UAE a model Muslim state

US president George W. Bush on Sunday described the UAE as a "model of a Muslim state" and praised the Gulf Arab state's economic, political and societal progress in the key address of his regional tour.

Speaking at the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, Bush highlighted how the UAE had opened its doors to the world economy, encouraged women to contribute to society and begun down the road to democracy with last year's Federal National Council elections.

"You have succeeded in building a prosperous society out of the desert... You have shown the world a model of a Muslim state that is tolerant toward people of other faiths," he said.

"I'm proud to stand in a nation where the people have an opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their families."

Bush said these steps were part of the "advance of freedom and justice".

"In a free and just society, every person is treated with dignity. In a free and just society leaders are accountable to those they govern. And in a free and just society, individuals can rise as far as their talents and hard work will take them," he said.

Bush said the UAE was beginning to respond to the desires of its people.

The president described the Federal National Council elections as "the first part of a larger reform designed to make your government more modern and more representative".

Bush urged other Muslim nations to embrace democracy, which he said would enhance stability and prosperity in the region.

"Across the world, the majority of Muslims live in a free and democratic society - and the people of the Middle East must continue to work for the day where that is also true of the lands that Islam first called home," he said.

The UAE is the third stop on Bush's whirlwind visit to the region. He will fly to Riyadh from Dubai on Monday where he will meet with leading officials including King Abdullah.

Bush’s tour, which includes stops in Israel, Palestine, Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, ends on January 16.

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