Shaikh Mohammad conducts surprise inspection of government offices

Footage of Vice-President’s morning visit to Dubai offices goes viral on social media

Dubai: Sunday probably wasn’t the best day for some Dubai government workers to be a tad late reporting for work.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sunday went on surprise visits to some local government departments.

Morning visits to government offices are part of a long tradition by Shaikh Mohammad who is well known for his early-morning excursions to see firsthand how these departments are doing and ensure government services are up to Dubai’s globally-admired standards.

In a video tweeted by Dubai Media Office, Shaikh Mohammad was the only person seen in offices of a workplace which had his framed portrait hanging on the wall behind a glass-topped desk.

In its tweet, Dubai Media Office said the inspections began at 7.30am.

Sources said Shaikh Mohammad visited the Dubai Economic Department (DED), Dubai Land Department, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Airport.

“He certainly wanted to send a message,’’ Mona Al Merri, director-general of Dubai Media Office, was quoted by Bloomberg as saying. “Timeliness starts at the top and we won’t go after employees when their bosses aren’t there.’’

The footage of the Vice-President visiting those offices went instantly viral on social media.