AJMAN
National Day is a time for the UAE to renew its vows to unify and continue hard work, the Ruler of Ajman said.
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi recalled the words of Sheikh Zayed, the country’s late Founding Father, when he said: “Unity is the way to strength, honour and power. Division only leads to weakness.”
The unification boosted the country's economy and service to its people because of its stable approach, clear vision and definition of leadership, said Sheikh Humaid, speaking to the military journal Nation Shield.
“The experience of being unified, as witnessed by the UAE 45 years ago, remains a great and unique achievement, as the state was transformed during the past four and a half decades since its founding into a modern, prosperous country on a path towards progress and civilisation, and with great stability and capabilities,” he said.
An open economic philosophy led the UAE to attract investment, while unification led to the forestation of the desert, security, housing, aid for the needy and provision of health care, Sheikh Humaid said.
The country has also become futuristic, he said, with the Mars programme marking a turning point in the country’s development as a leader in space technology.
“After the formation of the Union the UAE has become an ambassador of many values for the first time, reflecting the state’s ambitions,” he said, noting the assignments of ministers of state for tolerance, happiness and youth affairs.
The country’s moderate approach to foreign affairs is based on justice and helping the oppressed. It reflects the love and tolerance that Islam preaches, said Sheikh Humaid.
“Finally, on this great day, we thank God for his blessings and for our prudent leadership, and a people that stands behind its leaders on a path towards justice and doing good,” he said.
Yesterday Sheikh Humaid also inaugurated a Dh5 million memorial to Emirati servicemen to mark Commemoration Day.
RAS AL KHAIMAH
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, paid tribute to the UAE’s leaders for driving the development of the country on the occasion of today’s National Day.
“The unique experience of unifying the nation and the establishment of the UAE Federation 45 years ago remains the most cherished memory in the history of our young nation,” he said.
The top priority of the state, he said, was the dignity, glory and preparation of man, the centre and the safety valve of development, which achieves happiness for its generous people.
“It is the inevitable result of a close relationship between a wise leadership and a people showing the most sublime manifestations of loyalty and sincerity due to their firm belief in firm patriotic values of protecting the assets and gains of the nation,” Sheikh Saud said.
“Today we are celebrating the 45th birthday of our beloved nation under the leadership of my brothers President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.”
Sheikh Saud said a source of pride over the course of the past 45 years had been the tangible successive achievements made by the UAE at regional and global levels, and the overall development at home.
“We firmly believe that all these achievements would have not been possible without our collective commitment to the patriotic firm principles of our solid union, in response to the call of Allah Almighty who says in the Holy Quran, ‘And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah, and be not divided among yourselves’. That is the only option we have, and the only way to achieve security, stability and prosperity as a modern federal state.”
With the country’s leadership “walking in the steps of the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, who instilled the noble human values of sacrifice and generosity in the people as a rule for life and a practical path for nation building, this had spread harmony, love and good citizenship among the young generation,” Sheikh Saud said.
“On this glorious day, it is our duty to remember the late Founding Fathers and Rulers who stood side by side together as one solid whole to strengthen the union and its roots, based on their firm belief that the destiny of the people hinges on the continuity of the state, and cohesion with the wise leadership. The coming generations will reap the fruits of the trees planted by the forefathers and enjoy the success story being told to everybody,” he said.
“Truly, the state has transformed into a global model for sustainable development, a haven for security, safety and social, economic and political stability.”
FUJAIRAH
Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Ruler of Fujairah, called the UAE’s celebration of its 45th anniversary a turning point in the nation’s history.
Sheikh Hamad said the great achievement made by the late Sheikh Zayed had influenced the UAE’s approach of focusing on the development of Emiratis, who were the country’s true asset.
“The legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed and the other Founding Fathers will live on to guide and inspire the UAE’s continuous progress,” he said.
“Today, we complete 45 years of development, stability and security, thanks to the vision of our prudent leaderships. We express pride in the UAE’s lead in all fields. The nation has become a global role model for providing the highest quality of life to citizens and for ensuring further progress and prosperity to future generations.”
