Today I had visitor from Busan, Korea. She had forgotten a bag of goodies she purchased from the duty free of the Seoul airport.
She realised about the this bag as soon as she reached my home. Me & my wife assured her that she should not panic. We convinced her that Dubai has an efficient system & she was most likely to get the bag back if she only called the right numbers. After 6 or 7 calls, which meant calling a few numbers & holding on for some time ....what a miracle, we were told that her bag was safe with all her items & that she could collect it ASAP.
Within 10 minutes we drove to the airport & got the bag. Our Korean visitor was much impressed..Our visitor will be here with us for a few days. Now that she has been impressed with the city we will try convincing her to invest in Dubai...Will keep you posted.
For those of you, who intend forgetting their cabin baggage, these are the numbers to call if you have landed at Dubai airport terminal I. Tel. No. +9714 2162542 /3 , +9714 2164506
Twin City - Dubai :
Those of you who are curious to know which are the cities which Dubai has teamed up with, here is the updated list as of today.
Dubai signed a twin city agreement with Busan last year. Other cities that are twins to Dubai include Istanbul in Turkey, Geneva in Switzerland, Gold Coast in Australia and Osaka in Japan. Each city has a monument in the Zabeel Park.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Angels on Dubai road
The other day, a media friend of mine was star struck at 2 am near Mamzar park. No ..not wine...but a flat tyre was the reason & as he had parked his car ....seeking help to replace the tyre, the typical shy conservative Dubai cars fleeted by.. After reading the Gulf News & watching Dubai TV no one here trusts a stranger early in the morning...
Then came an angel Range Rover, he enquired & called up his driver to help my friend out. This person gave his mobile number & told my friend that he should not hesitate to call if any further help was required. He even assured to drop my friend and his family home in case the matter could not be resolved.
As he was leaving, my friend thanked him. When his name was asked, he mentioned "Mohammed Al Abbar", that's when my friend realised that the angel was none other than the a key player responsible for the fast economic progress of Dubai.
Then came an angel Range Rover, he enquired & called up his driver to help my friend out. This person gave his mobile number & told my friend that he should not hesitate to call if any further help was required. He even assured to drop my friend and his family home in case the matter could not be resolved.
As he was leaving, my friend thanked him. When his name was asked, he mentioned "Mohammed Al Abbar", that's when my friend realised that the angel was none other than the a key player responsible for the fast economic progress of Dubai.
Note: Mohamed Ali Alabbar is Director General of the Department of Economic Development (DED) Government of Dubai and a member of the Dubai Executive Council is closely associated with the fast track development in Dubai.
Dont sling mud at the RTA
Its so disheartening to observe that residents and local newspapers are blaming it on the RTA.
As a media friend of mine observed, the campaign on the Dubai RTA should go like this..
Traffic Jams....We have worked on it
Road Blocks....We have done it
Traffic fines....We are increasing it...
The other day, Gulf News, a reputed publication of UAE observed that RTA fines randomly without rhyme or reason. The article goes on to say.."Beware of offering friends a lift in your car as you may end up with a hefty fine, say some residents.."
Though its very easy to sling mud on any authority, I would beg to differ. RTA, is doing the best to make Dubai a better place, a safer place. There would not be a single instance where RTA fines for offering a lift to a friend leave alone a stranger. The RTA has issue only when giving lifts with a motive of profit.
Key points of RTA directive, as I have understood from the media.
Thus if you give free lift to friend or stranger, its no issue.
If you pool car among people & the costs are shared ...no problem.
RTA does not aim to make friends out of strangers, by allowing only friends.
For reference
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/12/06/10172703.html
RTA 'issuing random fines' - GULF NEWS
By Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff ReporterPublished: December 05, 2007, 23:14
Dubai: Beware of offering friends a lift in your car as you may end up with a hefty fine, say some residents.
A number of residents have said they have been fined by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) officials for sharing their cars with friends. They said the RTA inspectors did not listen to their explanations and issued fines for "using their cars as illegal taxis."
