UAE leaders convey greetings for 46th National Day

Sheikh Mohammed: Solidarity between UAE people and leadership, a shield against any attempts to undermine nation's ambitions

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai has said that the strong bonds of solidarity between the UAE people and their leadership are the true shield against any external attempts seeking to undermine the nation's ambitions for a future where the Emirates would be second to none.  

Speaking on the occasion of the 46th National Day, Sheikh Mohammed said that the 46th anniversary of the establishment of the Union comes at a time the UAE has become more stable and powerful thanks to the noble legacy passed down through the years and shaped the vision of the Founding Fathers who instilled values of patriotism and love for the Homeland. 

"The UAE is getting more prosperous over the years thanks to the tireless efforts made by our men and women who hold the name of the United Arab Emirates in high esteem in their hearts, translating their love for their nation in word and deed," he said. 

"I seize the opportunity of this auspicious occasion to extend my heartfelt greetings to my brother, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, my brother His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and all my brothers, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates. God bless them all and support them to continue working for the supremacy of our Homeland and the social welfare and wellbeing of our people. I also extend my sincere greetings to our brave soldiers in the UAE Armed Forces - the shields of this nation who keep our national flag flying high in pride and dignity amongst world nations so that the UAE will continue to remain an oasis of security and stability, and maintain its sovereignty and safety." 

Sheikh Mohammed added that naming 2018 the Year of Zayed "gives us an opportunity to reflect on the myriad accomplishments made by our Late Leader and Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, God bless his soul, whose centennial birth anniversary dawns next year on a land where he spared no effort to ensure stability and prosperity for his people." 

He noted that the 46th anniversary of the Union comes at a time "when we can safely announce that the UAE has become among the world's most advanced nations. And as we have, over the past years, made strenuous efforts to create a culture of empowerment and finalise our ambitious capacity-building plans, today we are forging ahead toward a fresh phase, the headline strategy of which is "Emirates of the Future". We have already embarked on the UAE Centennial 2071 Strategy, which is a unique, future-oriented, long-term government plan aimed at sustaining UAE's development into its 100th anniversary, charting a path and laying a solid foundation for the future of the UAE. Our objective is for future generations in the UAE to lead happier lives in a thriving environment with abundant opportunities, more connectivity and global influence." 

His Highness noted that many people think that "we are just dreaming. But we remind these people of the fact that our Union started as a dream at the hands of visionary people. The late Sheikh Zayed along with his brother, the late Sheikh Rashid, God bless their souls, initiated their drive based on a common dream that was founded on the principle of unity of objective and destiny and they were joined by their brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, to make this dream come true and build a nation, the backbone of which is the determination of Emirati people who are the State's most cherished asset." 

The Vice President went on to say that the UAE dream of becoming the best is justified and verified by the advanced rankings boasted by the country across world competitiveness indexes and reports. "On the regional level, the UAE is the fastest growing country; our government performance is the most efficient; our services are the smartest; and we have ensured this kind of harmony between our advanced technologies, our production and wealth-creation systems in a way that does not negatively impact the cultural and humanitarian legacy upon which our blessed Union is based." 

Sheikh Mohammed added that the UAE last year had blazed a trail in the world by establishing ministries for tolerance, happiness, future and youth out of a strong belief that no society can succeed without giving its human wealth its utmost care, attention and tools of empowerment. "On top of these tools is happiness, being a basic right for citizens. Happiness, as we interpret it, materialises when a citizen feels that his or her safety, dignity, home, future and land are being taken care of and protected and that his or her dreams and ambitions are achievable. 

"Happiness, as a way of life in our society, has helped reinforce patriotic sentiments among the UAE people. And it is these strong bonds of solidarity between the people and their leadership that shield the nation against any external attempts aimed at undermining our hopes and dreams for a more sustainable future - a future where the UAE plans to become second to none." 

The UAE has become a dreamland for everyone seeking a better life for himself, embracing tolerance as an inalienable cultural value, Sheikh Mohammed said, affirming that the nation can become home to any global citizen seeking to live in peaceful co-existence with other cultures and races within an atmosphere of mutual benefit and giving. 

"And herein I'd love to relay a message to all nationalities living and working in the UAE: We truly cherish and value your significant contributions for the country to maintain its positive reputation and bolster its developmental drive. You're an integral part of the UAE social fabric whose power lies in possessing an ideal environment for multiculturalism." 

