During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman and Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Hilal Saeed Al Marri.

Sheikh Mohammed began his tour with a visit to Hall 8 where local and foreign companies exhibit their latest products in interior design and furniture and other related accessories. Touring the various pavilions, Sheikh Mohammed welcomed exhibitors and expressed pleasure at the huge presence and participation of local and world leading companies in the field.

At the Office Exhibitions at Sheikh Saeed Hall, Sheikh Mohammed familiarised himself with the latest office equipment showcased by 120 exhibitors.

Sheikh Mohammed went on with his visit to tour the 23rd International Design Exhibition (INDEX) taking place at Hall 5. He viewed the latest products which are showcased for the first time in the Middle East, belonging to Italian, Turkish, German, Chinese and other companies. Sheikh Mohammed expressed satisfaction and admiration at the exhibits which reflect the spirit of modern trends in the world of interior design and furniture.

At Rashid Hall, Sheikh Mohammed viewed the latest equipment and materials as well as wedding and festivals supplies of about 90 companies from 15 countries including the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed concluded his tour at the Sheikh Maktoum Hall, which hosts about twenty-nine companies from the United Arab Emirates and four other countries specialized in organizing international parties and festivals on all occasions.

Before leaving the DWTC , Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Director General of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai Hilal Al Marri  about  the report on the development of the tourism sector in Dubai and the increase in the number of tourists and visitors from the region and the world, especially in terms of family tourism. Al Marri also briefed Sheikh Mohammed on  the rate of Dubai hotels occupancy which rose this year to more than 10 percent compared to last year.

In his dedication, Sheikh Mohammed stressed that the dearest present a father can gift his son is a wisdom that helps him in his life, builds his expertise and makes him a good leader who can relate to his people.

Sheikh Mohammed wrote in his dedication:

To my dear son Hamdan bin Mohammed..
Perhaps the dearest present a father may give to his son is a word of wisdom that may benefit him, and some experiences that may aid him in his life, build his expertise and makes him a leader loved by his people? and a leader who can relate to his nation.. To you, my son, I present these words in “Wamadhat Min Fikr”.

Your loving father Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Sheikh Hamdan, in his turn, commented on his official Instagram page about his father’s precious dedication thanking Allah, Almighty, for being a son of such a great leader who has implanted in him the belief that Allah raises those who are humble to people.

Sheikh Hamdan wrote in his Instagram page:

“I thank you Allah for being the son of a man who made me believe that You raises those who are humble to the people around them? the son of a man who appreciates people and thanks them for their efforts.

Thank you Allah

During a visit to the DHA headquarters, Sheikh Mohammed, who was accompanied by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and a number of senior official, heard a presentation from DHA Director General Isa Al Maidour about the DHA strategy 2013 – 2025, which seeks to deliver four goals: prevention and awareness; easy access to health services; quality, and investment and competitiveness.

Al Maidour told Sheikh Mohammed that the strategy will be delivered through 43 initiatives backed by an enhanced control plan and Key Performance Indicators (KPI).

Sheikh Mohammed was also informed about the DHA’s three-phase plan to find urgent solutions to pressing challenges dealing with customer service in the short term, administrative and technical affairs in the medium term and strategic issues in the long term.

During the presentation, Sheikh Mohammed viewed designs for proposed health projects within the strategy, including: the rebuilding of Rashid Hospital at a total cost of AED 3 billion and with a capacity of 900 beds, expanding the current trauma centre to 160 beds, expanding the out-patient clinics to 160 treatment rooms, establishing new centres for heart, cancer, kidney and cosmetic surgeries in addition to six new specialised centres.

The strategy, he said, also envisages two five-star hotels to serve those accompanying patients.

Other future projects viewed by Sheikh Mohammed include the expansion of the Care Home for the Elderly and other three hospitals : Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Hospital, the Al Maktoum Hospital and the Al Khawaneej Hospital.

Sheikh Mohammed also launched a website for measuring customer satisfaction.

The ceremony saw the attendance of  Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and a huge high-caliber professionals in the fields of media, thought and culture in the region.

Sheikh Mohammed honoured  Khalfan Al Roumi, Chairman of the Board of the Arab Journalism Award with the “Special Honouring” category in recognition of his contributions to the local media as one of the leading founders of the UAE press and in appreciation for his role in the establishment and development of the award since the launch of its first session in 1999. His efforts are one of the key drivers behind the prestigious position the award has reached and the repute it enjoys today among journalists in various parts of the Arab world  as a place of transparent professional competition . The award was received on behalf of Al Roumi by his daughter Ohoud Al Roumi.

