Dubai’s glitter and glamour is not gold

In an online interview this year that epitomised the progressive image Dubai has tried to present, Sheikh Mohammed rejected the suggestion he was a ‘Superman’ who ran the freewheeling emirate alone.

Rectify mistakes

“The ‘Superman’ phenomenon you are talking about does not exist in our organisations and institutions,” he told the questioner — before going on to discuss how his poetry and horse-racing fit into his 24-hour-a-day schedule.

Despite its financial troubles, many still regard Dubai as a pioneer among its neighbours.

“There was a lack of transparency, yes, but Dubai did something whose model was full liberalism. They made mistakes and lacked a lot of things but they are in transition,” said Dubai-based Ibrahim Khayat, a Lebanese strategic business analyst. “Singapore has corruption too.”

Martin Hvidt, a Danish Middle East Studies professor who focuses on Gulf economies, said the concentration of power in the hands of Sheikh Mohammed and a few advisors meant Dubai could take quick action to rectify mistakes.

“It’s too early to write Dubai’s obituary,” he said.