UAE will remember its martyrs forever: Mohamed

On the occasion of the 44th National Day of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has issued a statement to Dira'a Al Watan, (The Nation's Shield) magazine.

Below is the statement in full.
 
"Dear brothers and sisters,
 
“Today we celebrate an important anniversary cherished by Emiratis and Arabs: the 44th anniversary of the UAE National Day. On a day like this in 1971, the dawn of the Union appeared and our nation embarked on its confident and victorious journey towards progress and development. Our nation’s ambitions have become a reality, thanks to our wise leadership and the unity of our people, a reality embodied in the UAE Vision 2021, which aims to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world by its 50th anniversary. 
 
“As we celebrate National Day each year, we remember with respect and gratitude our founding fathers, led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, who resolved to unite and overcome all obstacles and challenges. They were dedicated to building a united and strong nation that provides its people with security, peace and stability, without succumbing to a search for individual glory or to empty slogans and ideologies. They built the UAE on solid ground materially, but also socially and culturally.
 
“The road to building the Union was not an easy or smooth one, but was fraught with obstacles and challenges that our ancestors faced with determination, dedication and faith. They succeeded in building a united, strong nation that we should be proud of but that still requires effort and solidarity to protect and preserve its gains and defend it against threats. In protecting our union, we find inspiration in our founding fathers’ absolute faith that a united people that follows its leadership will be resilient to threats and no challenge can prevent it from having a bright future. Our ancestors faced difficult circumstances to realise the dream of union and instill its ideals in the minds of Emiratis. Therefore, we all have a responsibility to work together, each in our own fields, to continue to make our nation unique and prosperous and to preserve it as a symbol of unity. The important lesson we learn from the past decades of our beloved union is that our unity is the source of our strength, and that all we have achieved as a secure and stable country amidst a turbulent region is because we were one people, united with its leadership.
 
 “On the 44th anniversary of the founding of the UAE, we pay homage to our blessed martyrs who have sacrificed their lives in battles of duty and honour throughout UAE history, including our intrepid martyrs in Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen. We remember their heroism and sacrifice. We pay tribute as well to the families of martyrs who raised their sons to love their country enough to sacrifice their own lives for it. We reaffirm that the UAE will never forget its martyrs and that their names will forever be engraved in the minds and hearts of our nation.
 
“The determination of our leadership to honour our martyrs and provide full care for their families, on all levels, confirms the commitment of our nation towards its children who have sacrificed their lives for it.
 
“The UAE will continue to advocate just and legitimate causes, including those of the Yemeni people and their right to live in peace, stability and dignity, free from the conspiracies and aggressive practices of coup militias and those who support them. It will also continue to support its Arab brothers and provide them with all possible help, and protect Arab security against internal and external threats. On this basis, the UAE took part in the Arab Coalition led by the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to restore legitimacy in Yemen and liberate it from rebels serving their own agenda.
 
 “The UAE, under the leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the assistance of his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and their brothers the Rulers of the Emirates, continues to progress with the welfare, security and development of Emiratis as the utmost priority in all development plans and programmes, present and future. Every year, Emiratis celebrate their National Day on the 2nd of December recognising the great development achievements that the nation has realised in the previous year and what it aspires to achieve in the next year. Our comprehensive development vision aspires to a leading position, concerns itself with the future as it does with the present, competes with full confidence based on proper planning and knowledge, and views our Emirati workforce as the most important national asset to be developed, cultivated and invested in.
 
On this special occasion, I address the younger generation, our greatest hope and resource in this blessed quest. Dear sons and daughters, the treasure of the nation, you will receive a great, precious country, with outstanding achievements upon which to build. You will shoulder the responsibility of taking it ahead towards new horizons of development and progress. The competitive challenges of the future are many but we are totally confident that you will be worthy of the responsibility with which you are entrusted. We have faith in your abilities in every domain. Be armed with faith, knowledge, skills and expertise and be loyal and dedicated, for it is to you that we will hand over the flag to continue the march of achievement and glory. 
 
  Despite a recent decline in oil prices, our development plans and future aspirations have not been affected. This is because we had realised at an early stage the danger of relying too heavily on oil as a source of income and have worked hard to build a more knowledge-based, diversified economy that can deliver sustainable development even in times of fluctuating oil prices or production.

Therefore, we have focused on industrial development, tourism, renewable energy, space and nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in addition to development projects that have provided our national economy with additional sources of income. At the Government Summit of 2015, I said that ‘In fifty years’ time, we will celebrate the last barrel of oil’. I wanted to emphasise that oil was an exhaustible resource, and therefore we should lay down our future development plans based on this premise. The recent decline in oil prices reinforces the importance of economic diversification and the building of an economy that is based on knowledge and innovation, in order to achieve sustainable development for current and future generations.
 