Sheikh Mohammed, the patron of AJA, also presented the “Media Personality of the Year Award” to the Egyptian TV and Radio presenter Hamdy Kandeel in recognition of his efforts in the march of the Arab media through his work as a writer, editor, presenter, lecturer, diplomat and a political activist. The award was given to Kandeel also in appreciation for his devotion to Arab issues and concerns. Kandeel has held a number of prestigious posts including his work as head of the Arab States Broadcasting Union and chief of UNESCO’s Division for Free Flow of Information and Communication Policies

Sheikh Mohammed also presented the Lebanese columnist Hazem Saghieh  with the “Best Newspaper Column” award for his recognised  writings in several Lebanese newspapers and magazines and for the many publications he has released, which revolve around political and cultural life in the Arab world.

The announcement of the Arab Journalism Award winners came to synchronise with the close of the 12th edition of the Arab Media Forum, held in Dubai on 14 and 15 May, with the participation of more than 3,000 media professionals from the Arab World and beyond.

A number of media professionals were also presented with the award in its various categories.
The General Secretariat of the Arab Journalism Award said that this year’s edition of the award has received more than 4,000 quality submissions that reflected a high sense of professionalism and fierce competition in all its categories, asserting its continued march and status as the most coveted distinction in journalism in the Arab world in terms of widespread, participation and money worth.

Inspired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision, the Arab Journalism Award was established with the objective of encouraging creativity and journalistic excellence in the Arab world. Since its launch, the Award has grown over the years to become the most coveted distinction in journalism in the Arab world. The award is known for its transparent and unbiased judging process that is supervised by a board of directors, comprising senior journalists from the Arab world.

Held at Zaabeel Palace, the reception saw the attendance of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Welcoming his guests, Sheikh Mohammed affirmed the importance of tourism industry to the United Arab Emirates, and the developing countries in particular, as it represent an essential resource of income for many country.

His Highness hosted a luncheon banquet in honor of his guests. The reception also saw the attendance of FNC Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a number of sheikhs, ministers, directors and heads of government tourism and economic departments inside the country.

Among those who attended the ceremony along with Sheikh Humaid were H. H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai , H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, crown prince of Ajman, H.H. Sheikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.

A number of Sheikhs and dignitaries also attended the banquet.

Among others present at the airport were H. H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler`s Representative in the Eastern Region, H. H. Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, H. H. Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, H. H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, H. H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, H. H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H. H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Adviser, H. H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, H. H. Sheikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, H. H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Executive Council Member, Dr. Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (ADTCA), Ahmed Juma Al Za’abi, Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs, Sheikh Hazza bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Under Secretary of the Court of the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, a number of other Sheikhs and senior officials.

Themed “Clean energy for sustainable development”, the forum is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed and will run until Wednesday at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

The opening session was attended by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Heads of government departments and bodies in the UAE in addition to a multitude of   over 3500Arab and foreign sustainable energy experts and researchers.

In his keynote speech at the event, Vice-Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy Engineer Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, welcomed Sheikh Mohammed and the audience and said that the UAE has taken significant strides towards its strategic objective of diversification of energy sources. He asserted that the national initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed earlier last year under the theme  “Green Economy for Sustainable Development” has become a method we adopt to achieve the UAE strategy as global hub for renewable and sustainable energy.

Al Tayer added that Dubai, through its Supreme Council of Energy, endeavors to raise and enhance the efficiency of renewable energy sources which is translated into the launch of Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Power Park as part of Dubai’s integrated energy strategy 2030.

Emphasising the importance of energy in all its forms and sources as a main driver of development in the world, Al Tayer pointed out that it has become imperative for decision-makers and specialists to consult, discuss and exchange views and come up with creative ideas in order to reach the best ways and effective solutions for saving energy and providing sources of clean and sustainable energy.

A number of key note speakers over the next three days will focus on sustainable development, highlighting the need for policy controls that support the use of clean energy and sustainable green technologies.

In his speech, the former Irish Prime Minister hailed Dubai for hosting this global forum, noting the UAE’s forefront initiatives in finding alternative sources of energy to oil and gas. Praising the giant energy projects being implemented by the UAE, the Irish Premier said that the UAE is a model to be traced by other world countries.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the guests participating in the forum, which he described as a global scientific assembly at which decision-makers, researchers, scientists and experts in the field of energy bear the responsibility of reaching urgent and effective solutions to find viable alternatives to the costly conventional energy produced from oil and gas and provide decent life for the poor, happiness for mankind and secure future for generations to come worldwide.

