

Al Quds Al Arabi: Your Highness, what are your expectations in light of the current events in the region, particularly if the military campaign against Afghanistan continues for a long time? Will it have some effect on the economy of the Gulf region, as some experts are predicting that the region is going to suffer economically?

SM: I would say that the countries of this region are in good condition. Afghanistan, of course, is a poor country, which has suffered the destruction of war for a long time. We wish the countries of the world would help this poor, Muslim country. We, in the UAE, help this country because its people are our brothers in Islam.

Al Hawadth: I want to ask a question, please Your Highness, to Mr. Kevin.

How is it possible to run an advertisement for Dubai, which is an Arab country, on CNN and on the other hand, we can see CNN always attacking Arab and Arab mean to CNN terrorist. How can you find two images different from each other? You will try to picture Dubai as a world for tourists and on the other hand, everything, every word, every action, even after half an hour of what happened in eleventh of September, CNN started attacking Arab. How you will think that your target of the audience will try to believe your idea of advertisement and how you think you will try to give this investment the Dubai government is doing high profits?

SM: I think CNN have the same problem with Israelis, lately. I hear that the Israelis been saying that the CNN is not fair for them and I think, as the CNN want to show what happened, I believe they show what they believe is right. And some people, of course, we will say there's not enough for the Arab and the Israeli will say not enough for the Israelis, but we have to understand their situation also.

I mean I promise you that I knew when I was in London that the Israelis were leaning on them, so we have to have a broad vision, not a very narrow vision.

Sheikh Mohammed turns the question over to Kevin Razwi.

Kevin Razwi, CNN International: I have two things to add. One, I travel the world: I go to every continent. I go from America down to Asia and in every country we get criticised for not covering certain elements and I kind of believe on that basis we're doing the right thing. Secondarily, in terms of advertising at this period in time, I mean, I would ask you, do you believe Dubai is a safe place for people to come, of all creeds, nationalities, from wherever they are in the world? And if it is, then it's quite right to be telling people that. So... but thank you for your question.

Al Khaleej: Your Excellency, I like to ask, I'm going to ask in English - Emirates has been attacked since eleven of September a lot in the media, I'm talking about international media and even some Arab media. Do you know why it's been attack, Emirates? They've been very heavily on Emirates, United Arab Emirates, I'm talking about.

SM asks him to repeat the question.

Al Khaleej: United Arab Emirates, it's been attacked too much after eleven of September and everybody start to talk that Emirate is because of the freedom, because of the politics, because of your relation with whatever. Why?

And the other question, everybody talking now, after Afghanistan is going to be Iraq. Do you believe, I mean, is going to be like this, I mean, is going to be attacking Iraq and if it is, what your opinion? Thanks.

SM: Good question. I think it was shock for everybody. And they wanted to know where this came from. First, they started to pick on places, like in Dubai and we have people came from United States to talk to us here and went back very satisfied. So we are not worried and United Arab Emirates is in a safe place and we are as clear as the sun.

Well, I mean if you... I think the whole world is against terrorist and I don't think there is any terrorist in Iraq now and don't think they will... They are going after the terrorists that hit the United States.

Bloomberg: With all the projects that you're having with Emirates airline, with the airport, with Palm Island, clearly you're spending a lot of money on developing this emirate. My first question is, how do you propose to pay for all this and my second question is are you also not concerned to some degree - you're being ambitious of course - but are you not concerned that perhaps you're being over-ambitious with the targets that you're setting yourself?

SM:I'll answer the last question and then the first question. If you have a vision and you have a goal... two years ago, people like you asked me they say, maybe you are over ambition. You know, we study the things; we know where we're going, we know exactly what we're doing, so therefore there is no fear about it. I think the project is going ahead - all of them - and they're making progress and everybody's happy and so there's no fear from that.

And your question about Emirates and why we buy now. I think this is now the right time and this is bridges between country and nations and for the peace. We are not buying military equipment - we're buying civil, where we can got to other places and improve our position and Emirates want to be the best in the world - as easy as that. You are number one, or you are nothing. All the project going ahead.