Sheikh Mohammed added that youth are the country's true wealth who are spearheading the nation's drive to deliver the future, reiterating the UAE leadership's determination to provide youth with all resources to help them build the State of Tomorrow on solid, unshaken basis. 

"As part of our Centennial Strategy, we have formed a new government that includes newly created portfolios, primarily Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Sciences and Food Security. We have to be well-prepared and ready to deal with major world trends at the technical, economic, intellectual and political levels. There is no room for waiting and complacency, and, as the UAE youth represent our future, we renew our strong belief in their potential and innovative ideas to take up the lead in charting a path for a prosperous future." 

Addressing the UAE youth, Sheikh Mohammed said, "The road to the future is not smooth sailing; but by your strong will, determination and hard work, we will realise our ambitions and become best of the best, always and forever."  

Sheikh Mohamed: 2nd of December is a day that will be remembered forever 

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said that the 2nd of December is a day that will be remembered forever; a day that witnessed the establishment of a country that would become, within just a few decades, a model of successful state building and a fine example of a united and cohesive nation. 

In a statement to Nation Shield magazine on the occasion of the UAE's 46th National Day, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed added that the UAE has become a source of inspiration for states that seek unity, progress and excellence and for states that aspire to overcome challenges and step confidently into the future. In that, he said, the UAE truly serves as a role model not only for the region's countries, but for the rest of the world. 

Following is the full text of the statement.

Brothers and Sisters, 

Some days in the history of nations are remembered forever - and the 2nd of December is such a day in the history of the United Arab Emirates. This is a day that is associated with a fond memory that lives deep in the heart and mind of each and every single UAE citizen - it is the day that witnessed the founding of our beloved country; it is the day that saw the establishment of a country that would become, within the space of just a few decades, a model of successful state building and a fine example of the united and cohesive nation. Indeed, the UAE has become a source of inspiration for states that seek unity, progress and excellence and for states that aspire to overcome challenges and step confidently into the future. In that, the UAE, truly, serves as a role model not only for the region's countries, but for the rest of the world. 

As we celebrate this glorious day, we remember, with our hearts filled with pride and appreciation, the Nation's Founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his brothers the Founding Fathers, who, together, built a great nation, a nation that is based on universal values. It is upon the strong foundations that our Founding Fathers laid that our country developed and will keep prospering. 

Brothers and Sisters, 

We should celebrate the 46th National Day by reflecting on the experience of our Founding Fathers, who, collectively, provide us with a wealth of knowledge that we should learn from. We should learn from them how to sharpen our sense of belonging to our homeland, how to work together so that our country remains strong and united, how to work together to keep our country safe and stable, how to provide for our people the means of a prosperous life, how to plant the values of loyalty to our country and people in everyone's heart, how to teach our people that our own lives are of little value when it comes to defending the integrity of our nation. 

The 2nd of December visits us every year to remind us of our national values, which teach us that sacrifice for the sake of our country and work for the sake of its progress should be the highest and noblest of goals that we should all strive to reach. This day should fuel all of us with an inexhaustible energy to do more and to work harder to preserve our national heritage that was bequeathed to us by the Founding Fathers; to do more to keep the UAE a beacon of unity and strength and a center of charity and unconditional giving that extends to the entire human race. 

As we mark the 46th Anniversary of the founding of our nation, we also remember the great achievements of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, and his brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates. We remember their historic role in creating and strengthening our union. This year, we have the more reason to rejoice because our celebrations coincide with an initiative by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan that has declared 2018 as the "Year of Zayed" to mark 100 years since the birth of the country's founder. Truly, Sheikh Zayed is celebrated as a universal symbol of charity and unlimited giving and global proponent of peaceful coexistence among all nations. 

Brothers and Sisters,

On this auspicious occasion, we renew our pledge that we will stay on the path that was first trodden by Zayed and his brothers - the founding fathers - and that we will save no effort to foster and strengthen our unity and cohesiveness. As we renew this solemn pledge, we realise that our unity is the source of our strength in the face of adversities, that our unity is the point from which we move into building and growing our nation, that our unity is the most important guarantee that we have to maintain the state of security and stability that our country has enjoyed for decades. Maintaining this stability is more pressing than ever as nation-states, in many parts of the world, face challenges to their very existence. 

We will work together so that our country remain united, as it has always been; we will work together to keep it as a symbol, as a role model of the successful federal state not only in our region but across the globe. We will do this by developing its different institutions and enhancing the work of the government so that it to keep up to date with the requirements of development. This is the path that our country will take so that it remains young and prosperous, so that its people enjoy a life of peace and prosperity, so that we keep our country in the vanguard of great nations. 

Our aspirations for our nation have no limits; our ambitions are boundless. 

We aspire to be one of the best states in the world in all fields because we believe that the wheel of development is not limited to a specific culture or civilisation. Rather, we believe that development is a right for all countries to enjoy as long as they have a strong will and a true driving force. Once a nation arms itself with knowledge and science, once it believes in the capabilities and talents of its people, once a state creates for its people the right environment that embraces their innovations - once all of that happens, the state will become a developed one in every sense of the word. 

It is because of this that we look to the future of our nation with full confidence and optimism; we see the future of our nation not only as a developed one, but also as a nation that contributes to the enrichment of human civilisation and its development. 

Indeed, we are able to place our country on the map of the best countries of the world in different fields in the coming years. We are already moving in that direction because we have drawn up the right plans, came up with accurate outlooks, trained our sons and daughters and enabled them to be future leaders in different areas; we are moving in that direction because we have developed the way our government works so that it is able to deal with the requirements of development. 

Brothers and Sisters, 

The high rankings achieved by the UAE in international indices - compiled by distinguished global institutions in areas of competitiveness, development, happiness, investment in both people and infrastructure - surely boost our confidence that we are moving in the right direction, which has been set down for our country under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa and the support of his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and their brothers Their Highnesses the members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates. But as much as these achievements satisfy us, they also put us in a perpetual state of self-challenge, not only to maintain them, but also to build on them and to add new successes that help boost the UAE's leading position in the world's map. 

Indeed, we are capable of positioning our country among the world's most developed nations within the coming years. Just as the Nation's Founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the other Founding Fathers, bequeathed to us a young and powerful country that made us proud to be part of it before the entire world, it is our responsibility to hand it to future generation as one of the best countries in the world. It is in this spirit that I and my brother Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the "UAE Centennial 2071" project at the end of the First Annual Government meeting in September 2017. In its essence, the "UAE Centennial 2071" reflects the ambition of the UAE to be a global pioneer. It includes major goals and mechanisms that will help us continue in the journey of construction and development, that will help us work to secure a better future for the coming generations, that will help us elevate the status of the UAE among the world's most developed nations. 

Brothers and Sisters, 

We are betting on the young sons and daughters of the UAE to execute the goals of the "UAE Centennial 2071"; to turn the grand plan into a reality. 

Our young are our true and perpetual wealth, they are the pillars on which our renaissance stands, the pivot of our development and the leaders of the future. Our young have already proven that they are fit to carry this great responsibility, being already armed with knowledge and confidence. We will continue to develop their capabilities by providing them with first-class education that will help them develop their talents and utilise their positive energies; an education that qualifies them to deal with and lead the UAE's post-oil economy, towards which we have already been working for many years. They will lead a post-oil economy that is based on science and knowledge. 

Make no mistake that, while we bet on the strength of our young to venture into the future, armed with their knowledge and qualifications, we are also keen on sowing high moral values in the hearts and souls of our young so that the symphony of knowledge and morality is orchestrated masterfully. 

Undoubtedly, high moral values help maintain the stability and balance of societies, because, no matter how developed nations become, their development and success will always be fragile if it is not based on a solid moral grounding. The UAE has always been a nurturing home for tolerance and a deep-rooted value system, which we work hard to instil in our current and future generations. 

Brothers and Sisters, 

As we celebrate today the limitless giving of our Founding Fathers, who laid down the foundations of the UAE and built its pillars, we can never forget our martyrs who sacrificed their own lives in defense of our nation, in defence of our values, in defence of our way of life. Indeed, they went far and beyond the call of duty and proved to all that the UAE and its people are willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice in support of its friends and allies in time of crisis. Truly, the heroic actions of our martyrs on the battlefield will be written in letters of light and will always be a bright page in our history and the history of Arab and Muslim nations. Their sacrifices unmistakably show that when the people of the UAE respond to the call of duty, they spare no effort in safeguarding our homeland and protecting their right to development and stability. 

The Arab world faces today an intertwined set of threats and challenges, namely the menace of terrorism and extremism, the escalating sectarian tension, the continuous attempts by foreign parties to meddle in the region's internal affairs; these are parties that aim to achieve their own agenda and ambitions at the expense of the region and its peoples. Under these conditions, the Arab states need, today and more than ever, to promote their cooperation and common action. Their increased and effective cooperation is needed not only to face these challenges, but also to change the bitter realities that the peoples of the Arab world are facing on a daily basis. It is imperative that we bring the Arab peoples hope and to boost their morale, it is important that we do not leave them a vulnerable prey to extremist groups and terrorist organisations, which seek to brainwash the young and bring them up under the dark shadow of their nihilist ideologies.

It is now, more than ever, a pressing need that the Arab peoples, the young in particular, know that these ideologies are maiming the beautiful and shining face of our faith, that the version of Islam that they have produced has nothing to do with the true Islam that rejects extremism and encourages tolerance, moderation and peaceful dialogue among all people. 

Therefore, we will continue to do all in our power to confront these groups and those who stand behind them, support them or incite them to carry out acts of hatred and terror. We will do so armed with a comprehensive strategy that is based on boosting the values of tolerance, moderation and acceptance of others; a strategy that is based on reforming existing religious discourse and promoting the true, civilised face of Islam. We will do so through effective participation in any reginal or international efforts to confront the dark forces of extremism and terror, because we believe that the war on extremism and terrorism is a war that must be won. We should emerge out of this war victorious because it concerns the very safety and well-being of the peoples of the region. Undoubtedly, this is a war that concerns the entire world, because the menace of terror makes no exceptions and targets all of us. Therefore, fighting terrorism should be a joint and comprehensive global effort. 

The UAE realises its historic responsibility to stand by its friends and allies, to help them overcome their plights and crises. We will spare no effort to provide any form of support that helps to make the region and the entire world a better place, because we believe that security is the bedrock of development. 

We live in a world that is fraught with accelerating changes in all areas and we cannot, therefore, live in isolation. It is because of this that we believe in the importance of opening up to others and the importance of learning from the successful experiences of others in all fields of technology and development. As a result, we are working on diversifying our foreign policy by making it open to all of the world's countries. Our foreign policy is based on building effective relationships with the major powers in a way that promotes our country's position on the map of the world's advanced economies and boosts its active participation in both the regional and global arenas. 

Brothers and Sisters: On this eternal day, we renew our pledge to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan that we will do our best to meet the aspirations of our people, to work with sincerity and dedication for the sake of our homeland, so that it remains a symbol of giving and charity, so that it remains a beacon of tolerance and coexistence and so that it continues to carry the torch of hope. 

Happy National Day. 

Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain: Spirit of the nation demonstrated by actions of its people

On the occasion of the UAE's 46th National Day, marked on December 2nd, H H Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, has said that since its establishment, "the Union has worked to consolidate the principles of good citizenship and strengthen its defence capabilities to protect its national assets and preserve its security and stability."  

In a statement to Nation Shield, the Armed Forces monthly journal, the Ruler said, "As we celebrate the 46th National Day of the founding of the United Arab Emirates, the core essence of the nation is demonstrated by the actions of its people, who, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, are reinforcing the spirit of the nation's Union, through their sense of cohesion and loyalty, as they are bonded in a common destiny."

"This national concept is also carried by the UAE Government, which, under the leadership of the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has launched several initiatives in accordance with the UAE vision 2021," he added. 

One example, Sheikh Saud said, was the launching of the National Innovation Strategy, which includes a number of economic programmes, in addition to various laws and partnerships with the private sector, both nationally and internationally, in support of the specialised national workforce and to reinforce the creative drive of individuals. 

"This strategy aims to encourage citizens to play an effective part in the process of the nation's comprehensive development and help to create future leaders from today's youth across all sectors, fulfilling national plans and programmes," he stated. 

The Ruler continued, "Since its establishment, the Union has also worked to consolidate the principles of good citizenship and strengthen its defense capabilities to protect its national assets and preserve its security and stability." 

