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The UAE Government has succeeded in building ambitious future leaders who are able to drive government development and confidently fulfil the country's target of being among the world's best countries by 2021, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said.

He was addressing a graduation ceremony for 136 graduates of a new cohort of the UAE Government Leaders Programme and the Government Capacity Building Programme.

The ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace in the presence of H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, sheikhs and senior officials.

"The achievements being made on a daily basis in the UAE represent the fruit of excellent nationals and outstanding cadres led by my brother, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The government has excelled in preparing efficient Emirati cadres who work as one team to lead government work based on an ambitious and far-reaching vision for the future that we want for our people and our country," Sheikh Mohammed said.

Expressing pride in the role of Emirati youth, he said the graduates are a new addition to the progressive and innovation-driven government work.

"We want you to be ambassadors for the institutional values because leadership is not a job. Rather, it is a responsibility and commitment to the interests of the state and to the realisation of its goals. Real leaders do not sit back in their offices waiting for reports. They should be working on-field alongside their team members to encourage them, follow the tiniest details, communicate with customers to learn about their needs and innovate services that exceed their expectations. They should also be greatly interested in turning their knowledge into results that are tangible for their customers and countering challenges with a firm resolve," Sheikh Mohammed told the graduates.

Sheikh Mohammed added, "We look forward with interest to your roles. You have a great challenge ahead. You are responsible for your families and the state who have great expectations from you. We have great confidence in you and want you to make excellent and positive contribution to government work and the shaping of a future outlook."