CNN World Report for UAE TV: I have a question, you have 260 million Arabs throughout the Middle East and yet you leave yourself very dependent upon foreign media to cover your issues. Is it not time for there to be a Arab international station that does news gathering in America as opposed to you being dependent upon the world to come and cover you? Why are you not covering the world as well as yourself?

Sheikh Mohammed asks her to repeat the question and she does.

SM:Well we - you advertise with any media station you want, but we believe that CNN is wide in all the world and where is most of our customers. The Arab world, they come to Dubai and they visit Dubai - they've got no problem. But we want the people who haven't been to the United Arab Emirates to come. So we thought... and to answer you... your question is good but we are not only dependent on the CNN. Many other stations in the world.

(Another question is asked)

Yes, I think we have some stations and we'll be opening some international stations but this is existing and fully running so we're using this as part of other stations. Thank you.

Arabian Radio Network: Your Highness, we love the way you're protecting our culture and the way you want to introduce it through multimedia or let's say through CNN and definitely the rest of the world can see it and it can be exposed to them. But also, we know that Dubai is still new - it's thirty years old, let's say in a way that it's developing. A lot of projects are coming on every day. We are proud of the things happening here. Is this the right time? I know that a reason behind this also to attract tourists to Dubai, because we are aiming expansion of the airport, other facilities we are having here, definitely we want to attract them. Is this the right way to attract them to Dubai? Because still some of them still have this image of we still living in this desert or we still have this - I mean we haven't been introduced to the whole world. Maybe, yeah, Dubai has been popular to different places, but is it the right time to have this image to attract people in? Thank you.

SM: I don't know why, when you talk, you say "Dubai, Dubai." I think Dubai is a part of United Arab Emirates by the leadership of Sheikh Zayed, so we are part of the union. I think so, I think it's the right time and the only time to do it, otherwise you will be ... if you are idle you go backwards. We, of course, look after our culture, our Islam, our way of living. That will not change and we will not make it happen.

Gulf Today: I would like to ask you a basic question. You've spent a whole day at the air show. What are your impressions of it and how do you see it will go in protecting the UAE and developing security in the region?

SM: This question is about the air show?

Gulf Today: About the air show. What is your impression of the air show?

SM: Well, I am really very happy because about 450 companies participate and from 50 different countries and that is the meaning of the success. And I think this air show also was very good and I'm very happy with it and also the other groups of people, what they have told me.

Al Ittihad: Do you have any message for UAE and Arabs and the Muslims living in the West, Europe and the United States who suffering now while all Arabian governments forget to talk to them, to encourage them to face life? Thank you.

SM: Come back to the UAE and spend your money here. (Laughter)

Al Fajr: Your Highness, my first question is, after the Kuwait War in 1990, we heard many declarations from the international community about a just solution to the Palestinian issue. These declarations are being repeated now, after the World Trade Centre problem, or the war in Afghanistan. My question to Your Highness is, how serious are these declarations, in your opinion, as we know you to have a wise outlook?

The second question, how do you see the future of the civil and military aviation industry in the Arab world, especially in the Gulf, where there is such great potential?

SM: I think the Middle East peace process is a very difficult issue, with a long history of problems. The Palestinians want a country of their own, with fixed boundaries, and because of their concern with security issues, Israel pressures them...so when Israel pressures them, the Palestinians respond. However, I am certain that the Europeans and Americans now want a solution to this problem, because, internationally, it has had a negative effect on them. So, God willing, in the near future, we will see a solution, and Palestine will become an independent country with fixed borders, and we can live in peace and security.

As for the second question about the Gulf and the aviation industry, I do not believe that we have the necessary elements for this industry at present.

Shell News: Can I ask you a question please about the Block 60, F-16 program, a very bold, sophisticated and expensive program? Why does your air force need such a long-range strike aircraft, armed with long-range standoff weapons which have been built to order for the UAE?

