Sheikh Mohammed Joins Fujairah Crown Prince in Panel on People-Centred Development

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Abu Dhabi, UAE – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended a panel session led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

The session convened several top federal and emirate figures, including H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah; alongside other senior dignitaries from across the Emirates.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi emphasised that Fujairah’s development strategy places people and human capital at its core, with initiatives designed to strengthen community capabilities. He noted that awareness of self and collective identity is the foundation for sustained progress, pointing to the UAE’s national experience as an example of resilience and unity.

Education emerged as a central pillar of the emirate’s agenda. The Crown Prince highlighted institutions and schemes such as the Fujairah Research Centre, the Emirati Researchers initiative, and the Fujairah Young Techpreneurs program, saying scientific inquiry and innovation are essential to preserving resources and advancing national development.

Addressing the role of sport, Sheikh Mohammed Al Sharqi described athletic engagement as integral to social wellbeing and identity, noting Fujairah’s growing stature in disciplines from martial arts to marine sports that bolster community pride and recognition.

He reaffirmed that investment in youth is a strategic priority, supported through leadership development programmes, language and skills training, and international scholarship opportunities that prepare young Emiratis for future leadership roles.

On governance, the Crown Prince stated the Fujairah Government’s operational philosophy is centred on “investing in people to enhance quality of life and productivity.” He cited initiatives such as the Fujairah Government Excellence Award and the Mohammed bin Hamad Program for Leadership Development as concrete examples, alongside increased public-private partnerships that spur innovation.

Tourism and culture were presented as complementary drivers of identity and economic growth. The Crown Prince outlined a tourism model that blends sustainability with cultural authenticity and local engagement, pointing to projects like the Fujairah Adventure Centre and the Adventure Park as practical embodiments of that approach.

“Tourism is a vehicle for sharing our heritage and values through common experiences,” he said, framing travel and exchange as avenues for mutual understanding and learning.

On cultural policy, Sheikh Mohammed Al Sharqi described culture as a unifying force that fosters dialogue and coexistence, stressing the UAE’s ongoing commitment to peace. He emphasised the collective responsibility to preserve Emirati identity, Arab heritage, and Islamic values amid rapid global change.

Concluding his remarks, he observed that instilling a sense of belonging, civic duty and patriotism in younger generations is essential to safeguarding the nation’s identity against future challenges.