"I was slapped with a Dh5,000 fine as I stopped to pick up my friend who was waiting for me on the roadside," said Taufueeq A. an Indian banker.
He said an RTA inspector in plainclothes approached his car and asked for his car registration, he tried to explain the situation but said he was not listened to.
A manager from a leading tour and travel agency told Gulf News that his driver was fined when he dropped off his clients at a shopping centre.
"I told my driver to drop the guests at a shopping centre but he was given a fine of Dh5,000 for ferrying passengers 'illegally.' We have to oblige our guests and often offer them pick up and drop off services but this practice will have a negative impact on the business," he said.
He said he approached the RTA to appeal against the fine but it was in vain. Similar complaints have been made by other residents who have said they are now scared to offer lifts to friends.
"I used to share my car with friends from Sharjah to my office in Dubai but I have stopped because one of our friends got a Dh5,000 fine for sharing his car with friends," said Sharma, a marketing executive.
When contacted an RTA official refused to talk about particular cases but explained that "car pooling" for monetary gain is illegal but sharing cars with colleagues going to the same location is allowed. "Our inspectors are well trained and they know who is sharing a car with friends and who is running an illegal taxi," he said.
He said motorists can always approach the RTA office or call the RTA call centre number 8009090 if they feel that they have been wrongly fined.
Your comments:
The RTA fine people for carpooling but their own taxi service is hardly efficient. The other day, my friend and I were waiting for a taxi but not a single one was willing to cooperate. And one taxi driver even played a prank on us by driving away with our bags before we had time to get in. Thank you, RTA, for making our lives miserable. MayaDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 12:55
I think the RTA is doing more harm than good to the country. The Dubai Police handle the traffic better than the RTA officials. They are also more understanding than them. PrajvalDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 11:09
Like in many countries, it is illegal to charge money for giving a lift. But if the RTA thinks that this is always the case, it just shows a lack of common sense on their part. They might be catching one guilty person but harassing 99 passengers in the process.DaveDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 10:30
A majority of us can?t afford to buy private vehicles. I think the RTA should try to help rather than behave like this. At least, improve the RTA bus service, especially to the Jafza area. I almost lost my job because I could never reach office on time, thanks to the inefficient RTA bus service.JopadsDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 09:38
About two weeks back when I had gone to drop my colleague, I was suddenly stopped by RTA officers. Without any explanation, they seized my driver's licence and registration card and slapped a fine. Since then, I have gone twice to the RTA office and have registered a formal complaint but nothing has come of it. DevDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 08:31
I think the RTA is doing the right thing because people will never accept that they are wrong and that they are plying illegal taxis. AliDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 06:04
I fail to understand the RTA's logic. If they want people to use the public transport, they should make it more efficient. Carpooling will not only reduce traffic congestion but also lower the level of pollution. BhavnaDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 03:31
I have been a victim of this RTA law. Once, I had gone to pick up my wife from the park, when suddenly three RTA officials ordered me to stop my car and asked for the registration papers. Then they slapped a fine on me saying that I was carrying passengers. They refused to listen to my explanations and just left the scene. They were also very rude. AftabDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 01:41
I had a very bad experience seven months back. I was picking up two of my friends from Deira when one man approached me and asked for my driving licence and registration card. I gave them to him but without any explanation, he just handed me a slip and told me to collect my card from the police station. When I went there, I was told that I had been fined Dh2000 for driving my car as a private taxi. I went to the RTA office four times to seek help but with no success. Finally, I had to pay the fine. B.M.Dubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 10:46
I can only read this article with shock and horror. If the RTA wants to get rid of illegal taxis, why don't they introduce more government taxis on the road? InekeDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 10:43
I think RTA's action is putting people through a lot of unnecessary trouble. Often, we drop our relatives or friends to airports and hospitals. If we are penalised for doing so, it will be very difficult for people to extend a helping hand to close ones. I request the RTA to review the decision. HaridasDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 10:17
Wouldn't the RTA need some definitive proof to fine someone? The officers would have to have some evidence proving that the lift was given for money. Or else, such arbitrary fines would only discourage people from carpooling. NishaDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 10:07
