Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has laid out a road map for the future success of the nation in an eight-point plan.

The Ruler of Dubai and Vice President said the steps were integral to national growth and the overall prosperity of the Emirates.

The blue print for success was posted on social media alongside a note of thanks to well-wishers who had acknowledged his 50 years of national service.

“Brothers and sisters, my thanks to everyone who said a word of appreciation to me on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of my first post in the National service,” he said.

“I promise you that the days will only increase our insistence on service, creativity at work and acceleration of achievements.”

Referring to his eight point plan, Sheikh Mohammed called on all those living in the country to abide by the rules of society, stating that no one was above the law.

He appeared to place the most emphasis on strengthening fairness, promoting business and ensuring transparent government.

“I call on all those in a position of responsibility in the Emirate of Dubai to abide by these principles, and direct them to devise mechanisms to ensure the implementation of these principles at all events,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a government circular.

“We have summarised these principles for governing in this document to ensure the well-being of our people, the sustained progress of our nation, and the welfare of our future generations.”

Sheikh Mohammed called on Emirates to set aside regional differences, placing their union above all else.

Religious and political differences should not get in the way of friendship, he said, with economic diversity, tolerance and understanding also being key components of progress.

This week, warm congratulations for his 50-year anniversary have been offered by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Other rules have given similar commendations.

Sheikh Mohammed began his leadership journey on November 1, 1968, when he was appointed head of Dubai Police and Public Security.

Three years later, he rose to the ranks of Minister of Defence, a position he retains today.

Sheikh Mohammed also served as Crown Prince of Dubai from January 1995 until January 2006.

On January 4, 2006, he became the ruler of Dubai.

A day later, he was named Vice President of the UAE and took up the reins as Prime Minister on February 11, 2006.

Sheikh Mohammed still holds both positions nearly 13 years later.

The eight-point plan for future governance in full:

1. The union is the foundation

Dubai is an integral part of the UAE and a pillar of the federation.

The Emirate’s destiny is entwined with the UAE’s destiny, its well-being is vital to the UAE, and its people are ever-willing to sacrifice for the greater good of the country. The Union’s interest is above local interest, the Union’s laws transcend our laws and legislations, the Union’s policy is our policy, and the Union’s government priorities are our government’s priorities.

2. No one is above the law

Justice is the basis of a strong and proud nation, and guarantees prosperity and stability. No one is above the law in Dubai, starting with the ruling family.

The law does not discriminate between citizens and residents, rich and poor, male and female, Muslims and non-Muslims. Justice delayed is justice denied. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”.

I renounce unfair practice or conduct of any person, and the ruling family shall likewise renounce any form of injustice as long as it governs the Emirate.

3. We are a business capital

The Government of Dubai aims to improve the lives of its people through strengthening its economy.

Dubai does not invest or involve itself in politics, and does not rely on politics to ensure its competitiveness.

We extend a hand of friendship to all those who hold good intentions towards Dubai and the UAE. Dubai is a politically neutral, business-friendly global hub that focuses on creating economic opportunities.

4. Three factors drive growth

Dubai’s growth is driven by three factors: a credible, resilient and excellent government; an active, fair and open private sector; and public and government-owned flagship companies that compete globally, and generate an income for the government, jobs for its citizens, and assets for future generations.

5. Our society has a unique personality

Our society is a respectful and coherent one, bound by tolerance and openness. It distances itself from all forms of discrimination and bias. It is a disciplined society, committed to its promises, timelines and covenants. 

We are modest about our successes, perseverant in dealing with challenges, charitable and generous in achieving the greater good, and open to everyone.

6. We believe in economic diversification

Economic diversification has been the foundation of our unwritten constitution in Dubai since 1833. The changing times and the rapid developments make our commitment to this principle everlasting. Our new goal is to create at least a new economic sector every three years that will be productive, contribute to our GDP, and generate jobs.

7. A land for talent

Dubai has always relied on talented tradesmen, administrators, engineers, creatives, and dreamers for its success. The Emirate’s prominence, sustainability and competitiveness depend on its capacity to continue attracting skilled and talented people, and nurturing the brightest minds to generate innovative ideas.

We have to continually review and renew our policies and procedures to ensure our appeal to talented individuals. We must build the best environment in Dubai for the world’s leading minds.

8. We care about future generations

The destiny of our future generations must not be affected by the fluctuations of regional politics and global economic cycles. We invest and create valuable assets for them. Our fundamental rule in this regard is that the government should, under all circumstances, own economic assets that are worth at least 20 times the value of its annual budget.

We work towards maintaining a secure future, and we are focused today on ensuring the prosperity of our future generations.

These are the eight principles for governing in Dubai that we recommend to ourselves and to those who will succeed us.

We call on future generations to preserve these principles and hand them down to those who succeed them.

God Almighty knows well our intentions to ensure the greater good of our people. We pray to Him to help us serve our country and our people with pride and dignity.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in The National on Saturday January 5th, 2019 http://bit.ly/TN8governmentprinciples