crisis, they were declared and (made) clear-cut. There was no need to unleash predictions in this re

crisis, they were declared and (made) clear-cut. There was no need to unleash predictions in this respect,” His Highness said. Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi YYour Highness, do you feel that Dubai is threatened as a result of the current crisis? We did not at any time feel that the financial crisis is a threat. The worst is over and behind us. Since the eruption of the crisis we did not hear of any state-owned bank or company announcing bankruptcy. None of the economy sectors was snapped. We are currently implementing plans and programs of action to benefit from the lessons of the crisis and ensure the recovery of the negative effects. Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi The recent murders that occurred in Dubai seriously raised the issue of security despite the speed of discovery of the perpetrators of these crimes. How would you respond to the statements that the prevention of the assassination should come first? Of course, prevention is better than cure. To prevent killing is a very valuable act. Often, people hear about the cure procedures, but they do not hear about the actions of prevention. Murders that took place in Dubai in recent months, were fewer than half of one hand’s fingers -- and this is not to minimize the seriousness but just to confirm that it is an exception and the rule is that the UAE, including Dubai, is one of the most secure and stable countries, and this would not happen without having our authorities taking preventive measures of utmost importance. In any case, the crime rate in the UAE, including Dubai, is one of the lowest in the world, and we are working to remain so, and the murder of two known figures will not change the reality. Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi With the brunt of the global financial crisis on Dubai, we noticed the continuation of most of the art, culture, media, sports, and cultural activities, in addition to the enormous financial awards being bestowed by various organizations for business efficiency, among other things. How do you explain this? These activities were scheduled prior to the crisis, and some of them are annual events such as the Dubai World Cup, the Arab Media Forum and Arab Journalism Award. Some new events were launched, such as the World Poetry Festival -- but I don’t know why you are wondering about the continuation of those activities. In fact, it would be a strange thing to cancel them. With regards to the prizes, they remain as were previously announced. Do you suggest in your question that these awards have become a burden to Dubai? If so, I promise we are ina good shape. All our projects under implementation have not ceased, and we are paying our loans and debts on time, and all suppliers and contractors have begun to receive their entitlements. Al Hayat Newspaper - Shafiq Al Asadi Your Highness, the media is focusing currently on the large layoffs from the companies working under the umbrella of Dubai Holding. What is the truth regarding this matter, especially that the issue is going to reach its peak in the coming months? The collapse of the global debt markets has pushed all the big companies worldwide to review their plans, expe nses and strategies and urged them to restructure their managements including the human resources. “Dubai Holding” is not an exception at all. All its companies work on a commercial basis, and it is normal to lay off the HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_024935