I think the RTA inspectors should take time to listen to the public. If the situation continues, people will stop buying cars. JaffarDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 10:03
I don't know how inspectors can figure out whether someone is plying an illegal taxi when they take just half a minute to slap a fine. KarimDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 09:36
How can you tell just by looking at the face of the driver whether he is giving a lift for genuine reasons or for money? I feel carpooling will lead to less congestion on the roads. So we can reach office faster and put in more hours at work. We can also get back home earlier. RupaDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 09:29
I got to know of this when they fined my cousin for bringing his friends from the airport. Some action should be taken against this. AmerSharjah,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 09:29
Well, it seems like the RTA needs a lot more money these days. Why else would they fine people for no reason at all? They have even installed parking metres in residential areas. So where should people park their cars? SiaDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 09:17
This is just another way of making things difficult and expensive for the common man in Dubai.HaroonSharjah,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 09:15
In most cases, I have seen that the officials refuse to listen. And they often slap a fine because of a misunderstanding.AlexandreSharjah,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 09:03
The RTA call centres are useless. They say they will look into the matter but nothing ever happens.ManojDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 08:58
One of my friends had to face the same problem. He was taking his friend to the airport when suddenly, an RTA officer fined him and they were delayed by half an hour. We didn?t get a very positive response from the RTA office when we reported the incident.NaveenDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 08:24
This is absurd. On one hand, we talk about reducing the number of cars on our roads and, on the other, we get fined for sharing a car to reach the same workplace. Also, being fined for travelling with friends is utterly ridiculous. If you try calling the RTA, you will only get more frustrated. OswaldDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 08:14
What is happening? We can?t even pick up our relatives, friends or guests? Is doing so illegal? I am confused.JasonDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 08:04
I do appreciate all the work done by the RTA. But at the same time, RTA inspectors are unable to make a distinction between illegal taxis and people ferrying their friends to different locations. The RTA should definitely ask the inspectors to at least listen to the driver or car owner.AboobackerDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 07:41
This is just RTA's way of making money. They don't care for anyone. ReahanDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 07:40
I think the RTA should review the process. The driver or the owner should be given a fair chance to explain. The truth of the matter is the transport system is not efficient enough to meet the growing demands of the population. These short-term measures can only be detrimental.PereraDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 07:39
I wonder if they will fine us for riding with our family in future. This is painful! RathnaChennai,IndiaPosted: December 06, 2007, 07:17
It is a good move. However, the RTA inspectors should have the patience to listen to the owners or drivers before slapping a fine. NarayananDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 07:01
We all know that cancelling a fine is a time consuming process. The RTA should train its staff to not slap unjust fines. KarkainDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 06:49
This is unbelievable. In other countries, people are encouraged to share a car to reduce pollution and traffic jams. I think, there is need for more education. Or else, how could something like this happen? B.P.Abu Dhabi,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 05:59
I guess, the RTA has to better train its officers. It sounds like a way of making money. Dubai has one of highest carbon dioxide emission rates in the world. The government should encourage car pooling instead of discouraging people from doing so. JudeLos Angeles,USAPosted: December 06, 2007, 05:00
Being fined for picking up a friend is totally unacceptable. There should be a provision to appeal against such fines. The RTA officials should at least listen before slapping a fine. MaskDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 03:27
In a country where traffic jams and more than one car per person are the norms, it is surprising that car pools or sharing cars with friends is frowned upon. Strange indeed! ChandrasekharAuckland,New Zealand
As a media friend of mine observed, the campaign on the Dubai RTA should go like this..
Traffic Jams....We have worked on it
Road Blocks....We have done it
Traffic fines....We are increasing it...
The other day, Gulf News, a reputed publication of UAE observed that RTA fines randomly without rhyme or reason. The article goes on to say.."Beware of offering friends a lift in your car as you may end up with a hefty fine, say some residents.."
