The UAE's path to recovery from the global economic crisis will be shorter than most other nations and early signs of resurgence have already appeared, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said yesterday.

In a wide-ranging response to questions by people living in the UAE and countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UK, Sheikh Mohammed said, "the symptoms of recovery have started to manifest", and the duration of recovery "is expected to be much shorter than that required for other economies".

In his first e-interaction with the people, similar to one he conducted with the media, Sheikh Mohammed covered topics ranging from the UAE's response to the financial meltdown to education, women's empowerment, healthcare, housing, regional politics, government and more.

"The implications of the global financial crisis require that we revise our 2015 plan. The plan is currently under a careful review," he said. "Should we feel that the timelines set for our initiatives need to be adjusted, we will adjust them in order to maintain a reasonable and actionable plan, and ensure the achievement of its objectives."

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised, however, that he expects "a considerable number" of the 2015 objectives to be achieved, "given that the actual achievements during the past years of the 2006-2015 plan have been accomplished ahead of schedule". He added: "Our nation possesses a state-of-the-art legislative framework, our economy is strong, diverse and resourceful. Our financial system is efficient, and our infrastructure is developed to the highest international standards.

"We employ the best and most important of human expertise and qualifications and our business networks are established around the globe. Our accomplishments within the last 10 years would take decades to accomplish by other economies."

Dismissing negative news reports in Western nations as "the price we pay for our great success and for maintaining an open society", Sheikh Mohammed said: "We have self-confidence in the UAE's ability to continue to make economic and social progress."