Ajman Ruler pays tribute to Sheikh Zayed for UAE’s Union and success

Talking about the Union is one of the closest issues to my heart, since it is connected to the late Sheikh Zayed who left his hallmark and led the march of building, progress and renaissance confidently as a real lover of his people, says Sheikh Humaid in his National Day speech.

The following is the full statement of Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Humaid, to Dira'a Al Watan magazine on the 42nd National Day anniversary:

On the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of UAE National Day, I extend my greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and to our generous people, wishing all progress, welfare and prosperity for our beloved country.

Talking about the Union is one of the closest issues to my heart, since it is connected to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who left his hallmark and led the march of building, progress and renaissance confidently as a real lover of his people.

He made generous efforts, the effect of which will continue permanently. The late Sheikh Zayed conserved the development experience and was keen on promoting it for the benefit of the UAE people and the Arab nation.

The march of development, which witnessed great achievements, is continuing under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and we will continue united.

The previous four decades represent a very prosperous period in the history of the UAE. The country has maintained its progress, cultural and civil horizons with full perfection. Under the umbrella of the Union, our country has witnessed an educational, economic, urban and agricultural renaissance, which meets the needs of the present and the future within an outstanding developmental process. In a way, it put the UAE in the front row among the most civilized countries in the world, as it put sustainable development at the top of its priorities.

Thanks to the far-sighted vision of exploring the future with all its aspirations and ambition, all these issues made the Union an inevitable decision and a target we had to reach. Anyone who can see and assess the situation and thinks of the moral lessons, will appreciate what has been done.

The late Sheikh Zayed said Union is the way of pride and mutual benefit. The fragile beings in this world have no place and these are the lessons of history.

All indicators underline that our country has witnessed high recorded levels of civilization, progress and welfare in all avenues, that has put the nation among the developed countries which have achieved a prosperous economy, balanced development and stable political conditions, strong security, administration, and a productive and developed capacity for organisation.

The UAE has become a role model among the countries of the world and independent surveys and statistics prove this fact. Figures reveal that the UAE is placed first in the Arab World and 18th globally in the Economist Intelligence Unit survey, ‘Where-to-be-born’ index for 2013.

The UAE also ranks 4th globally among the top 10 states in the crime drop rate, notwithstanding the huge number of various nationalities in the country.

We are always looking forward to achieving success and safeguarding our achievements in order to rank in first position. This will come through loyalty to the wise leadership and working tirelessly to preserve the country.

We should preserve our principles, customs and traditions which we have inherited from our forefathers, as well as the cohesion and our highlighting of the value of work and production, so as to continue the march whatever the challenges and obstacles are. Sheikh Khalifa said The UAE competitiveness is the responsibility of every citizen and official.

The UAE has been keen on building the Emirati citizen, since this was one of the most important objectives. The country’s priority is to meet the needs and hopes of every Emirati and provide him with suitable work and an innovative atmosphere, since the citizen is the basis of the building and renaissance process.

The UAE has empowered women, she now occupies top and prestigious posts in all work sectors. She has became a member of the Federal National Council (FNC) whether by elections or appointment. Emirati women hold 22.2 percent of the FNC and this percentage represents the highest among all parliaments across the world. In accordance with the Global Economic Forum, she ranks 1st in gender equality regionally.

The UAE has acquired international respect and admiration thanks to its moderate approach, and stable stances in foreign policy. The country also has occupied the highest positions among international donors of foreign aid, which reaches more than 120 countries. The country has contributed to sheltering the homeless, securing food for underprivileged people and ending disputes, regardless of gender, religion, race or sect.

At the end, we say, if the Union was a highly notable achievement, its continuation is the miracle. Consequently, we call on the coming generations to recall the great sacrifices of the founding fathers, led by the late Sheikh Zayed. They are also asked to work very hard to preserve all the gains and achievements by exerting more effort and production.

On this terrific day, we thank the Almighty Allah for all the blessings.

* Wam