A FRANK & FULL FRIENDSHIP
TBY talks to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, on sharing expertise, the UAE's role in stabilizing Somalia, and future bilateral relations.

BIOGRAPHY
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is the eighth President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, elected on September 10, 2012. Mohamud earned an undergraduate degree in technology from the Somali National University, and a master’s of technical education from Bhopal University in 1988. In November 2015, President Mohamud was awarded an honorary doctorate (DLit) from Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India. President Mohamud’s administration was the first to be recognized internationally for more than two decades. His election saw international faith in Somalia’s ability to transform into a functioning society rise significantly. Under President Mohamud’s leadership, Somalia has succeeded in returning 80% of the country to government control, claiming territory from al-Shabaab.The UAE was one of the first countries to establish a permanent embassy in Somalia. How would you assess the UAE's support for Somalia's stability?
Somalia emerged from two decades of civil war and instability when the current government was democratically selected in 2012. My government faced the double challenge of needing to rebuild a country with no government or service institutions in place, whilst fighting a terrorist group. In three years, Somalia has managed to regain control of 80% of its territory, establish basic but functioning government ministries, open schools and hospitals, re-establish trade links with various countries, set up a working Central Bank with transparent financial functions, and start to rebuild critical pieces of infrastructure, like roads and ports. There is a long shared history between Somalia and the UAE; we have always traded and have shared interests in the stability of the Arab-African relationship. The UAE was one of the first major supporters of Somalia. The UAE saw the opportunity inherent in establishing a strong relationship with Somalia, initially responding to key humanitarian and development needs in an environment that other donors saw as too risky. We salute the courage and humanity of the UAE governments in doing so. Since then, the UAE has provided a broad range of support to Somalia—but always for on-ground, practical, and tangible initiatives that Somalis feel and see. The UAE has provided extensive military and security support through training Somali soldiers and providing a military training academy. It has supported the resumption of public services, in particular in the health sector, opening hospitals and health centers.
Oil represents just 2% of Dubai's GDP, with the bulk of the economy comprised of tourism, retail, real estate, trade and logistics, and manufacturing. In what other areas could Dubai's expertise be of value for Somalia?
The UAE has set an extraordinary example of what can be achieved when a country combines visionary leadership, wise stewardship, and investment of its resources and insists on a quality approach to all it does. Standing on the balcony at a hotel in Dubai recently and gazing over the expanse of a city that basically was not there 25 years ago is the best energizer anyone could wish for. Economic recovery and empowerment is the key issue for Somalia—not just in order to be able to finance our own development and future, but also because ensuring that people have access to meaningful work and that get paid to do that work is the best investment a country can make in its security and stability. The UAE took a finite resource and turned it into something of infinite value. Somalia is blessed with a huge store of natural resources, from oil and gas to fisheries and livestock. We have the longest coastline in Africa, two rivers, and extensive agricultural land. We have excellent human potential, a very young, entrepreneurial population, and a highly educated and returning diaspora. When we combine our human resources with the natural resource potential of Somalia, I think there are unlimited possibilities ahead of us as a nation. So, apart from technical support in areas where the UAE has significant expertise, key for Somalia will also be learning from the UAE about rapid, self-managed, and self-funded economic development that suits the Somali context.
How do you see Somalia-UAE bilateral relations developing over the next decade?
The two countries enjoy a frank and full dialogue, and I am sure this will ensure that our friendship continues to grow. Insha'Allah, our strategic relationship will also become more balanced as Somalia continues to develop. I would hope that there will be less “take" in the relationship and more “give" from Somalia, not just in terms of trade and export, but also in shouldering regional responsibilities such as working to end extremism and positively contributing to the economic stability of the region.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Year In Review
Steady Ship
The drop in oil prices that shocked economies across the region is exactly the scenario Dubai has been preparing for. While the current climate may have dented its armor, the Emirate's role as a center for international commerce and services is keeping the economy growing.
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HE Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World Group
TBY talks to HE Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World Group and CEO/Chairman of the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, on global economic trends, the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, and investing in India.
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HE Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
TBY talks to HE Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on business opportunities in Africa, its focus on innovation, and contributing to the development of the private sector.
read articleInterview
Ibrahim Mohamed Aljanahi, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer , Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza)
TBY talks to Ibrahim Mohamed Aljanahi, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza), on priorities, growth strategies, and investment plans.
read articleInterview
Arif Obaid Al Dehail, CEO of the Departmant of Planning & Development , Trakhees
TBY talks to Arif Obaid Al Dehail, CEO of the Departmant of Planning & Development of Trakhees, on the achievement of the Dubai Special Development Zone, opportunities for investors, and his outlook for the year.
read articleFocus: Government Restructuring
Change for good
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is known for his innovative approach toward his country's future, but no one saw this change coming. The 12th Cabinet, with new ministers of happiness, tolerance, and youth, amongst other changes, is set to lead as an example not only in the region but also around the globe.
