UAE: 50 glorious years of inspiring the world

Dubai - The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Tuesday announced that 2021 will be the Year of the 50th, celebrating the country’s 50-year journey.

For local government officials and long-time residents hailing from every corner of the world, the UAE’s 50-year success story is a ‘miracle’ that never fails to inspire.

The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Tuesday announced that 2021 will be the Year of the 50th, celebrating the country’s 50-year journey. It officially starts on April 6 and will run lasts until March 31, 2022.

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Hailing the Year of 50 initiative, Ahmed Shaikhani, president of Pakistan Business Council (Dubai) and co-chairman of Shaikhani Group, said the country’s development over the past five decades has been ‘amazing’, emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies worldwide.

“In such a short span of time, no other country has achieved what the UAE accomplished in terms of social upliftment of citizens and residents, economic growth, advancements in technology, space and education sectors. Many other countries also got independence, but the UAE’s accomplishments are incomparable.”

Iqbal Dawood, managing partner at Abu Mousa Motors, said the UAE leaders’ vision has placed a small country in the comity of top nations that have accomplished quite a lot in a short period.

“Even in difficult times, the UAE’s leadership showed great far-sightedness. Initially, the country focused on economy and then made a mark in other key sectors such as education, tourism, technology and space. Dubai Plan 2040 is targeted at making the best city to live in. I believe it is already the best city in many aspects, safety, discipline, economic and political stability, openness and diversity.”

Anis Sajan, vice-chairman of Danube Group, said the way the nation has developed in the past 50 years is nothing short of a role model for the world.

“The UAE has achieved significant milestones since the announcement of the union in 1971. Rapid modernisation is reflected in the country’s world-class infrastructure. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the UAE leadership for this exemplary achievement and wish them all the luck for the next 50 years,” Sajan said.

As the UAE celebrates 50 years of achievements, Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, director-general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, said the country is embarking on a journey of new milestones and accomplishments.

“We pledge to contribute to this growth by continuing to raise the name of the UAE in the field of global scientific research and space exploration. The steps taken by our nation over the past few years have helped us achieve Arab and international excellence in harnessing space technology in the service of mankind.”

He added: “While looking to the future, we should also look back and be proud of what our founding fathers and ancestors have achieved. We renew our pledge to build the next 50 years as an extension of the legacy they left us, and we will continue to work sincerely to achieve the UAE’s development vision of building a sustainable, competitive knowledge-based economy, and strengthening our national competencies.”

Bharat Bhatia, CEO of Conares, said: “I salute this great nation and its visionary Rulers and government authorities at this historical milestone of celebrating 50th year of achievement.

“I am personally experiencing the growth of this great nation for the last 28 years in my entrepreneurial journey that has been tremendously supported by the Rulers and the authorities. The UAE has been on a solid growth trajectory showcasing stability and economic confidence in the region.”

Dr Mostafa AlGuezeri, managing director of Hitachi ABB Power Grids in the UAE, Gulf, Near East and Pakistan, said: Having lived in the UAE for almost 30 years and personally seen the growth and huge transformation the country has gone through, it is incredible! In the next 50 years UAE will be in the forefront as a digital and smart city while maintaining its heritage and culture.”

The UAE has grown tremendously in all sectors, he added. “This is only possible due to the great leadership in the country. It can count many remarkable accomplishments since its inception, and now well known among the most advanced nations in the world.”

reporters@khaleejtimes.com