Mohammed bin Rashid receives Emirati writers and men of letters

Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, received a group of Emirati writers, men of letters, and cultural figures at his Zabeel Palace this evening.
In the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the audience congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on the advent of the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan, praying Allah to return the month of mercy and charity with goodness, good health and longevity for the U.A.E. leadership and dignity, prosperity and national cohesion for U.A.E. people.
Sheikh Mohammed engaged with his guests in a cordial talk about a host of local cultural and heritage issues and ways of instilling and strengthening national identity among members of the local community through diverse cultural events and activities like lectures and poetical and literary dialogues, art exhibitions that showcase traditional handicrafts, foods and rich civilisation inside the U.A.E. and beyond.
The vice president referred to the launch of a group of initiatives in the genres of poem, story, plastic arts, and purebred Arabian horse and camel sports, calling on the writers and intellectuals and other stakeholders - be corporations and individuals - to take the initiative and attract both Emirati young men and women for active engagement in cultural activities and open the door before them to get knowledge about their forefathers' legacy.
Sheikh Mohammed said the recent launch of the U.A.E. Space Agency poses a new challenge to the U.A.E. people and national cadres who will establish the first space programme of its kind in the region which will enable the UAE and sisterly countries benefit from the scientific advancement that keeps pace with the progress of our State in different fields. He emphasised that the national leadership gives proper attention to education and science which also take top priority of national development programmes and agenda to deliver national goals to our people and next generations.
The audience extended profound thanks and gratitude to the U.A.E. wise leadership for their care and support for and encouragement of the cultural movement, particularly activities that deal with revival of the rich local heritage.
Sheikh Mohammed hosted an iftar banquet in honour of his guest, attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health, and a number of local officials.