All around, his re-election was seen  as a true expression of support.

General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, paid tribute saying that the President always believed that the citizens were the nation’s true wealth.

In a statement, General Shaikh Mohammed said, “The future looks brighter as Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates renewed their confidence.”

General Shaikh Mohammed said the President’s vision for diversifying economy away from dependence on oil as a sole source of income had helped the country to weather the economic crisis with little or no impact. The country also witnessed launching of numerous initiatives in the fields of culture, science, healthcare and environment.

General Shaikh Mohammed also praised Shaikh Khalifa’s wise foreign policy, which led to further strengthening UAE’s ties with the countries of the world. “We renew our pledge to remain loyal to his leadership.”

Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, said that all citizens of the UAE had pledged allegiance. He praised the President’s key role in achieving stability and security for the UAE.

Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that the President sought to embed principles such as mutual respect, good neighbourliness, non interference in others’ internal affairs, establishing relations on the basis of mutual interests, resolving disputes via peaceful means, compliance with Arab, Islamic and international conventions, standing by the right and justice, participation in international peace-keeping, support to the Palestinian cause, including their right to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as capital.

Lt. Gen. Shaikh Talib bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director-General of the Ras Al Khaimah Police, said the re-election was a recognition for the achievements made under his leadership in all walks of life.

Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister for Foreign Trade, said the wise policies of Shaikh Khalifa enabled a strong coordination and cooperation among federal and local entities and led the country’s GDP to soar from Dh357 billion in 2005 to Dh934 billion in 2008, with the country featuring among the top nations in terms of reforms, competitiveness, and knowledge-based economy.

Justice Minister Hadef bin Jowan Al Dhaheri said Shaikh Khalifa sought to perpetuate independence of judiciary and strengthening judicial system by opening new court houses in Sharjah and Umm Al Qaiwain. He added that a new judiciary house will open in Ajman soon.

Labour Minister Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash described Shaikh Khalifa’s re-election as a “nationalistic decision” that expressed appreciation for Shaikh Khalifa’s historic leadership.

Omar Al Hashemi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Municipality, told Khaleej Times that Shaikh Khalifa was raised on the values of generosity at the hands of his late father Shaikh Zayed.

“Successes of Shaikh Khalifa in Al Ain and the Eastern Region qualified him for the post of crown prince and head of the defence department in February 1969. This engaged Shaikh Khalifa in a position of major responsibility at a time when Shaikh Zayed was busy negotiating the creation of the federation with trucial states,” he added.

Nasser Al Nuaimi, a businessman, said that Shaikh Khalifa held the view that remarkable achievements needed a strong armed force to protect them. Successes have been made in all walks of life to date from the rule of Shaikh Zayed onwards, with an enviable living standard higher than that of many advanced countries.

“Their Highnesses have renewed the confidence in Shaikh Khalifa out of deep faith in him as an inspiring leader capable of leading the UAE into the ranks of advanced nations,” he added. “Both nationals and residents love Shaikh Khalifa, who is bringing prosperity and happiness to all on UAE soil,” he said.

Milestones

1948 — Shaikh Khalifa, eldest son of the late Shaikh Zayed, born in Al Muajie Fort, Al Ain

Sept 18, 1966 —  Named at age 18 the ruler’s representative in the Eastern Province and president of the legal system

Feb 1, 1969 — Appointed Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and commander of the newly created army. Later elevated as Abu Dhabi Prime Minister

Dec 1971 — Appointed Deputy Prime Minister of the federation

Feb 20, 1974 — Appointed Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council

May 1976 — Appointed Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces

1979 — Established the Khalifa Housing Fund to finance construction of buildings

Nov 3, 2004 — Unanimously elected President of UAE by the Supreme Council

Nov 3, 2009 — Unanimously re-elected for a new 5-year term

adel@khaleejtimes.com