[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
[January 14, 2008]
[Pages 80-81]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks Prior to a Discussion With Young Arab Leaders in Dubai, United 
Arab Emirates
January 14, 2008

    President Bush. Thank you, sir. I'm proud to be with you. Your Highness, thank you 
very much. I appreciate you picking this particular location, because it 
is a fantastic view of your--of Dubai.
    First of all, just a couple of impressions: I'm most impressed with 
what I've seen here. The entrepreneurial spirit is strong and, equally 
importantly, the desire to make sure that all aspects of society are--

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have hope and encouragement. And I appreciate your leadership, Your 
Highness.
    And I want to thank you, sir, for having me. I'm looking forward to talking to the 
young leaders from around the region. I am going to answer your 
questions. And I also want you to understand something about America: 
that we respect you, we respect your religion, and we want to work 
together for the sake of freedom and peace.
    And I thank--I'm particularly pleased to know that you have set up 
interchanges with some of the young in my country. You'll find them to 
be compassionate, decent people who share the same goals and dreams. And 
so I want to thank you for coming.
    Your Highness, I'm so 
honored by your hospitality.
    Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktum. Thank you, sir. It is our pleasure to have 
you.
    President Bush. Thank you, sir.

Note: The President spoke at 1:22 p.m. at the Burj Al Arab Hotel.