Sheikh Mohammed Celebrates Two Decades as UAE's Prime Minister

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, commemorated his 20-year tenure in a meeting with current and former ministers, held in the presence of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

This gathering celebrated January 5, 2006, when Sheikh Mohammed first took office, reflecting on a transformative period that has greatly influenced the UAE's governance and its standing on the world stage.

Presidential Acknowledgment of Leadership

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed extended his congratulations to Sheikh Mohammed, applauding his ongoing contributions to the UAE’s development and expressing hopes for his enduring health and success.

He highlighted the UAE’s evolution into a global model for people-centric governance under Sheikh Mohammed's guidance, driven by strong and visionary strategies that align with national dreams.

The UAE's Emergence as a Global Leader

Sheikh Mohammed noted that, with President Sheikh Mohamed by his side, the UAE has seen astounding growth, reinforcing its status as a preeminent center for innovation, commerce, and an exceptional quality of life.

He emphasized how the UAE transitioned from regional prominence to global significance via a distinctive developmental approach that emphasizes human empowerment, sustainable growth, and elite government efficiency.

“A World Within One Nation”

Reflecting on his experiences, Sheikh Mohammed stated:
“Although two decades may seem brief in a nation’s timeline, the UAE has transformed this period into remarkable historic achievements. Today, we excel in numerous areas, creating a world of diversity within one nation.”

He expressed gratitude towards key associates, including Sheikh Mansour, Sheikh Saif, and Sheikh Abdullah, acknowledging the collaborative spirit among generations of leaders.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

In his address to the ministers, Sheikh Mohammed expressed unwavering optimism for the forthcoming two decades, pledging even greater achievement and recognition on the global stage.

“The UAE will emerge as the premier destination for living, working, investing, and visiting, with our most prosperous years still ahead,” he stated.

Ministers Reflect on Progress

Ministers partaking in the discussions proudly shared their experiences working under Sheikh Mohammed, praising his visionary leadership that has fostered innovation, positivity, and collaboration.

They credited his strategic foresight for converting ambitions into tangible outcomes, establishing the UAE Government as a standard for effective governance worldwide.

Notable Achievements Over 20 Years

Throughout Sheikh Mohammed's leadership:

• A total of 72 ministers participated across 9 cabinet formations

• 13 cabinet reshuffles were executed

• 558 cabinet meetings were conducted

• Almost 16,000 resolutions were enacted

• Over 90% of federal laws experienced modernization

• AI-supported legislative systems were introduced

• Strategic frameworks like UAE Vision 2021 and We the UAE 2031 were launched

Additionally, the government fortified its global connections via hundreds of agreements, most notably the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) initiative.

A Model of Global Governance

Over two decades, the UAE has crafted a progressive governance model centered on innovation, digital advancements, foresight, and community welfare, solidifying its reputation as one of the most forward-looking nations worldwide.