Residents happy as UAE is the land of dreams, says minister

UAE offers plenty of opportunities not just for Emiratis, but expats, too,said Shaikha Lubna at women's forum. - Photos by Dhes Handumon

Why are people living in the UAE happy? According to Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, it is because the country is the land of dreams and opportunities.
"You can be anyone, come from any walk of life, be of any religion, and it would be irrelevant. The UAE is a land with lots of opportunities for the youth, for entrepreneurs looking to set up their businesses. This is not only true for Emiratis, but for everyone living here. I have seen, not just the first, but also the second and third generation of expat children born and living here, who go abroad for their studies, but they always come back to set up wonderful businesses here," she said at the Global Women's Forum in Dubai.
"The UAE has always been generous in terms of reaching out," she said, referring to the UAE's plans for both regional and international development. "The Abu Dhabi Development Fund created by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was a huge political statement that said the UAE would not only look at ourselves, but we would also reach out to other countries and help them. That we are not only responsible for our nation, but also for other countries."
She also highlighted that, for the UAE, providing long term assistance to countries in need was crucial. "Over 44 years, we have donated almost $47 billion in aid to over 120 countries. We also have over 43 NGOs that reach out and help people in need," she revealed.
Offering a message to young women today, she said: "Have faith in yourself. If you believe in yourself, then the doors will definitely open for you, whether it is here or anywhere else in the world. Be confident and have faith in what you do."
rohma@khaleejtimes.com