New York state declares December 2 Emirati Day

Abdalla Shaheen, consul general of the UAE in New York, with New York state senator Kevin Thomas. Kevin Thomas's Instagram

New York state has named December 2, 2021, Emirati Day in recognition of the country's golden jubilee.

Dubai-born New York state senator Kevin Thomas put forward the resolution in a televised speech in the state senate.

He said that in areas such as business and trade as well as fashion and education, New York has strong ties with the Emirates.

Adopted on June 2, Senate Resolution No 980 stated that "this legislative body declares December 2, 2021, as Emirati Day in New York state."

New York City is among the most popular places for Emiratis to go to university and one of the top five US states for exports to the UAE.

Mr Thomas's Indian family moved from Dubai to New York in 1995 when he was 10.

In a video from the state senate in Albany, he said he was "honoured to stand and introduce this legislative resolution".

“Their National Day, which is celebrated on December 2 each year, commemorates the founding of the UAE.

"But this year, it's a very different type of celebration because the country will be celebrating its 50th.

"President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan proclaimed 2021 as the 50th year, which represents a defining moment in the country’s history.”

He later met Abdalla Shaheen, consul general of the UAE in New York, who thanked him for the move.

Mr Shaheen said the Emirates was honoured by the announcement.

"This December, the UAE will not only celebrate its 50th anniversary – we will also celebrate 50 years of friendship with the state of New York," he wrote on Instagram.

"Strong business and trade ties, coupled with a range of partnerships through the arts, sport and education, are the foundation of this close relationship.

"I thank Senator Thomas for introducing a resolution commemorating the UAE’s 50th anniversary in New York state, which reflects our shared understanding that the friendship between the UAE and New York is set to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead."