UAE: world’s number one in government efficiency

By Jamal Boubakri

Morocco World News

Dubai, June 5, 2013

The United Arab Emirates’ government has been selected as the world’s most efficient government and the eighth most competitive, according to the Global Competitiveness Handbook 2013, issued by the International Institute of Management Development in Switzerland. Someone might ask how come a very small country in a volatile Middle East could be on the top of the list. How they did it? And what the government of the UAE did differently?

Being in the United Arab Emirates for a period of two weeks, I have some answers to those questions. When I arrived to Dubai, I noticed that it is no different than the United States to a great extent. Dubai is very developed. Its infrastructure meets international standards. From its six-lane highways to its driverless metro, skyscrapers everywhere, well designed roads, high level of public safety, which makes Dubai one of the safest places in the world.

In addition, it is a very diverse city. By walking down any street, you can see people from different ethnic groups, including a large western population. UAE’s population is comprised of about 80 per cent of foreigners, coming mostly from Asian countries such as India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building. With 160 stories, Burj Khalifa is considered one of the best landmarks of the city. Every day, it attracts thousands of visitors. Next to Burj Khalifa, there is Dubai Mall, which is considered the largest mall in the world. There you can find all American, European, and international brands.

Just outside the mall, there is the largest dancing fountain in the world. Most of Dubai trade is done through its port in Jabel Ali. Port of Dubai is considered the third largest port in the world, just behind the ones in China and Singapore. It is ran, managed, and operated by DP World, one of the leading companies in the world in terms of port management.

Dubai is a great model of an Arab city that went too far ahead of many other big cities around the globe. Dubai’s main source of revenue is through doing business and tourism. Dubai has very small reserves of oil; in fact, it imports most of its oil supply from Abu Dhabi or other countries in the region. So, what made it different? Saying that a country (or a state) does not have financial resources to invest in its development, which is the case of many Arab countries, shows only a lack of leadership of its government. Dubai’s ruler, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a visionary leader with a clear commitment to working for the interest of his citizens. To finance its development projects, Dubai government is taking out loans from many international institutions. It’s not petrodollar what makes Dubai so great. It is its ruler’s leadership and determination to make it on the top of the list at all aspects.

To sum up, what the government of the UAE has achieved in the last few years can be achieved in all Arab countries, including Morocco. All we need is having the right people in the right places, and work together for the general public’s interest, not self interest. UAE’s leadership style is definitely a model for all Arab countries and the whole world.