The anniversary, Sheikh Hamad said, was engraved in the hearts of all Emiratis. “It is the day that gives us the power and determination and lights our way as we march confidently to the future.
“We are inspired by the values and principles laid by the founders of the union.”
He said that current crises in the region had strengthened the resolve among the people of the UAE to protect their union from any dangers.
“This requires us to double efforts to safeguard our achievements and to always work for the better. We are confident that the people of the UAE are capable of maintaining the progress and of keeping the legacy of pride, glory and dignity, left by our Founding Fathers.
Today, he said, “is a day of joy for UAE citizens and residents. It is a time where they can express their love and allegiance to the UAE”.
He concluded by extending his greetings to President Sheikh Khalifa and praying to Allah to reward the late Sheikh Zayed with Paradise.
SHARJAH
Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, said that life required everyone to act responsibly towards himself and his country.
Speaking on the occasion of National Day, Sheikh Sultan congratulated President Sheikh Khalifa and the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates and the people of the UAE.
“I want every Emirati citizen to keep this date in his heart and mind, so that what we started hand in hand with the previous generations will be a role model for each coming generation,” he said. “It is altruism, it is patriotism, it is fidelity to the homeland, it is the responsibility and conscious vision of the future.”
He said the variables and developments of life “required everyone to act responsibly towards himself and his country, and to expedite working on developing his skills and abilities, respecting others’ abilities to be able to learn and benefit from them and boost our abilities to face the challenges of life. Let us keep the bright spotlight of our consciences shining towards our homeland, never to fade.
“Let us consider what is going on in the world. What we live today, all around us, is a lesson from life and history that we cannot afford to miss. Illustrating that awareness, that enlightenment and the realisation of the true nature of mind, your authentic love for your homeland is what will guide you at every step towards a better future for yourself, your family, big or small, your beloved homeland, that offered you all the love, generosity and devotion; and today it’s your generation’s turn.”
He concluded by saying: “God bless our people and our country and may its gleams of sunshine be bright and as long as life itself.”
UMM AL QUWAIN
Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, said that as the UAE reached its 45th anniversary, the country’s union continued to strengthen daily, with outstanding achievements evident in many fields.
In a speech published in Nation Shield magazine on the occasion, Sheikh Saud said that under the leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa the UAE had adopted exceptional and ambitious development programmes to aid the progress of the nation.
“On multiple occasions, our people have expressed loyalty and made sacrifices while taking part in Operation Decisive Storm, as our martyrs expressed loyalty through their sacrifices for the homeland.
“Emiratis have proven their willingness to defend their country with strength and heroism, pride and loyalty.”
Since the early years of the union, he said the UAE had made huge achievements in record time in various fields through ambitious strategies in accordance with the latest international standards for the benefit of Emiratis as part of a comprehensive development programme.
Sheikh Saud stressed that the UAE citizens proved their ability and responsibility to achieve thanks to their qualifications, skills and determination.
He said that the Government, led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, had introduced new strategies and made creative initiatives, including the appointment of young and ambitious leaders as Cabinet members.
The initiatives aimed to develop the community and prepare educated and qualified generations that would enable the country to maintain its top rankings globally.
He said that preparing highly educated human resources that were on a par with the ambitious programmes of the leadership contributed to establishing a modern state and achieve happiness for its citizens.
Sheikh Saud referred to the modernisation of the Armed Forces to the latest international standards, in line with the national and strategic objectives.
“Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has notably contributed to upgrading the Armed Forces’ operational capabilities and readiness to become a key regional player in defending the country’s achievements,” he said. Sheikh Saud reiterated: “On this occasion, we are happy to express our absolute pride in the UAE Armed Forces and express our respect and appreciation for the sacrifices made by the martyrs of the nation.
“We hail the high spirit demonstrated by the families of martyrs and their loyalty to their leadership and the homeland. We pray to Allah the Almighty to rest their souls in Paradise,” he said.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
* Additional reporting by Wam