Dubai: Political tensions in the region are a challenge for Dubai's businesses to embrace, not shy away from, according to High Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Speaking with CNN correspondent John Defterios in a rare interview, Shaikh Mohammad was asked if he was concerned about political uncertainty in the Middle East hurting Dubai's business.
The ruler of Dubai added that the emirate would continue "to fly" despite slower growth and low oil prices.
"Always our planes are full," Shaikh Mohammad added.
Finally, Shaikh Mohammad had a message for any airline that intended to replicate the model that Dubai has established with Emirates: They were "welcome" to, he said with a laugh.