Though its very easy to sling mud on any authority, I would beg to differ. RTA, is doing the best to make Dubai a better place, a safer place. There would not be a single instance where RTA fines for offering a lift to a friend leave alone a stranger. The RTA has issue only when giving lifts with a motive of profit.
Key points of RTA directive, as I have understood from the media.
Thus if you give free lift to friend or stranger, its no issue.
If you pool car among people & the costs are shared ...no problem.
RTA does not aim to make friends out of strangers, by allowing only friends.
For reference
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/12/06/10172703.html
RTA 'issuing random fines' - GULF NEWS
By Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff ReporterPublished: December 05, 2007, 23:14
Dubai: Beware of offering friends a lift in your car as you may end up with a hefty fine, say some residents.
A number of residents have said they have been fined by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) officials for sharing their cars with friends. They said the RTA inspectors did not listen to their explanations and issued fines for "using their cars as illegal taxis."
"I was slapped with a Dh5,000 fine as I stopped to pick up my friend who was waiting for me on the roadside," said Taufueeq A. an Indian banker.
He said an RTA inspector in plainclothes approached his car and asked for his car registration, he tried to explain the situation but said he was not listened to.
A manager from a leading tour and travel agency told Gulf News that his driver was fined when he dropped off his clients at a shopping centre.
"I told my driver to drop the guests at a shopping centre but he was given a fine of Dh5,000 for ferrying passengers 'illegally.' We have to oblige our guests and often offer them pick up and drop off services but this practice will have a negative impact on the business," he said.
He said he approached the RTA to appeal against the fine but it was in vain. Similar complaints have been made by other residents who have said they are now scared to offer lifts to friends.
"I used to share my car with friends from Sharjah to my office in Dubai but I have stopped because one of our friends got a Dh5,000 fine for sharing his car with friends," said Sharma, a marketing executive.
When contacted an RTA official refused to talk about particular cases but explained that "car pooling" for monetary gain is illegal but sharing cars with colleagues going to the same location is allowed. "Our inspectors are well trained and they know who is sharing a car with friends and who is running an illegal taxi," he said.
He said motorists can always approach the RTA office or call the RTA call centre number 8009090 if they feel that they have been wrongly fined.
Your comments:
The RTA fine people for carpooling but their own taxi service is hardly efficient. The other day, my friend and I were waiting for a taxi but not a single one was willing to cooperate. And one taxi driver even played a prank on us by driving away with our bags before we had time to get in. Thank you, RTA, for making our lives miserable. MayaDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 12:55
I think the RTA is doing more harm than good to the country. The Dubai Police handle the traffic better than the RTA officials. They are also more understanding than them. PrajvalDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 11:09
Like in many countries, it is illegal to charge money for giving a lift. But if the RTA thinks that this is always the case, it just shows a lack of common sense on their part. They might be catching one guilty person but harassing 99 passengers in the process.DaveDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 10:30
A majority of us can?t afford to buy private vehicles. I think the RTA should try to help rather than behave like this. At least, improve the RTA bus service, especially to the Jafza area. I almost lost my job because I could never reach office on time, thanks to the inefficient RTA bus service.JopadsDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 09:38
About two weeks back when I had gone to drop my colleague, I was suddenly stopped by RTA officers. Without any explanation, they seized my driver's licence and registration card and slapped a fine. Since then, I have gone twice to the RTA office and have registered a formal complaint but nothing has come of it. DevDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 08:31
I think the RTA is doing the right thing because people will never accept that they are wrong and that they are plying illegal taxis. AliDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 06:04
I fail to understand the RTA's logic. If they want people to use the public transport, they should make it more efficient. Carpooling will not only reduce traffic congestion but also lower the level of pollution. BhavnaDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 03:31
I have been a victim of this RTA law. Once, I had gone to pick up my wife from the park, when suddenly three RTA officials ordered me to stop my car and asked for the registration papers. Then they slapped a fine on me saying that I was carrying passengers. They refused to listen to my explanations and just left the scene. They were also very rude. AftabDubai,UAEPosted: December 07, 2007, 01:41
I had a very bad experience seven months back. I was picking up two of my friends from Deira when one man approached me and asked for my driving licence and registration card. I gave them to him but without any explanation, he just handed me a slip and told me to collect my card from the police station. When I went there, I was told that I had been fined Dh2000 for driving my car as a private taxi. I went to the RTA office four times to seek help but with no success. Finally, I had to pay the fine. B.M.Dubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 10:46