"His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in addition to supporting military colleges and academies to create a well-trained and qualified national force capable of carrying out its role in situations of peace, war and international peacekeeping efforts, has also developed in the country a base for military industry." 

He went on to say, that at a national level, the State has emphasised the importance of the concepts of loyalty and sacrifice. "And with that, we see countless men and women eager to assume their responsibility of defending the nation's interests and to carry out military and humanitarian tasks both at home and abroad; implementing programmes in accordance with the vision and guidance of the leadership," he said.

The Ruler concluded by extending his sincere congratulations to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, their brothers, Their Highnesses, the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and the UAE people.  

RAK Ruler: UAE a role model in solidarity 

On the occasion of the UAE's 46th National Day, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah, has stated that as the nation's citizens unite behind their wise leadership, saying they "Provide a role model in the solidarity witnessed in our country." 

H H Sheikh Saud issued the below statement to Nation Shield, the Armed Forces journal, on the occasion:

 "When we celebrate the UAE's 46th National Day, we should be proud of the UAE experience, as it is one the most successful experiences in union in modern times.

As we celebrate the event, we should draw attention to the accomplishments, progress and development achieved in the trade, economic, urban, building and tourist sectors. We also feel proud while speaking about the building and training of our human resources. 

This in in addition to the number of qualitative initiatives aimed at developing human resources, as well as a number of noble and honourable stances to defend what is right and human dignity.

While uniting behind their wise leadership, Emiratis provide a role model in the solidarity witnessed in our country, in support of the march of development and progress, and to address obstacles and challenges and preserve gains and achievements. 

Since the era of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan until today, the UAE wise leadership is still working to achieve an historic and qualitative shift in strategies, in education and health and diversifying investment, as well as in developing our infrastructure. 

The leadership also has been working on building and other urban initiatives, dealing with crises and challenges and advancing steadily towards a shining future. 

On the occasion, we have the right to be proud of the huge achievements accomplished by the UAE represented in its prestigious stature regionally and internationally in terms of our cultural renaissance field. We can also take pride in the dignified positions demonstrated by the pioneering and ambitious leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 

On this occasion, I extend greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the loyal Emirati people."  

Ruler of Fujairah: UAE Union is one of the most successful unifications in the world

On the occasion of the UAE's 46th National Day, marked on December 2nd, H H Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, has said that the Union of the Emirates was a dream project which fulfilled the goals of its early founders in record time. 

In a statement provided to Nation Shield, the Armed Forces monthly journal, the Ruler rejoiced in the achievements of the nation's Union, saying it has been a fundamental pillar for the development of the nation and marked a promising beginning for its renaissance and for the service of its citizens.

"Ever since its establishment, the achievement of the aspirations of its citizens has been its fundamental goal, as they are the nation's real wealth who embody its sturdy foundation," he said. 

"This year marks the 46th anniversary of the glorious founding of the UAE's Union by the hands of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who laid the foundations for this nation's renaissance. 

"And on this day, we recall the great achievements of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the late Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, and their brothers, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates, who contributed to the establishment of one nation, united under one flag, which has proven itself to be one of the most successful unification examples in the world," he added.

H H Sheikh Hamad said that the Union was a dream project, a dream come true, "Thanks to Allah Almighty and the great efforts of our early founding sheikhs, who achieved their goals in record time in building a modern and civilised nation, which has since become one of the most advanced countries economically and socially, and which is also contributing in leading the world towards a better future."

"This is what makes our celebration of this Union today ever more remarkable, as it is through their wisdom and wise leadership that we were able to achieve significant progress in under five decades," he stated. 

"Thus, from the outset, the founders of the Union sought to harness all that is available and to make use of all potential to provide for the development of its people and their capacities," he added.

The Ruler of Fujairah went on to say that with this, "We have witnessed the provision of the latest in healthcare and education, as well as the establishment of other major infrastructure projects, all of which have paved the way to the creation of modern cities across the country. Further, it upholds the principles of respect for human rights to the highest degree. As a result, people from more than two hundred nationalities are proud to call the UAE home, a land in which they gather and unite, in safety and security." 

He continued, "As we celebrate this day, we watch with the utmost pride the UAE's sons and daughters as they make their mark and lead in achievements on the world stage in all fields, settling only for unparalleled success. 

