The eight defining principles of governance for Dubai, endorsed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, corroborate the fact that the United Arab Emirates will remain a role model for value-based leadership thanks to the well-throughout-out strategies charted by the country’s leaders across five decades of significant achievements.
This Magna Carta, which has been in force for around five decades, has fructified into the country’s leading a myriad of global competitiveness and development indices across different fields, ensuring a much-coveted status for the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, among most advanced nations.
Issued following 50 years of achievements by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, this document sheds light on a significant aspect of the modus operandi followed by the country’s great rulers and Founding Fathers who spared no efforts to consistently secure fresh highs for their nation, ensuring social welfare and economic well-being for their people, despite all challenges and under all circumstances.
Dubai, which came ninth among the world’s 10 best places to visit on earth, according to Canada’s Best City, is part and parcel of the United Arab Emirates; deriving its strength from the country’s Union that adds embraces all its emirates while nurturing the unique character and talent of each one.
It goes without saying that justice is the basis of governance; it is the watchword for ensuring stability and prosperity for all. No One is Above the Law, a fact that has turned the country to a magnet for all those seeking a prosperous, fair and stable life at present and in the future.
As epitomized by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, growth is driven by three factors: a credible, resilient and excellent government; an active, fair and open private sector; and public and government flagship companies that compete globally and generate an income for the government, jobs for its citizens, and assets for future generations. It is these inexhaustible assets that ensure supremacy for a nation among the best of the bests.
From his profound, fifty-year experience, Sheikh Mohammed picked up golden rules that have earned Dubai an eminent global stature, and ensured the well-being of the UAE people, the sustained progress of the nation, and the welfare of generations to come.
It has been a must to document these defining principles for the current generation of the UAE people so that the destiny of “our future generations would not be affected by the fluctuations of regional politics and global economic cycles,” as His Highness said.
The Eight Principles of Dubai
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 by 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 agship 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 biases. 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.
