Gathering Storm

8 www.digitaldaya.com Hariri’s political party also maintains an active website at Future Movement. It should be noted that these leaders recognize that political legitimacy is the foundation of a stable government and as a consequence a growing gross national product (GNP) – the total output of a nation in the delivery of goods and services. This recognition of the importance of a stable governmentamongthecominggenerationofMiddle East leaders bodes well for the national economies of the region. Currently highly dependent on oil and gas revenues, we can anticipate an economic diversification in oil-dependent nations as the countries move to establish a knowledge economy, similar to the West, instituted on a world-class university system and enterprise grade, 21st century businesses working and thriving in every sector of the economy, from computer coding to innovative Islamic financial services companies. A more progressive Middle East holds great promise. ENGAGINGTHE POPULATION - HH SHEIKH MOHAMMED,RULER OF DUBAI Many other progressive leaders, either in place or soon to assume leadership roles,are active on the web. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice-president of the United Arab Emirates, is given much credit for turning Dubai into the financial and business capital of the Middle East – the place whereWestern and Eastern businesspeople, entrepreneurs and established companies in broad-based industries – meet in the spirit of common goals. This has made Dubai one of the most important centers of commerce in the Middle East, creating wealth and prosperity across the complete population spectrum.Dubai is a thriving,destination city in which businesses from around the world establish headquarters in the region,employing and expanding the middle class. The popular ruler of Dubai actively employs special media to engage the people of the United Arab Emirates. No longer a distant, remote figure, the Ruler of Dubai maintains his own page on Facebook, one of the most popular social media experiments currently underway on the world wide web. You can follow the Sheik’s posts on your computer.His Facebook pages is:http://www. facebook.com/HHSheikhMohammed.He currently has over 150,000 followers on Facebook and the leader’s profile page provides open access to the Sheik’s biographical data presented in terms that people understand and,therefore,appreciate. Sheik Mohammed serves as another excellent example of how the web is an important tool of communication, interaction and personalization of leaders.Those who follow the Premier’s posts recognize the humanity behind the position, the man behind the title, creating an accessible, engaged,contemporary and pro-active approach to government and connectivity with the public. In all of these cases, the web is being put to mutually beneficial use. The public develops a personal relationship with leadership. Government leaders create an informed, engaged population – stakeholders in the country’s growth and success.Mohammed bin RashidAl Maktoum, Prime Minister andVice-president of the UnitedArab Emirates,is given much credit for turning Dubai into the financial and business capital of the Middle East Facebook: A Platform for 21st Century Politics Winning Hearts and Minds on the World Wide Web