I can only read this article with shock and horror. If the RTA wants to get rid of illegal taxis, why don't they introduce more government taxis on the road? InekeDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 10:43
I think RTA's action is putting people through a lot of unnecessary trouble. Often, we drop our relatives or friends to airports and hospitals. If we are penalised for doing so, it will be very difficult for people to extend a helping hand to close ones. I request the RTA to review the decision. HaridasDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 10:17
Wouldn't the RTA need some definitive proof to fine someone? The officers would have to have some evidence proving that the lift was given for money. Or else, such arbitrary fines would only discourage people from carpooling. NishaDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 10:07
I think the RTA inspectors should take time to listen to the public. If the situation continues, people will stop buying cars. JaffarDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 10:03
I don't know how inspectors can figure out whether someone is plying an illegal taxi when they take just half a minute to slap a fine. KarimDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 09:36
How can you tell just by looking at the face of the driver whether he is giving a lift for genuine reasons or for money? I feel carpooling will lead to less congestion on the roads. So we can reach office faster and put in more hours at work. We can also get back home earlier. RupaDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 09:29
I got to know of this when they fined my cousin for bringing his friends from the airport. Some action should be taken against this. AmerSharjah,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 09:29
Well, it seems like the RTA needs a lot more money these days. Why else would they fine people for no reason at all? They have even installed parking metres in residential areas. So where should people park their cars? SiaDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 09:17
This is just another way of making things difficult and expensive for the common man in Dubai.HaroonSharjah,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 09:15
In most cases, I have seen that the officials refuse to listen. And they often slap a fine because of a misunderstanding.AlexandreSharjah,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 09:03
The RTA call centres are useless. They say they will look into the matter but nothing ever happens.ManojDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 08:58
One of my friends had to face the same problem. He was taking his friend to the airport when suddenly, an RTA officer fined him and they were delayed by half an hour. We didn?t get a very positive response from the RTA office when we reported the incident.NaveenDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 08:24
This is absurd. On one hand, we talk about reducing the number of cars on our roads and, on the other, we get fined for sharing a car to reach the same workplace. Also, being fined for travelling with friends is utterly ridiculous. If you try calling the RTA, you will only get more frustrated. OswaldDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 08:14
What is happening? We can?t even pick up our relatives, friends or guests? Is doing so illegal? I am confused.JasonDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 08:04
I do appreciate all the work done by the RTA. But at the same time, RTA inspectors are unable to make a distinction between illegal taxis and people ferrying their friends to different locations. The RTA should definitely ask the inspectors to at least listen to the driver or car owner.AboobackerDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 07:41
This is just RTA's way of making money. They don't care for anyone. ReahanDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 07:40
I think the RTA should review the process. The driver or the owner should be given a fair chance to explain. The truth of the matter is the transport system is not efficient enough to meet the growing demands of the population. These short-term measures can only be detrimental.PereraDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 07:39
I wonder if they will fine us for riding with our family in future. This is painful! RathnaChennai,IndiaPosted: December 06, 2007, 07:17
It is a good move. However, the RTA inspectors should have the patience to listen to the owners or drivers before slapping a fine. NarayananDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 07:01
We all know that cancelling a fine is a time consuming process. The RTA should train its staff to not slap unjust fines. KarkainDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 06:49
This is unbelievable. In other countries, people are encouraged to share a car to reduce pollution and traffic jams. I think, there is need for more education. Or else, how could something like this happen? B.P.Abu Dhabi,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 05:59
I guess, the RTA has to better train its officers. It sounds like a way of making money. Dubai has one of highest carbon dioxide emission rates in the world. The government should encourage car pooling instead of discouraging people from doing so. JudeLos Angeles,USAPosted: December 06, 2007, 05:00
Being fined for picking up a friend is totally unacceptable. There should be a provision to appeal against such fines. The RTA officials should at least listen before slapping a fine. MaskDubai,UAEPosted: December 06, 2007, 03:27
In a country where traffic jams and more than one car per person are the norms, it is surprising that car pools or sharing cars with friends is frowned upon. Strange indeed! ChandrasekharAuckland,New Zealand
Saturday, December 8, 2007
The Dhirahm peg to the USD will change.
