The UAE is celebrating its National Day on Thursday, marking 50 years since the founding of the Emirates.
On this occasion, UAE's President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that his country is embarking on the next 50 years with a comprehensive, long-term, and well-thought-out strategic vision to see the nation amongst the best in the world thanks to a sustainable and vibrant economy.
Sheikh Khalifa noted that the country's Founding Fathers embraced sustainable development as a guiding methodology to build up a modern nation that derives its human, socio-economic, and cultural clout from robust constitutional, organizational, and structural tenets.
In his statement, the President shed light on the key milestones achieved over the recent period: "We have come a long way in empowering women and youth, and developing a diversified economy. The outer space welcomed our first Emirati astronaut and our Hope Probe in historic milestones that have made our nation the first in this sphere in the Arab region and the fifth worldwide."
"We've adopted a national strategy to retain and attract talent in a way that further reinforces the UAE's stature on the Gulf, Arab, Islamic and global levels. And under the theme "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future," we're hosting Expo 2020 Dubai, the world's Greatest Show' for the first time in the region's history."
The past fifty years of the country's history have fructified into a myriad of achievements, including sustainable development, political stability, and security, said Sheikh Khalifa according to WAM.
"We reiterate that Gulf security is integrated and inseparable. Strengthening the pillars of stability in our region is a collective responsibility that requires intensifying strategic coordination among all the GCC States to achieve the aspirations of our peoples for a secure and prosperous future as has been the case during the past 50 years."
Meanwhile, UAE Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, stated that over the past 50 years, the country faced different challenges in security, politics, and economy.
"We handled these challenges to believe that our national worth is about confidently facing them with faith and optimism."
The PM indicated that UAE begins its next 50 years in its journey for development, guided by the Centennial 2071 vision plan, the Principles of the 50, and the ten principles approved by the President as guidelines for all UAE's institutions.
"With our successful Emirati model, we confidently set off our rich experience in planning and shaping the future and efficient national human resources. We realize that we move in an ever-changing global environment with significant impacts on international relations, national priorities, work processes, and living patterns."
UAE has finalized the frameworks that would allow it to adapt to the changes and respond to the needs by making the right decision at the right time and modifying plans when necessary, in a way that would boost its capabilities to utilize the opportunities and to avoid risks associated with these changes, according to the PM.
For his part, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has affirmed that the UAE is moving towards the future based on an integrated strategy whose most critical pillar is human capital – the country's true wealth.
Sheikh Mohamed said the solid foundations built by the UAE through many years of hard work, effort, and planning give confidence that the country now has all the elements in place to be a leader in various fields.
"Our celebration of National Day this year is of special importance, as our beloved nation completes 50 years of its rich history. It is an occasion full of important lessons and great significance for the present and the future."
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince indicated that "thanks to its prominent role on the international stage, the UAE was elected to the UN Security Council for 2022-23."
The impact of what the UAE seeks to achieve in the coming decades will not be limited to its borders but will extend to all Arabs, inspiring them and boosting their confidence in their ability to make progress, regardless of difficulties, said Sheikh Mohammed.
"We are working to make our country a catalyst for development and improvement in the entire Arab world and a starting point for advancing civilization in the region," said the Crown Prince asserting that peace is the way to achieve the society's aspirations for prosperity and development.
