By reelecting Shaikh Khalifa as President for another five years and renewing their confidence in his leadership, all the emirates have recommitted themselves to the progressive vision that the nation has been pursuing since its inception in 1971. By coming together to give birth to a new country and running it successfully and smoothly all these years, the seven emirates have created a unique model that is a source of inspiration to the 
region and the world.

The late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Father of the Nation and first president of the UAE, and the late Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the first prime minister, had been true visionaries. They have left behind a formidable legacy that continues to guide the present leadership. Shaikh Khalifa has not just followed in the footsteps of his great father but he has strived to improve on what he inherited from his predecessor. In his own words, Shaikh Khalifa learned the “need for patience and prudence in all things” 
from  his father.

Over the course of the last five years, Shaikh Khalifa has continued to demonstrate, both at home and in terms of the country’s external relations, that he is strongly committed not only to the secure and stable development of the UAE but also to its active participation in the international community. His swift response to the global economic crisis of providing Dh120 billion to local banks, helping them maintain adequate levels of liquidity, rescued the nation’s economy in time.

This is why the UAE today finds itself on the road to recovery far ahead of others. People’s welfare has always been high on the agenda, above everything else. This is not just limited to the Emiratis but includes all residents and expatriates. Which is why the UAE stands out as an oasis of peace and opportunity in a restive region.

Under Shaikh Khalifa, the nation has been playing a pioneering role in promoting peace and development in the Middle East and around the world. In view of the unprecedented challenges facing the Arab-Muslim world, the country has always advocated and championed a unity of approach and vision, be it the GCC, Arab League and the OIC. On critical concerns such as the conflict in Palestine and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the UAE has always punched above its weight, constantly helping people in these conflict zones.

This story of responsible and responsive leadership has just begun! Guided by its past and the vision of its founding fathers, the nation is looking forward to the next five years – and beyond.