He called on participants to intensify energy efforts and research to come up with feasible ideas and visions for the private and public sectors of concerned states.  He also emphasised that the elite experts and scientists are able to do to achieve clean energy solutions and innovations as well as just distribution of these resources which have become indispensible for sustainable development, green buildings, the protection of the environment and combating desertification.

Sheikh Mohammed wished success for the forum in its resolutions, recommendations and sincere human and scientific endeavors.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed toured the 15th Water Technologies, Energy and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2013 which is held on the sidelines of the Dubai Global Energy Forum.

Accompanied by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Minister of Water and Environment Dr.Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad,  State Minister Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Sheikh Mohammed viewed the latest water, electricity and environmental products and displays and exhibits of companies from more than 30 countries including the UAE which has more than one exhibition platform at the event.

He stopped at the stand of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to view its green car initiative which was designed to offer alternatively-fuelled vehicles for hire to the general public as part of efforts to preserve the environment.

He also visited the stand of the Dubai Municipality where he was briefed by Director General, Engineer Hussain Nasser Lootah, on the body’s sustainable and environment-friendly initiatives.

Sheikh Mohammed also visited other stands of the Ministry of Environment and Water, Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA), Ducab, Dubal and other national bodies and companies.

Sheikh Mohammed also viewed the design of “Dubai Monument” which is meant to bear witness to the vision of the leadership and the people and to express the renewable and interactive vision of Dubai as embodied in social and cultural harmony among the all cultures and members of the community and in its incessant progress.

Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan were detailed by Dubai Executive Council Secretary General’s Assistant Aisha Abdullah Miran about the plan by Aisha Abdullah Miran, Assistant Secretary General of the Dubai Executive Council who said that the idea came up to the team of the General Secretariat to forge the future vision for Dubai to transform it into the city of the world rather than the global city.

Miran noted that all nationals and residents in the emirate are invited to take part in the formulation of this vision with their thoughts and opinions to enrich the content of the project and to reflect the positive interaction among all segments of the community in Dubai, which is part of the diversified and secure society of the UAE.

The idea of the project also includes launching the design “ Dubai Edifice” as international competition that  involves Emirati and internationally renowned artists to come up with the design that is compatible with  Dubai’s vision beyond 2015.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed his satisfaction with the work team of the idea of “ Our Dubai: Our Life” praising the efforts and ideas the team who presented him with  an  album of paintings by  Grade four  pupils of  Al Ittihad Private School in Jumeirah; the paintings reflect the pupils present and future for their city.

Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan and the  audience  were also briefed by  the young Emirati writer Dubai Abdullah Belhoul on the content of her 250-page English book “ Galagolia” which took her nearly four years to author.
The book features Maitha bin Humaid who lost her father and finds a portal to Galagolia, a new world, and learns that, all along, she had known nothing about her life and that she has inherited the throne to Galagolia.

Admiring the story of the book, Sheikh Mohammed praised the creative young student writer noting the potential scientific and literary potential of the young people saying that these potential and energies need to be explored and employed to serve the citizens and the beloved UAE.

The writer presented Sheikh Mohammed with a copy of her book and another to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed who hailed the efforts and ideas of the young people ordering that the story of the book be screened in appreciation of her efforts. Then Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan took photos with the young writer.

Sheikh Mohammed was also accompanied by Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Sheikh Saeed bin Juma Al Maktoum, Director General of Dubai Ruler’s Court Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shebani, the Secretary General of the Dubai Executive Council Abdulla Abdul Rahman Al Shebani, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman in addition to the general secretariat team of the council who prepared the project.

H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council attended the meeting.

The two sides discussed the friendship bonds between the UAE and India, and ways of boosting economic, investment and trade cooperation in the best interest of the two countries.

The talks also tackled the existing cooperation ties between Dubai and Kerala in all fields, particularly in the sectors of ports and information.

The Chief Minister of Kerala appreciated the expertise that Dubai presents to his state with population of about 32 million people, in these two vital sectors.

Sheikh Mohammed hailed the historic relations between the two friendly peoples, highlighting the role the Indian community and workforce play in the building and development process being witnessed by the UAE.

Among those who attended the meeting were H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director-General of Dubai Ruler’s Court, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Ports, Customs ‘&’ Free Zone Corporation, a number of officials and Indian ambassador to UAE M.K. Lokesh.