The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has stated that achieving the well-being and happiness of the UAE's people is a top priority.

His Highness' remarks came during a Dubai Executive Council meeting held today, with H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, in attendance.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid went on to say, "We believe that we derive our development and sustainability through our ability to innovate, providing solutions that anticipate future challenges, and ensure that the UAE is a global central hub," adding that the leadership's approach and future vision should be reflected across all government bodies, with spirit of a unified team that embraces ideas and seeks to achieve qualitative changes for betterment of people's lives with a determination and faith in success.

"We always look forward and do not rest on past achievements in a changing world that requires continued competitiveness and innovative ideas. We do not lack anything, and we have access to all necessary facilities that enable us to challenge the impossible," he continued.

His Highness expressed his pride in the nation's achievements, emphasising the need to continue working towards progress while regarding the nation's citizens happiness as a primary priority. "I closely follow periodic performance reports delivered by the Chairman of the Executive Council to ensure that Dubai's vision of being the happiest city in the world by 2021 is achieved."

The Dubai Ruler underscored the need for the integration and coordination of works across different governmental entities, and the launch of innovative initiatives and projects that obtain positive outlooks, placing the nation at the forefront with its future young leaders.

"I will continue to provide the opportunity for young leaders and develop their capabilities, to train national cadres capable of devising solutions and leading the way forward," he said.

He also called upon the formation of the Council of Strategic Affairs to replace the sectoral committees to support the Executive Council in performing its duties, where he thanked the heads and members of the sectoral committees for their efforts in performing their duties and their dedication to work and achievements.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the efforts exerted by all parties and explained that the upcoming stage requires more innovation and perseverance to strengthen the UAE's and Dubai's visions across all levels.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed urged council members to focus their energies and talents in the best way possible to build a better tomorrow, raising the quality of life of UAE citizens and residents. He emphasised the government agencies do not work alone, but in harmony, with the participation of all.

"We must continue to work together in a team spirit to create new ways to deliver services and enhance our global competitiveness, and strive to be the first government and all its agencies in the world to achieve the directives and vision of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. We will only accept the number one position and prove that challenges will not deter us from completing our pioneering journey. This is the spirit of Dubai that I want every official to uphold."

During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed issued a decision to form the Strategic Affairs Council under the chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and membership of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum Second Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of HH the Ruler's Court, Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami Chairman of the Board of Dubai Health Authority, Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads and Transport Authority, Hussan Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer Vice Chairman of Supreme Council of Energy, Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh Director General of Department of Finance, Sami Ahmed Al Qamzi, Director General of Economic Department, and Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti Secretary General of the Executive Council.