Dubai ambitions undeterred by crisis; worst over - ruler

DUBAI Nov 9 (Reuters) - The global financial crisis has not hampered Dubai's ambitions, its ruler said on Monday, adding the Gulf emirate had passed the worst of the economic downturn.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who is also prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, said he had full confidence in the Dubai's ability to act in the global market. "The worst is over and Dubai is now well-placed," he said in a speech to investors. "The global economic crisis, despite its impact, will not deter Dubai's ambitions."

Dubai's economy has been hit hard as the global credit crunch and a steep decline in crude prices ended a six-year boom in the region and sent the emirate's property sector into decline.

Sheikh Mohammed added that real estate was not the only driver of Dubai's economy.

(Reporting by John Irish and Rania Oteify; Writing by Amran Abocar, Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)