 “The Federal National Council’s 2015 Elections demonstrated fair competition in the interest of the nation, among candidates from all seven emirates. The engagement of citizens, male and female, and their awareness of its importance, confirms the approach of the UAE to a political process based on the principles of gradual development and consideration of the distinctive cultural nature of UAE society. Such a gradual approach preserves balance in society and guarantees that we achieve every step towards our goal of serving the nation and its citizens. In this way, every change is not an end in itself but a means to ensure that the interests of people and their wellbeing are met, by considering the cultural nature of UAE society, since every society has its own distinctive nature and what is good for one at a particular time may not necessarily be right for another.
 
“We in the UAE are keen to increase popular participation and to strengthen the role of the Federal National Council, based on our belief that the FNC has a major role to perform with national awareness and responsibility. Through this role, the FNC joins the government in making national development projects a success within the framework of the empowerment programme launched by the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2005. The UAE’s evolving parliamentary process has been successful thanks to the cooperation and understanding of its participants, because the ultimate goal of every one is to serve the nation, away from any individual or factional goals or ideologies. I have full confidence that, given the deep national sense and the outstanding expertise of FNC members, the Council will be able to serve the UAE and its people on domestic and external levels, to bolster the Union’s work and deepen national solidarity in cooperation with other government organisations. I am also confident that the UAE will continue to be a positive, distinguished model of constructive cooperation between the FNC and other parts of the government.
 
“Through a clear vision, perseverance and dedicated work, we aspire to reinforce national achievements and gains and make the UAE an Arab and international success story. We aim to promote the role of institutions built on authentic values that stem from Islam and our traditions, on the values of justice, equality and loyalty, so as to allow everyone to participate in building and serving the nation. We aim to promote such values, to make them a beacon for the achievements of the UAE in a changing, volatile world.
 
“The scourge of terrorism has plagued the world, threatening the security of countries and societies. Recent terrorist attacks targeting civilians have reaffirmed the need for effective, concerted international efforts to face the forces and groups who practice, support or justify terror under the guise of Islam, despite their actions being contrary to its tolerant and human teachings that call for peace, cooperation and coexistence among mankind.
 
“The war against terrorist groups of all types is a war against attempts to destroy human civilisation and its gains, and in such a war there is no choice but to prevail.
 
“Within this context, the UAE firmly counters all forces of violence, extremism and terror using a threefold strategy. The first element in this strategy is promoting the values of tolerance, moderation and the acceptance of others as opposed to extremist, radical or immoderate ideologies, which terrorist forces seek to implant in the minds of young people around the world. The UAE has launched many pioneering initiatives in this regard that have earned the respect of the world.

The second element in the strategy against terrorism is making effective efforts to achieve sustainable development in poorer regions around the world, because extremist groups thrive in poor and distressed regions and exploit the difficult living conditions of people to recruit and brainwash them. That is one reason why the UAE has been at the forefront of foreign development aid and topped the world’s foreign development aid list in 2014, in relation to its GDP, according to the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee. The third element is strong and effective involvement in any international effort to curb the expansion of terrorist groups and their attempts to control countries and societies by the force of terrorism. In this context, the UAE joined the global anti-Daesh alliance and is keen to liaise and cooperate with different countries regionally and internationally to build counter-terrorism strategies.
 
 “Throughout its history, the UAE has been a promoter of peace and a symbol of development and tolerance among people, cultures and civilisations. That is why it views extremism and violence as the biggest threat to the security and stability of societies, not only where they originate but across the world. Terrorist threats have an international dimension, and no society can consider itself immune from them. The UAE maintains that terrorism cannot be restricted to a certain people, religion or culture, necessitating an international effort to combat it.
 
“The Arab region and the Middle East are facing difficult, turbulent times, including civil wars, terror threats, foreign intervention in the domestic affairs of other countries, in addition to changes in the region and the policies of other powers towards it. We in the UAE believe that our national security is part of Arab security and that building a strong Arab front to deal with the region’s variables and transformations is the only way to protect Arab interests and immunise the region against foreign intervention. From this perspective, we have been keen to fully cooperate and liaise with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and other Arab countries, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt, in order to reinforce Arab capability for preserving national security in a region facing significant transformations and multiple threats.
 