SM: As you know, the UAE is a growing country, and we need a force, and air force, to protect ourselves. We are not having ... We have a good relation with all our neighbours. This is only to protect our interests in the area and we are a peaceful country.

Arabian Radio Network: I live in Mirdif, with all this expansion I was very happy to hear that there's so much investment and the place is really growing fast, which means, by the end of the day, I will have over 1000 airplanes over my house, day and night. So, I'm just a bit concerned about being in a residential area. Is there any plan or a vision in the future that the airport will be transported somewhere else? Maybe Jebel Ali?

We heard it will be moved to another area, and if there are any plans regarding that issue? Thank you very much.

SM: I think before you reach 1000 aircraft over your head, you'll get used the noise and you will sleep well. (Laughter)

No, I think it is cheaper to move the people on the runways and take them to another place. And, in the future, when this airport reach 50 million passengers, then there is a vision of making another airport by Jebel Ali. Already the land is there; already the plan is there. So, we can move the private jets and the air cargo there and then change it over. This is for the future, but I am getting used to the noise of the television, so you'll get used to the aeroplane. (Laughter)

Gulf News: I have 3 questions actually. First of all, with the fact that the airline industry is actually suffering globally from economic recession and lots of uncertainties, do you think it is wise and appropriate at the moment to announce such 3 major projects like Boeing, Airbus and the airport? I mean, how can you guarantee that the projects will succeed? Second of all, I'm sorry about this question, but there have been, going by what Ra'id said, there have been too many rumours about money laundering, about the...safety of the financial system in the UAE and about, I'm sorry about this again, Osama bin Laden being treated at the American Hospital in Dubai last summer. How do you reply to these rumours that would really assure all that Dubai does not accommodate such activities?

And the third thing, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed today told us that the F-16 would be in service in the year 2004. Are we expecting a new order of a new batch within the Air Show or within the coming period?

And I'm sorry; I have another question for the Dubai Civil Aviation. The CNN campaign - how much did it cost, and is this included in the earlier budget that was announced for advertising? Thanks.

SM: Good question. There is a recession about civilian airplanes, because people don't want to travel in a plane now, from what you saw. But, a leader with a vision needs to have a big heart to take this decision. So, we think we are right and we took this decision because we believe in the future. We believe in the future. The future is for us. And, if you say that the other question is that Bin Laden came to Dubai - the American Hospital? I think the hospitals are built to treat sick people. But I think, when they were asked, they denied this news. And about money laundering, we are in full work with international people and we are fighting this and I can assure you the UAE is a very safe place and, if there is any money laundering, that they will be caught.

Dubai Civil Aviation Representative: And, excuse me Your Highness, I'll answer the question. This campaign is costing 2.5 million dollars for the 2 years, and it includes production. I'd like to emphasise that the vignettes are, editorially, completely independent. CNN send out a crew here and we have nothing to do with them. They put together the ... and, just another question that was asked there, we will be showing also how the culture, our Arab culture, and also the Western culture, mix together, because Dubai is an incredibly cosmopolitan place. And, I think that, if you wanted to know, this is extra to the campaign that we had last year.

Al Ittihad: Quite a large amount of investment in the aviation sector has been announced today, almost 65 billion dirhams. What does this mean for the Dubai economy, compared to the other countries of the region, and who do you see as economic competitors in the near future? Also, is there a plan for large investment in the aviation sector from Dubai's budget as a whole, have you set a definite target, and will this affect Dubai's income?

SM: Sometimes some of the press like to ask a question and half-answer himself. (Laughter)

Of course, this is a huge deal, so it has been carefully studied. Emirates should be pioneering in everything. So, it needs these planes and more. Emirates Airlines cooperates with a number of companies on this issue. As for Dubai's income, it's never affected; on the contrary, it increases.

Journalist: I have a question for you. Do you hope that more of the government departments will take part in future programmes like "Cultural Voyage"? Is that your hope?

SM: (Apologises for not hearing the question)

Yes, I think that we will see more advertisement from the other departments from now on. Nearly all the departments will have it.