"Since the establishment of the Union, those who have followed on from its founders, with President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan being at the forefront along with his brothers, the UAE Rulers, have maintained the same principles and continue their efforts to make the people of this country the happiest in the world." 

The Fujairah Ruler concluded by saying, "Today, the sons and daughters of the nation, under its wise leadership, are proceeding along the path of development with wisdom, sincerity and determination, moving towards the future as role models in a civilised way of life and continuing to seek to help all people all around the world, whenever they can." 

Ajman Ruler: The UAE - great historical achievements, limitless ambitions

H H Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has said that the UAE has accomplished great historical achievements and starts off with limitless ambitions, adding that the country continues to strengthen its position and its original principles in all political, economic, social and humanitarian areas. 

In a statement to Nation Shield magazine on the occasion of the UAE's 46th National Day, Sheikh Humaid congratulated President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and the people of the UAE, and wished them health, wellness and happiness, praying to God to bless them with security and prosperity and to grant this great nation stability and prosperity. 

Sheikh Humaid added, "The 2nd of December represents a national blessed occasion, which takes place each year with the most honest feelings of happiness and pride of a glorious nation that cherishes its loyal citizens and their journey, ever since the establishment of the union by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, along with the founding leaders, on the foundations of unity, honest brotherhood, loyalty and hard work. 

"The union of the UAE remains a great and unique achievement, as the nation has become a prosperous modern country and started the journey of development and civilisation with confidence and efficiency. 

"Every year, the UAE accomplishes great historical achievements and starts off with limitless ambitions. The journey of the UAE is an endless train that never stops and is determined to move forward to achieve great goals. This includes building the land and raising aware humans, equipped with glorious human values, as well as science and knowledge. All of this is due to the clear vision of the wise leadership for the present and the future that prioritises the interests of people, as the nation only develops due to its loyal citizens and their hard work, knowledge and ethics. 

"Every year, the feelings of love and loyalty towards the UAE and the union's journey grows. The country continues to strengthen its position and its original principles in all political, economic, social and humanitarian areas. The UAE's wise diplomacy is clear in the various political issues facing the Middle East and the world, as well as its wisdom in solving problems and strengthening ties of brotherhood with its allies. It is also visible in the great achievements of the nation in economic and development projects and scientific and cultural establishments, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum, which has become a beacon of light in the Arab world for human and cultural civilisations. It represents an exceptional urban achievement in the UAE, among the other institutions created by the people of the country. 

"God has granted this nation a wise and giving leadership, as President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is following the journey of the Union established by Sheikh Zayed, the symbol of giving. He has declared 2018 as the 'Year of Zayed', in loyalty to the founder of the UAE, who introduced the union's principles in the UAE, leading to the great achievements that have made all the people of the country proud." 

Sharjah Ruler: National Day shows us sincere effort of our UAE's founding fathers

H H Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has said that the 46th anniversary of the UAE's National Day shows the sincere intentions, great efforts and fruitful cooperation of the UAE's founding fathers to build the nation that we have today; a nation that lives in prosperity, grace, development, looking forward to a promising future. 

In a statement to Nation Shield magazine, Sheikh Sultan said, "The harvest of our founding fathers' efforts is the homeland that is dear to all of us. We live in it with dignity and pride. We continue to work day and night under the banner of the shadow of this fair union. 

"On this occasion, we extend our greeting and congratulations to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and to our brothers the Rulers of the Emirates as well as to all the sons and daughters of the United Arab Emirates. We hope that the anniversary of this day will return to us every year with prosperity, happiness, security, and stability.

"Every year on the 2nd of December, we recall the historical moment at which the sons of the nation and their leaders at that time decided to unite together and to put their hands and hearts together, with resolve and with the sincere intention to live together and build a united nation.

"Today we are celebrating the achievements of our dear country; it is the moment at which the history of real accomplishments began in the society of our loving and inter-dependent nation. We look to the future with great determination and unlimited ambition, in a society where love and cooperation abounds and upon which affection and mercy is bestowed.

"The second day of December is the moment on which all the history of our ancestors came together, to lead us confidently towards a bright future, with great hopes and great responsibilities for us and our children, an occasion which we celebrate each year.

The Sharjah Ruler concluded by saying, "Congratulations once again on this great day. God bless our people and our country and may its security, stability, prosperity, and pride will always prevail".