“In view of the different political, economic and cultural transformations that can occur, with their direct influence on all countries and societies, the UAE adheres to the principles that have governed its foreign policy and international relations since its inception. These principles have earned the UAE respect, appreciation and acceptance, both at home and abroad. Amongst these principles, the most important are mutual respect, reciprocity, rejection of foreign intervention in domestic affairs, solving disputes and problems in peaceful ways and promoting international cooperation to deal with global challenges that threaten the future of humanity, most significantly the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, climate change, epidemics, poverty, extremism and terrorism. In this context, the UAE chooses to take a multifaceted international approach, cooperating with all countries and building effective foreign relations based on equality, reinforcing its status and influence regionally and internationally, and reflecting positively on development projects at home.
 
 “On this special national occasion, I congratulate the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brothers, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates. I also congratulate my fellow citizens on the anniversary of UAE National Day, wishing our beloved nation further progress, prosperity and glory.
 
“Peace be upon you all."

7 Emirates have one heart, one vision: Sharjah Ruler

On the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the establishment of the UAE Union, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has conveyed his congratulations to the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the UAE, and its loyal people.

In an address on the occasion provided to the Nation Shield magazine, Dr. Sheikh Sultan said that National Day is unlike any other day, as it has set the foundations for all other days that followed, the foundations for every success and every achievement, and has served as a source of joy and pride for our country through the times, and will be a continuous source of happiness for us all.

"Today, we remember our great siblings, those who have passed away but whose impact still resonates, and our country, which is kept united with our hearts and minds, creating seven emirates with one heart and one vision, and a nation that is full of promises and aspirations to mark its distinctive position in the world.

“We became united with one voice, and we are still held to a promise as long as we still live; that is to bring pride, honour and glory to our country, and provide a dignified and happy life for our beloved people who have remained loyal to this country, who are today laying down their lives in order to raise the flag of the nation high amongst others. What we aspire to for our country is greatness, and what our citizens offer to their nation is a source of great pride for us all.

“The dreams and ambitions of this country have no limits, and its pursuit to fulfill its dreams and ambitions will never cease.

“Difficult times are being experienced in the world and in Arab nations, and perhaps it is difficult for many to overcome the troubles and the fears of their repercussions and implications which can bring down the confidence of many souls.

“However, a careful re-examination of history assures us that the major challenges experienced by people is what launches their underlying strength. It is through honest work, a strong, sincere leadership, and a triumph of wisdom and reason, that we can find our feet, face difficulties, overcome our fears and concerns, and create hope to achieve a better future for our Arab nation.

“Our dream for our country, to achieve strength, pride and elevation, is the essence of what inspires our union. What the union has achieved in altruistic benefits to the nation, and its sons and daughters, will always be the source of renewed inspiration for our great people and their devotion to their country and its leadership.

44 years of building union’s pillars: Fujairah Ruler

His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, made a statement to The Nation Shield magazine on the occasion of the UAE's 44th National Day.

The following is the statement in full:

"Forty-four years have passed since the establishment of our beloved nation on land where our country's roots extend for thousands of years, and these 44 years of working and building the pillars of the union, based on the solid foundation of human beings, and the visions of the founding fathers; those who believed in the nation and its unity and made their visions and dreams come true by enabling the nation to lead the world today in many fields of innovation and development.

“Recently, our country witnessed the participation of our Armed Forces within the Saudi-led Arab coalition to restore hope in Yemen, in which our sons proved, to the whole world, the greatness of our country, where our sons' sacrifices demonstrate an example of loyalty. They became martyrs to the right and the noble idea, they are a clear example of our country's unity and faith in our homeland. We pray to Allah Almighty to rest their souls in eternal peace.

“Our brave sons the martyrs and the first batch of the Armed Forces who returned from Yemen, those who are still completing the work their fellow soldiers began in the Saudi led Arab coalition, they all performed, and are still performing their duties to the fullest, all of them have defended right and raised the UAE flag in the skies of pride and glory. We appreciate their sacrifices in civil, military and humanitarian fields.

“Every year on December 2, we remember this great day in our history, we remember the achievements made by our founding leaders, may Allah have mercy upon their souls, and we are working very hard to maintain this unique legacy for a country that built itself to be among the world's most developed countries with the help of Allah and the visions of the great nation builders. It is a day that will always remain in the hearts and minds of UAE citizens. It is also a day to renew our covenant and reaffirm our loyalty.

“On the occasion of the 44th National Day, I extend my sincere congratulations and blessings to the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to the loyal people of the UAE and our sons, the Armed Forces members.

“Today we realise that we don’t live in isolation from the world; the changes and the development witnessed in the country require us to constantly adopt strategies to promote and enhance stability and to maintain regional and international peace and security and to unify the visions and efforts to meet the challenges threatening the country's security and stability. The recent past incidents reflect an image of cooperation between countries in the region who address the risks.

“We build our country on the pillars of knowledge and goodness, as our founding fathers laid its foundation, and today, our wise leadership puts great importance on encouraging the spirit of innovation, and creating an environment that promotes research and exploration to keep pace with the rapid evolution of the world. The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan exemplified this importance by proclaiming 2015 as the year of innovation, in support of the federal government, to intensify the excellent research efforts and to promote the efforts of building distinguished national cadres. We are continuing the march of progress and prosperity with the help of Allah as we raise the Union flag high to strengthen its pillars with continues achievements, empowerment of our citizen, and by providing a decent living.

“In conclusion, I ask Allah Almighty to have mercy on the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to sustain our security and stability, to protect our sons in the Armed Forces and to bless our homeland with pride and stamina under the wise leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan."

UAE’s achievements in 44 years huge: RAK Ruler

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has congratulated the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates,  and the UAE people, on the 44th National Day anniversary.

In his statement to the Nation Shield magazine on the occasion, the RAK Ruler stressed the huge achievements scored by the UAE over the last 44 years. He said that those achievements catapulted the UAE to top rankings at both regional and international levels.

Here is the full text of the speech:

"Today, we celebrate an anniversary that is very dear to our hearts. It represents a landmark in the history of this beloved country, which set the most successful modern federal example that is referred to as one of the world's fastest growing economies in terms of human resources. The UAE seeks to further develop human resources, safeguard security, and stability and to achieve welfare for its loyal people imbued with national principles and allegiance to the leadership.

“The achievements attained by the UAE over the last 44 years strike us with awe and admiration in the light of the ranking of the UAE at regional and international levels. We have been committed to our national and Arab identity, as well as the Union's principles out of sheer belief that the Union is our destiny. There is no better way to safeguard our security and prosperity than through our federal state, led by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, to tackle challenges and difficulties to preserve our national gains.

“As we mark the 44th anniversary of the establishment of the UAE Union, we remember the founder of the Union, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed's legacy still looms large as a witness to the establishment of a federal and modern country. He implanted love for the nation in us all and harnessed the national wealth for building the prosperous state. He also extended his hand to assist Arab brothers and disadvantaged peoples worldwide.

“We also remember the sacrifices of the founding fathers, the late Rulers of the Emirates, who shared the vision of Sheikh Zayed that the Union is the destiny of the people of the UAE. It is the success story of the people who believe in unity, fraternity and cohesion, making the country a world model for comprehensive sustainable development.  

“On this occasion, we renew our loyalty to the symbols of our unity and leaders of the development process, the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who follow the legacy of the founding fathers and contribute with their sharp vision and wise leadership to establish factors of national values as well as harnessing the country's assets and gains for the benefit of the homeland and UAE citizens, within a prudent policy that puts Emiratis as the foundation of development and loyalty.

“Fellow countrymen,

The sacrifices of Emiratis reflect their pride in national, Arab and Islamic values. The victories of our armed forces in Yemen translate the strong will and determination of the people of the UAE to keep the UAE's flag flying high and protect the country's security and stability. 

“Finally, I congratulate the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and wish him good healthHis Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,  and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, and the people of the UAE, on the occasion of the celebrations of the UAE's 44th National Day anniversary, praying to Almighty Allah to grant the nation permanent security, stability, progress and welfare under the wise leadership."

We remember founding leaders with pride: UAQ Ruler

On the occasion of the UAE's 44th National Day, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, gave a statement to the Nation Shield Magazine.

Following is the speech in full:

''Under the leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE government and people are celebrating the UAE's 44th National Day anniversary. On this occasion, we remember with pride our founding leaders and, above them, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the founder fathers.

“Today, while celebrating this glorious occasion, we remember the establishment of the Union, which has become a strong structure, supported by the national cohesion of our wise leadership. It is also backed by our potentials and human, economic and social capabilities.

“Our prudent leadership has given priority to developing UAE citizens' capabilities and deemed this a pivotal point in development programmes.

“The UAE Government, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has worked to achieve the wise leadership's vision to set long-term strategies and policies aimed at developing national human resources, based on the fact that human resources are the corner stone of development. This is the strategic objective adopted by all government initiatives.

“The government has prepared programmes based on self-capacity building, benefiting from international experiences, by giving attention to sciences, technology and scientific research, creating motivating factors to support the economy, qualifying human resources and developing institutions' performance to achieve a promising future for the coming generation. It also aims to occupy international and advanced ranking and create partnerships between government and private sector globally and locally.

