UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed addresses nation; as it happened

The UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Wednesday addressed the nation, its citizens and expatriates to outline the country’s strategic approach and ambitions for the coming decades.

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Key highlights from the speech:

6.15pm

“We will continue to pursue our pivotal role in building bridges, promoting dialogue and establishing active and balanced relations that are based on transparency and mutual respect with other countries."

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6.15pm

"We will continue to establish the country as a reliable energy provider and a supporter of the global energy security."

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6.15pm

"More than 200 nationalities are active participants in the development of our country, and diversification of our economy is a vital part of our development plans."

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6.14pm

"The happiness and prosperity of our citizens will be at the core of all our plans."

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6.14pm

"Diversifying our economy is a fundamental strategic necessity in our development plans."

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6.13pm

The UAE President paid respects to the people of the country. "We have been lucky to have our people, who have proved their strength, strong will, determination and ability to overcome any and all challenges."

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6.13pm

"Despite being a young nation, the UAE has made numerous outstanding achievements."

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6.12pm

Our job is to ensure a bright future for the present and future generations. To achieve this goal, we need to work hard and coordinate our efforts.

"We need to double the efforts to safeguard the UAE’s capabilities and achievements. Our top priority is the UAE and its people."

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6.11pm

"We will continue to offer a helping hand to all societies, regardless of race, colour and religion."

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6.11pm

"The UAE will always be an advocate for peace and our policy will support efforts to achieve security and stability for all."

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6.10pm

"The private sector has a central role in our economy."

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6.10pm

UAE today has one of the top economies in the world

"We need to accelerate our economic development and we will continue to enhance our economic competitiveness and top global indicators. Our priority is to develop our capabilities in science and technology."

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6.08pm

"We support all countries who share our values of peace and cooperation to ensure prosperity."

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6.08pm

MBZ praises role of Emiratis, expats in development of nation

"We hold boundless pride in the Emirati citizen and residents who consider this country their second home. Their contribution to the UAE’s development has been immense since the union was established."

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6.05pm

"I thank the leaders of all countries who showed solidarity with the UAE as we mourned Sheikh Khalifa's loss."

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6pm

MBZ begins speech with tribute

UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, starts his speech by paying tributes to the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “We lost a great leader and mentor in Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. We will continue the legacy and vision of our founding fathers."

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5.45pm

Where you can watch the speech live

According to state news agency Wam, the speech will be broadcast on local TV and radio channels at 6pm UAE time. You can also watch the speech live on the official social media channels of the Ministry of Interior.

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• UAE