The following is the full text of the speech of Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah to Dira'a Al Watan magazine on the occasion of the UAE's 42nd National Day:
Forty-two years have passed since the establishment of the Union. Since then, the UAE has become the symbol of pride, progress and development. It has become a developed country.
Love is the greatest blessing gift from Almighty Allah, our religion always teaches us the value of the union and the importance of Union in order to address obstacles of life, attain more achievements and build civilizations. Union consolidates determination, achieves welfare, coordinates efforts, develops knowledge and science and highlights the country’s stature and hoists its flag high.
We will not be able to build our homeland, secure a better life, maintain achievements, boost development or increase wealth without the Union. It also highlights the prestigious stature of the country among nations in the international events.
The march of Union is a story of a people, who chose cooperation and building bridges of brotherhood in order to reach the future with confident steps. This is the legacy of the founder the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan and the Rulers of the Emirates, who hoisted the flag of the Union.
Union was a vision which planted sustainable hope and generosity in all social, cultural, economic and humanitarian avenues. The first goal the prudent leadership focused on is the citizen, who is the target and the core of the building and development process.
Thanks to the wise leadership, its love for its people and the mutual love of the citizens towards their leadership, the march of the union has started and developed steadily.
Now, the UAE is a hub of the international economy and a destination of renaissance, prosperity and overall development. For everyone who seeks happiness, security and safety, the UAE will be the destination for those who thrive for the Arab and Islamic identity, tolerance, social co-existence and the culture of moderation.
The world today is addressing various challenges and risks, but the Almighty Allah has helped the UAE to avoid all such risks, thanks to the smart vision of our wise leadership, which harnessed all the potentials to serve the nation. Emiratis now live in a safe, prosperous and confident country.
The UAE, under the umbrella of the Union, is progressing day after day towards more empowerment into horizons of pioneering, security and innovation. All these achievements come within an overall government strategy, which has put the UAE among the most generous, development funding and charitable countries worldwide.
We should know the secret behind the powerful and moving energy of the march of development and building in the country in order to continue the march and preserve the continuity of achievements.
At the end, we ask the Almighty Allah to rest the soul of the Founder of the Union, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan in eternal paradise, and bless the steps of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.
* Wam