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system. There are some early indicators of international economic recovery. Yet, I cannot predict that the global economic recovery will proceed without potential hurdles. I cannot also claim that repercussions of the economic financial meltdown are over yet. But what I can say is that the worst is already behind us, and there is now a solid will and determination among concerned countries to join hands to collectively revive the global economy as well as their own individual economies.

Increasing financial support to other business sectors is probable, pending the actual needs of each particular sector. The UAE’s tourism sector is in a good shape, with UAE hotels recording high occupancy rates. The country’s tourism industry has already successful survived the worst period and resiliently adapted itself during the most critical times.
PAUL STOBER, Gulf News

What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the UAE, as it faces the challenge of the global economic slowdown? What are the particular challenges that Dubai faces as it positions itself as a global business centre?

The UAE’s strengths are numerous. The UAE’s success in facing the global financial crisis and alleviating its impact on the Emirati economy is the most conspicuous=2 0evidence of these strengths. The country enjoys a leading ranking position in several fields such as productivity, environment, connectivity, and transformation to knowledge economy. Yet the failure to match best international practices in these fields might be considered a major weakness. We always benchmark ourselves against the best. I always say that we have just embarked on a long journey of hard work to fulfil our promised sustainable development through a series of strategic projects to be established during the years to come.
DURAID AL BAIK, Gulf News:

Do you feel that Dubai needs an efficient auditing body to investigate and curb corruption in financial institutions before things become too bad? How more the UAE can move faster in fighting corruption and promoting transparency?

There is already a government financial audit department. The department has a track record of successful performance, and it has done very well with investigations related to corruption cases. Enhancing financial auditing systems and capabilities is undoubtedly important and that is exactly what we are doing now. As for promoting transparency in fighting corruption, I confirm that the UAE is completely committed to highest levels of transparency. There is no room for corrupt officials and citizens among us. Handling corruption cases does not mean prosecuting judging and penalising corrupt individuals only; it also aims at filling all administrative and legal loopholes that=2 0have been used to breach the law.
By Al Bayan newspaper

When will the term “remote” (rural) areas disappear from the everyday vocabulary of the UAE?

The UAE does not have remote areas in the negative connotation of the word. We only have areas that are relatively remote from urban centers. The urban planning of these areas has to be based on scientific research to carefully identify means of providing best efficient services to local residents.

There are sometimes exaggerated reports depicting these areas as if they are utterly deprived of basic services while their residents live in appalling conditions. Sometimes, one reads press reports demanding a school to be built in an area that has no more than 50 homes, while there is a school only few kilometers away with available

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