Chris Johns Editor in Chief National Geographic Magazine

Chris Johns joined me on the phone to talk about National Geographic on the heals of the launch of the Arabic magazine!

A good story is what keeps them on top!

The Guf Beween Us!

Mohammed Kazim joined me to talk about his belief in the people of the Gulf region.

Mohammed's article in THE NATIONAL was the fuel of the discussion.

http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091020/OPINION/710199924/1080 Bridge the gulf between peoples of the Gulf Mohammed Kazim *

Last Updated: October 19. 2009 10:47PM UAE / October 19. 2009 6:47PM GMT

Driving down Sheikh Zayed Road, I could not help but notice a new flag adorning the streetlights alongside that of the UAE: the flag of Bahrain. It was there to honour the marriage of the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to the son of the King of Bahrain. Such relationships between GCC member states are not a new phenomenon, and can be traced back to a time before formal boundaries were known in the region. In fact, the intermingling of fellow “Khaleejis” occurred at many levels and for a plethora of reasons which range from maintaining peace and political stability to improving trade relationships and distribution networks. Forms of collaboration between the inhabitants of the Arabian Gulf involved business partnerships and joint ventures, political treaties, loans and credit purchases, as well as marriages. Keep in mind that all this happened at a time when travel wasn’t as simple and convenient as it is today, and communication not as developed. However, Khaleejis would still manage to congregate during travel for business, pilgrimage and education. For example, Khaleeji merchants who operated in India would frequently meet in Mumbai and Khaleeji students in Iraq or Egypt would spend time together. This level of collaboration was integral to the success of many prominent business families and for the development of society. As these businesses and political powers were passed down to newer generations and borders began to play a more important role, the maintenance of these interstate relationships slowly faded. More regulation was introduced and the movement of labour and resources was to some extent restricted. Then the discovery of oil created an entirely new lifestyle and introduced enormous wealth to the region. Every country was deeply focused on developing itself and businesses started benefiting from agency laws that restricted “foreign” institutions to using local distributors and sharing profits with them. Despite its many advantages, this system also introduced another setback for Khaleeji integration. With these indirect barriers and the sudden emergence of wealth, new mentalities also evolved. With businesses and social activities focused locally, integration gradually ceased to be the norm. Intermarriages, in many cases, were frowned upon, and inter-GCC business partnerships became anomalies. More recently, the need to diversify economically and to reinvest Khaleeji oil wealth in the region became paramount. At this point, most of the GCC countries had focused on developing the institutions required for economic activity, such as infrastructure needs, regulation and foreign direct investment. Prominent political and business figures, through the GCC, pushed for more flexibility and free movement of resources across boundaries in the region. Consequently, business entities that had initially operated in only one country found ways to expand into neighboring GCC states. Today this can be witnessed in many industries, from Emaar Properties building cities in Saudi Arabia to the Al Futtaim group operating malls in Bahrain. Although we have begun to see a revival of this Khaleeji integration recently, there has clearly been a shift in how it is perceived: witness my surprise at the Bahraini flag on the streetlights. Suddenly, the family not living on my street or the person from another tribe is considered “foreign”. Khaleejis have begun to forget the essence of what historically led to business success and made trust, loyalty and humility intrinsic elements of their personalities. As I write this in Riyadh, sitting at a table with Saudis and Qataris, I look around to note with surprise that we are the only “integrated” table. As did our grandfathers, we have also met in pursuit of education in a foreign country. However, I think to myself, why are we not bonding in the way that previous generations did? To maintain the integrity of the region and improve trade and business networks, it is incumbent upon every Khaleeji citizen to actively encourage and support integration and to fight this new perception of unfamiliarity. Although we have seen Emirati initiatives, Kuwaiti initiatives, Saudi initiatives and so on, we have yet to see true Khaleeji initiatives (which were very apparent with early merchants in the region). The recent recovery in GCC business collaboration is evident, and it should be further encouraged. The time has come for every Khaleeji to rekindle the relationships with their brethren and collaborate in every aspect of life. The GCC today is ideally set up to allow for this integration. Only when every young entrepreneur thinks on a Khaleeji scale, every Khaleeji parent supports his or her son or daughter to be part of other Khaleeji families if they choose so, and every Khaleeji country facilitates this integration, will we be able to relive what our grandfathers had and more. Only then will we benefit from the unlimited doors that will be opened through improved networks and integrated mentalities. That’s when every Khaleeji flag will be seen as a norm on our streetlights and greeted with pride rather than surprise. Let’s mingle, let’s unite, and let’s take that Khaleeji initiative. Mohammed Kazim is an Emirati health-care analyst and commentator based in Abu Dhabi

Dec 2 UAE national day

UAE national day is a very special day in the life of this young country!

