His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the Arab Strategy Forum in Dubai on Wednesday.
The event is being held under the theme 'The Political and Economic State of the Arab World'.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the urgent need for the region to resolve its conflicts and bring together the efforts of its people to achieve comprehensive prosperity.
"The security and prosperity of the region are intertwined, and it is the collective responsibility of everyone to contribute to building a better tomorrow for future generations," he said.
His Highness also stressed that Palestine holds a significant place "in our collective consciousness". He highlighted the UAE's role as one of the first nations calling for an end to the conflict, the protection of civilian lives, and actively providing humanitarian aid to people in the Gaza Strip.
Stressing the high human and resource costs of wars, Sheikh Mohammed underscored the need to put an end to the ongoing conflict and exert maximum efforts towards achieving lasting peace.
He added that the unique geographical location of the UAE has positioned it as an impactful bridge for humanitarian and cultural exchanges between nations.
"We are confident that in the coming years, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will continue to consolidate their influential presence both regionally and internationally. They will also venture into new horizons in economic diversification, which is expected to have a positive impact on people of the region and the world," said Sheikh Mohammed.
During his welcome address, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Arab Strategy Forum, outlined three trends shaping the future of the region and the world.
These include developments related to the Palestinian cause and the conflict in Gaza, the emergence of GCC countries as global economic powers and influential partners in addressing global issues, and the increasing intensity of polarisation not only on an international level but also within societies.
Video: @HHShkMohd attends the Arab Strategy Forum 2024, which is being held under the theme ‘The Political and Economic State of the Arab World’. pic.twitter.com/qOfuMbfeyB
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 3, 2024
Alongside @HHShkMohd, I attended the Arab Strategy Forum 2024, where discussions revolved around the political and economic state of the Arab world. The forum serves as a platform to explore key trends shaping the Arab region, delve into emerging geopolitical shifts, and discuss… pic.twitter.com/Yhm2ifwyM5
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) January 3, 2024