Lieutenant General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, stated that the United Arab Emirates has been blessed with extraordinary leaders throughout the stages of its history. They have been path-breaking leaders, who have toiled diligently to instill hope in the heart of the country’s people. “It all began with the founding father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, God bless his soul, and his brothers, builders of the Union, down to the existing generation of seasoned leaders, led by a worthy successor, with the support of his brethren, their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates,” he said.
These remarks on the features of valuable leadership were made by His Highness Sheikh Saif, at the second annual UAE Government Summit that kicked off at the Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai, on Monday. The summit is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and attended by a number of sheikhs, ministers, and dignitaries.
His Highness Sheikh Saif expressed his heartfelt happiness and thanks for being chosen to address this prestigious summit for the second time. He also extended his thanks to the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and his extraordinary efforts to enhance government performance, locally, regionally and internationally, to serve the best interests of people worldwide.
During the event, His Highness Sheikh Saif announced the winners of the top four positions for the Best Smart Phones Applications Award, which was launched by the Ministry of Interior, in response to the directives set by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, sponsor of the event. As many as 16 academic entities had applied for the award with a total of 23 projects. Sheikh Saif congratulated the winners, lauding their unique participation. Winners were as follows: the Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai Men’s College for its project Biladi (My Country) application; the HCT-Al Ain Men's College's for its project for people with disabilities; the Police College- Abu Dhabi for its Smart Gate Application project; and the Sheikh Khalifa University for its MoI services application project.
Commenting on the results, His Highness Sheikh Saif said: “The independent selection committee was happily surprised by the significant turnout of young Emiratis who submitted profound, well thought-out and unique projects that were at par with prestigious international consulting firms. This award has fostered competitiveness among students towards community service. This is proof to the smart vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who envisioned and launched the smart applications award.” His Highness Sheikh Saif stressed that these projects will be implemented soon.
Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, began his video presentation with the photograph of a little Emirati girl riding a camel and drinking water from a jug. The photograph dates back to the 50’s in the mid-20th century. His Highness said that the girl’s father has affectionately prepared a comfortable camel saddle for his child, gave her water, and endeavored to ensure her safety and security. He noted that this image is a true testament to how the UAE government is presently catering to the needs of its citizens, residents and visitors, wherever they are. Sheikh Saif added: “I will not just shed light on leadership and excellence in services delivery; I will commend the leadership in implanting the right values in individuals who provide these services. We used to talk about leaders and skilled managers; today, we speak of exceptional leadership and the char