On the Jamescast you can listen to a UAE national talk about seeing the flag rise for the first time when he was 14, wow.



Rulers of emirates send National Day messages
posted on 02/12/2007

Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of Emirates greeted the UAE leader, citizens and residents on the occasion of the 36th National Day of UAE.

In their respective messages given through the Defence magazine 'Dir Al Watan', the Rulers of emirates hailed the progress achieved by the country during the past years and asked the citizens to be more determined to continue to work for more prosperity.

In his message, H.H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, reiterated that the UAE federation is gaining more strength and power as the years pass by. The continuing growth and development of the country has also brought pride and prosperity for its people.

He said that the unity of the country gave it a glorious history promising more prosperity in the future under the prudent leadership of H.H President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Sultan called upon the citizens to continue strive for knowledge and sincere work which constitute the basis of the development of any society.

He expressed his hope that the citizens will rise up to the expectations of the founders of the federation. He also asked them to strive for realizing the ambitions of their nation through hard work, unity and adherence to the Islamic values and their Arab identity.

The Ruler said that the real wealth lies inherent in the citizen who is conscious about his duties and work with dedication making the best use of his potentials.

H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah said in his message: 'We are celebrating the 36th anniversary of the National Day of our young country. Thirty-six years ago our seven emirates became one single entity unifying our potentials under the prudent leadership of my lost brother Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

'During these years we have made great achievements in domestic and international levels bringing us to the levels of advanced countries in the world. The federal institutions have played significant role in strengthening the march of the federation into progress.

'When we stand at the threshold of a new year in our history, we have great ambitions which we will achieve with the help from Allah the Almighty.

'On this occasion I express my sincere greetings to brother H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Their highnesses the Supreme council members and Rulers of emirates and the entire people of the UAE.

'I also pray to the Almighty to shower His blessings upon us all to achieve more prosperity in the future'.

H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah said in his message: 'On December 2nd the people of United Arab Emirates made a tryst with destiny to write the history with the light of great achievements. The founding father of the nation the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan spared no efforts to unify the people of various emirates into a federation, and it gave our country prosperity and progress.

'Sheikh Zayed always reminded us the rulers about our duty to work hand in hand to realize prosperity for our people.

'His footprints are sincerely followed by H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who enhanced the process of democracy and consultation based on the true teaching of Islam and its eternal values.

Al Sharqi expressed his sincere greetings to Sheikh Khalifa and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council members and Rulers of emirates.

He said that the country's achievements in educational, economic, social, healthcare and agriculture have converted the land which was a barren desert into a green oasis.

More over the UAE also played a very important role on international level supporting justice, peace and security around the world.

Sharqi also said that the neutral foreign policy of UAE has always been lauded as it always supported international legitimacy and sovereignty of countries.

He reminded the armed forces of their duty to safeguard the integrity of their motherland and protect its achievements.

Sharqi also prayed to God Almighty to bestow His divine mercy upon the lost founder of the federation Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan and admit him into the eternal paradise.

In his message H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm al-Qaiwain said: 'When we celebrate the 36th anniversary of our National Day we are cherishing the memories of the day when we achieved a single joint identity unifying us into a single nation.

'During our journey we could make a lot of achievements in various fields ensuring prosperity to our people and for the future generations.

'Our federation has become a faith and a distinguished model for unity among nations.

'Our policies always gave enough attention to the human factor and the empowerment of them through education and ensuring them good living standards.

'During last year H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa enhanced the role of Federal National Council by way of electing half of the members through voting, as well as giving women an equal footing in the political process.

Sheikh Rashid fondly remembered the great vision of the founding father of UAE Late Sheikh Zayed.

H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman said in his message: 'On the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the National Day of our country, I express my sincere greetings to H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of emirates and the citizens.

'We also remember on this occasion the great leader and the founding father of the federation Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who could give a birth certificate to our Ummah.

'This march into progress and prosperity will continue with the will of God under the prudent leadership of H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
'On this blessed day we reiterate our promise to stand together hand in hand with sincere intentions for the success of our nation.

radio nationalism

The UAE won the Gulf Cup and the nation came together!

Sports=natural bonding agent

The UAE team ignited the passion of expats and citizens alike!

radio=national tool of communication

The passion on Nightline last night was amazing!

Indians to South Africans to Americans were all one for a few hours!

WOW.