The AED Dhirahm, currently pegged directly to the US$ is bound to be revalued sooner than later. Inspite of authorities repeatedly speaking that the current peg with the dollar will not be changed, its best for the prudent person to anticipate a change sometime during 2nd quarter 2008.
Due the fall in value of the Dhs. relative to the Euro & the pound sterling have made the exports from UAE more competetive . Also the inflow of funds connected with reality sales seems to have accelerated.
Currently property in UAE is far more affordable than equivalent property in London or many other European destinations.
Investors from UK, Europe, welcome to Dubai with your funds. Today is the best day ....dont wait , dont postpone...
Due the fall in value of the Dhs. relative to the Euro & the pound sterling have made the exports from UAE more competetive . Also the inflow of funds connected with reality sales seems to have accelerated.
Currently property in UAE is far more affordable than equivalent property in London or many other European destinations.
Investors from UK, Europe, welcome to Dubai with your funds. Today is the best day ....dont wait , dont postpone...
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
More of German will be spoken in Dubai & Abu Dhabhi
Did you know?
- Dubai Police Academy is currently tutoring 22 officers in German and more classes have been requested for training. ( Naschua Gomaa, office manager of the Goethe-Institute, Dubai)
- German Consul General Johann-Adolf Cohausz said the UAE was Germany's number one trading partner in the Arab world and there are many reasons to learn German.
Goether-Institut located in Meena Road, Dubai ( www.goethe.de/dubai or www.goethe.de/abudhabi ) - German comes in second after English for online searches ( as mentioned by Heiko Sievers, regional director for North Africa and the Near East of the Goathe-Institut.
- German already spoken by around 120 million natives and 70 million non-Germans, he said.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Hats off to a 36 year old nation
On 2nd Dec 2007, as UAE became 36, there was indeed much to be proud off. The VP & PM, Sheikh Mohammad aptly mentioned - What the UAE has achieved during the 36 years was equivalent to hundreds of years which several nations have taken to achieve both in terms of progress and development.
While saluting this nation, I can say much credit for this progress was driven by Sheikh Mohammad. The vision with which he operates & drives Dubai & the Nation is indeed inspirational to study not only for individuals but also for many nations.
I have been witness to the excellence in service level at government level be it in Dubai Municipality or be it in Dubai Tourism media department. On close interaction with people in these departments it was evident that the kind of role model & inspiration Sheikh Mohammad is, driving government staff of all levels to perform & deliver.
I recall that when the DIC & later the Dubai Media City were formed, the critical observations which my colleagues from the media circles would make on these ambitions projects. Now the resounding success of these and many other "city projects" have silenced the strongest critiques.
Take a poll, any where in the world & Dubai will rank as the most popular city in Middle East, the city having a high BUZZ index....a city where many would love to visit, the most progressive city in Middle East.
Sheikh Mohammad circle of influence doesn't stop with Dubai. The ripples of growth, development, prosperity is spreading to the other emirates, other nations of the GCC & the Middle East in totality.
This leader has also inspired many of the expatriates in UAE. As time goes by, my respect for him keeps increasing.
Best wishes to people of UAE. You have good leadership at the helm.
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