Al Bayan: We are accustomed to hearing of big military deals at the air shows, but today Dubai announced a big civil aviation deal. Do you wish to convey a particular message to the world through this deal?

SM: I have answered this question. God willing, this deal will build bridges of communication, friendship, love and peace.

Al Khaleej: I remember now when you announcing this project 1990, when the Gulf crisis, you announce the golf course projects, everybody they used to say this is big things and wrong. Anyway, my question, there is two opinions in the market. Some people believe that we coming to the recession, and another people said, "No, we're going to booming or good growth." How you see the UAE economy in next few months and how we can, not benefit from what happened there, but how we can servicing the area which I'm talking about - Afghanistan, Pakistan and this area? Thank you.

SM: Well Ra'id, you know, I mean you've been with us for a long time, and you know our decision. Every time you take a decision, some back it and some doubt it. But, we haven't failed yet, and we are not going to fail - and that's a promise. So, therefore, UAE is a hub for business, for everything ... storing. So, people like to come here and do business, and since we see this vision, we have to take it by the neck and walk with it, and that's why we are going ahead with it.

Al Khaleej: It is well known that the UAE is one of the most accommodating countries for visitors, particularly with regard to issuing visas. It has been mentioned recently that the UAE will become stricter regarding such laws, is that true?

SM: In the UAE, despite recent events, procedures are still easy. Probably, security forces hold certain points of view at certain times, then things return to their original state.

The Hindu: You hinted at building peace process to put down global terrorism. How do you perceive India's role in this? And my second question is, are you planning to spread your wings to other Indian destinations to build constructions, airport projects and other things? Thanks.

SM: You were talking about India joining the peace process? Well, everybody, all the countries want peace, in the Middle East and throughout the world. And are we going to go and build airports in some Indian cities? Is that the question?

The Hindu: Joint ventures.

SM: Joint ventures...I think the Emirates and the airport authorities here, if they see a business vision, they'll do it. I mean it has to be a straight business.

Russian-language magazine: Today we have heard about huge projects like Boeing, Airbus, F-16 etc...At the same time we were witnessing, all of us, a very big participation of the former Soviet countries and a very beautiful display of Mig and Sukhoi. Are you going, maybe in the future, to defend the airspace of the UAE with such sophisticated, modern, and strong aircraft? Thank you.

SM: I think many Arab countries have bought Russian aircraft for their air forces. But now, of course, we have American, English, French air force, and we don't know in the future. They are good planes for today.

Al Sada: Many people feel both admiration and surprise regarding Dubai's success, led by your Highness, in so many huge projects. When these projects were first announced, they seemed highly ambitious, but they have achieved great success. There are people who ask why you don't use your popularity and strong influence in the UAE to establish a project, even a non-political one, an industrial, cultural or Arabic one, to benefit people from outside the UAE? Thanks.

SM:You mentioned that people feel "admiration and surprise". I think that's a good thing. The more one is surprised, in a positive way... this pleases me.

We offer our help, and our modest experience, to all Arab countries. Many delegations are sent from the UAE. However, there may be some obstacles to this help. If we see that something is good for both sides, we will, God willing, do it. It is a good thing.

Al Bayan: Your Highness, you have confirmed that the superpowers do not have a monopoly on huge international exhibitions and conferences. Today, Dubai is hosting one of the most important exhibitions in the aviation sector, and, within the next two years, Dubai will host the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group. Will the near future include more such meetings and conferences in Dubai?

SM: Of course, I have said before that big exhibitions are not the monopoly of superpowers, so long as the infrastructure is there. Even a small, developed country like the UAE has proved that it is capable of organising such events. I am really pleased and proud of our nationals, who have shown themselves to be capable of organising these exhibitions in the best possible way. This is something that honours us. Without our youth showing such good organisation, such big countries and organisations like the World Bank would not have come, but they trust the organisation of the UAE, led by His Highness Sheikh Zayed.

Thank you.