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Masood Ahmed, Director Middle East and Central Asia , Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
TBY talks to Masood Ahmed, Director Middle East and Central Asia Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the effects of reduced government spending, the benefits of tax revenues, and having a robust financial system.
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Wissam Khoury, Managing Director, SunGard Financial Systems
TBY talks to Wissam Khoury, Managing Director of Middle East & Africa of SunGard Financial Systems, on working with the Dubai Financial Market, using technology for Islamic banking, and making social media work for companies.
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HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO & Managing Director , Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
TBY talks to HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO & Managing Director of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), on mitigating excess energy demand, new initiatives, and conserving water resources.
read articleFocus: Energy Sustainability
Make Hay While The Sun Shines
Dubai has long accepted the importance of energy diversification and environmental responsibility as a means of economic development. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, solar energy presents itself as a clear candidate to substitute traditional sources of power, but it is not the only renewable to play a part in Dubai's clean energy goals.
read articleFocus: IoT
It's a Dubai Thing
The IoT, or Internet of Things, is catching the attention of both the media and IT companies as they begin to see the value in a growing network of physical objects that can connect to the internet. And it certainly hasn't escaped the attention of Dubai, which is looking at every possible avenue to lead the race to become the smartest city in the world.
read articleReview: Transport
Fasten Your Seatbelts
Recent developments in the aviation industry mean that Dubai is well placed to benefit from increased passenger numbers—and an already well-established and international sector is about to accelerate its growth even more. Despite regional instabilities and the stubbornly low price of oil, the industry shows no sign of losing its pep.
read articleInterview
HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & CEO, Emirates Airline & Group
TBY talks to HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & CEO of Emirates Airline & Group, on the future of the aviation industry, staying ahead of the competition, and developments in the pipeline.
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HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General & Chairman of the Board, Road and Transport Authority (RTA)
TBY talks to HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General & Chairman of the Board of the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), on rail projects in the pipeline, a new water canal project, and going green.
read articleReview: Maritime
A Look to Seaward
In less than half a century, Dubai has transformed its coastal maritime industry into a force to be reckoned with. Through the development of more facilities and the creation of a more robust regulatory environment, Dubai is looking to cement its place as a center of the global maritime industry.
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Yu Tao, President & CEO, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East)
TBY talks to Yu Tao, President & CEO of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East), on potential projects, doing business in Dubai, and the challenges the company has faced.
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Alharith Bin Salem Al Moosa, Vice Chairman and Deputy General Manager, Falconcity
TBY talks to Alharith Bin Salem Al Moosa, Vice Chairman and Deputy General Manager of Falconcity, on the inspiration behind Falconcity, current progress, and keeping up with the latest technologies and ideas.
read articleInterview
HE Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General , Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
TBY talks to HE Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), on key goals of the Dubai Health Strategy 2016-2021 and the booming medical tourism sector.
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HE Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA)
TBY talks to HE Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director of Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), on how the dynamic free zone model of Dubai Healthcare City is leading as a health and wellness destination.
read articleFocus: Dubai Health Strategy 2021
Healthy choices
Dubai's booming health sector was in need of a robust model that could facilitate and implement the highest international standards. The new Dubai Health Strategy 2016-2021 has laid out the path and aims to put the Emirate's healthcare sector at the forefront of global standards.
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Majid Kaddoumi, Vice President & Regional Managing Director of Middle East, Africa, Central Asia & Turkey, Medtronic META FZ-LLC
TBY talks to Majid Kaddoumi, Vice President & Regional Managing Director of Middle East, Africa, Central Asia & Turkey of Medtronic META FZ-LLC, on leveraging combined capabilities, formulating strategies, and developing the healthcare industry.
read articleReview: Education
Privately Prospering
The education sector in Dubai is entering a period of rapid expansion, growing by 10% YoY, with new schools outpacing population growth. In 2015 alone, 11 new schools opened, including eight British, two Indian, and one Canadian school. There are already 173 private schools in Dubai, and by 2020, 80 new private schools are expected to have opened across the Emirate.
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Prof. Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq, President & CEO, American University in the Emirates
TBY talks to Prof. Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq, President & CEO of American University in the Emirates, on the Dubai job market, graduating responsible citizens, and the security of education.
read articleCommuniqué
The Immortality of the Pen
<strong></strong><strong>For many people, fountain pens bring back memories of school days full of inky fingers, smudged exercise books, and piles of pink blotting paper. For others, an elegant silver fountain pen is not only associated with long, sinuous lines of cursive script, but is also a treasured item.</strong>
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