DUBAI - THE ruler of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday rumours he had been ill were part of a 'psychological war' against the Gulf emirate and accused Western media of targeting its achievements.

Responding to reporters' questions, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum said on his website he was in excellent health and had taken part in endurance horse races over the past few months, one of which was 120 km long.

'The rumours about me are part of what resembles a psychological war against Dubai over the past months ... I am well, praise God, and my health is in the best form,' said Mr Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the prime minister and vice president of the UAE.

He said some Western media outlets 'connected to international business circles have adopted an intentional method that targeted the ... the Dubai development model.' Dubai, one of seven emirates that make up the UAE federation, is a regional trade and tourism hub.

Dubai's decision to allow foreign investment in property in 2002 kicked off a regional property boom, but it has since suffered due to the global financial crisis. -- REUTERS