Interviews with His Highness - 17 October, 2007

CBS interviews Mohammed

Sheikh Mohammed said that his ambition is for Dubai to be number one in the world in terms of education, healthcare and housing. His dream is to create a modern, efficient and tolerant Arab city.

Sheikh Mohammed accompanied Kroft on a tour of Dubai.

When asked why he wants Dubai to be the biggest and tallest, Sheikh Mohammed replied, "Why not? If you can have it in New York, why can't we have it here?"

Sheikh Mohammed explained that Dubai is being developed so quickly because he wants his people to enjoy a higher standard of living now, not in 20 years time.

With regards to offshore developments such as the Palm, Kroft remarked that most people would listen if a business consultant told them, "This is a terrible idea. It's not gonna work."

"Most people, yes, but not us," Sheikh Mohammed said.

When Kroft asked the Sheikh if it was accurate to describe him, as people have, as the chief executive officer of a huge business enterprise, Sheikh Mohammed replied, "Actually, yes. I change the way of government to make it like a big company."

Sheikh Mohammed commented that the government is promoting opportunities for women and leadership skills.

Two years ago, President Bush approved a deal for one of the sheikh's companies, Dubai Ports World, to take over the operation of 6 US ports. After opposition from Congress, Sheikh Mohammed decided to cut his losses and sell.

When Kroft asked how Sheikh Mohammed felt about the controversy, Sheikh Mohammed said, "I leave that to you."

Asked if he was disappointed, the sheikh said, "As I say, I don't want to disturb our relationship."

"You didn't wanna make a big deal out of it," Kroft remarked.

"Exactly," Sheikh Mohammed agreed.

When asked what he likes about the US, Sheikh Mohammed replied that he likes everything except US foreign policy. When asked to be more specific, he said, "No I'll leave it vague... I think the American people will know what I mean."

"You had conversations, and consultations with the United States before the Iraq war," Kroft said.

"Yes. Yes. We gave the best advice we can to our friends. But, as you know, they don't always listen," the sheikh said, acknowledging that he was against the war.

When asked about his hobbies, the Sheikh replied that horseriding was in his blood.