“We are proud to praise the role played by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and his efforts aimed at enhancing national integrity and defending the nation's gains as well as developing our UAE Armed Forces, which achieve victories in the battlefields. Our martyrs have presented a role model in the field of loyalty and sacrifice. Families of martyrs have become a perfect symbol of the loyalty and preparations for sacrifice of which we all feel proud.

“We greet our brave martyrs, we bestow glory on them and eternal commemoration for them, as well as express our pride in their families for their sacrifices .

“At the end, I would like to extend greetings to the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,  His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, the UAE people and expatriate residents on this glorious occasion.

UAE marching to glory year after year: Ajman Ruler

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has said that the UAE is keen to harness all its capabilities and resources to strengthen the role of the armed forces and other security agencies to protect the UAE's achievements and preserve its gains. The UAE's Armed Forces responded to the call of duty in peace and war, hands holding a weapon, building and constructing, which embodied the truly high status reached by our armed forces.

Sheikh Humaid told the Nation Shield journal on the 44th anniversary of the National Day of the UAE, that since the establishment of the Union, the UAE's leaders realised the importance of building the human being to develop the nation and make every possible effort to promote its stature to benefit from its wealth. The UAE have sought to provide a decent life for its citizens, along with housing, schools and modern hospitals, and other social and cultural services.

The following is the Ruler's full speech on the occasion:

"I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and most sincere wishes of health, wellness and happiness to the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and to his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and to their brothers, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and the honourable people of the UAE, praying to Allah Almighty to remember this glorious occasion while our country enjoys stability, security and prosperity.

"December 2 of each year is a blessed occasion where we recall the generous nature that established the federation of seven emirates as one nation, united with hope and one common goal, and we restore the memory of the Union march's history which was made by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who called his brothers, the Rulers of the other emirates, to unite in one state and a common destiny, who in turn agreed on the establishment of the blessed union, where hearts were united, announcing the birth of a strong and stable state, the UAE.

“On the UAE's National Day, hopes and wishes unite with glory, and recall our founding fathers who made outstanding efforts to build a blessed nation of which we all are proud, generation after generation, and Emirati National Day is a call for Emirati youth to complete the march of the Union and raise the UAE flag high with dedication and hard work.

“Since the establishment of the Union, leaders realised the importance of building human resources to develop the nation and make every possible effort to promote its stature to benefit from its wealth. The UAE has sought to provide decent life requirements for its citizens, housing, schools and modern hospitals, and other social and cultural services, so that our dear people live in an environment suitable for work and creativity.

“The achievements that have been accomplished so far at all local, regional and global levels are the best proof and witness to the fair approach and clarity of goals in all economic, social and cultural fields, and as a result of this, the UAE has become a strong and prosperous nation at all levels, turning the desert into a great human civilisation.

“Our blessed nation is keen to harness all its capabilities and resources to strengthen the role of the armed forces and other security agencies to protect the UAE's achievements and preserve its gains. The UAE's Armed Forces responded to the call of duty in peace and in war, hands holding a weapon, building and constructing, which embodied the truly high status reached by our armed forces.

“The UAE has contributed to providing assistance and meeting the call of the GCC on the basis of the principles of sincere brotherhood and united destiny, adding that out of the belief in the great value of human, Allah Almighty orders us to help and support those in need, anywhere, without distinction between race, colour, religion or doctrine, and this is the basis upon which our young country was established.

“On National Day, we do not forget those who sacrificed their lives to ensure that the UAE flag remains flying high with glory, and to achieve victory for their religion and support their brothers. In this context, we recall the immortal heroism of our martyrs who participated in Operation Decisive Storm in Yemen, which proved to the world that the sons of Zayed help those in need everywhere.

“We will forever remember the martyrs in whose actions of distinction we find pride, commending the patience and willpower of the martyrs’ families who, with their patience and faith in Allah Almighty, have embodied the strength of social ties and national solidarity among our society on the one hand, and between the people and the leadership on the other. We ask Allah to bestow mercy on our martyrs and to protect the UAE and its people from any harm.

“Year after year, the UAE is proceeding with its blessed march to build its glory and civilisation, while it is pursuing the principle of openness to the world, while upholding the principles of true religion, Arab values, and unique cultural identity, and we call upon the people of the UAE, residents and visitors, to feel and join the spirit of the Union and to work together and make every possible effort for the reconstruction of the land of the UAE, to meet the challenges, and fight against the temptations which destroy homelands and differentiate between brothers."

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.