Ras Al Khaimah: His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said that the UAE Union experience has become a glowing example of urban development.
He a paid a rich tribute to Emiratis for their perseverance and allegiance to the forefathers, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the nation.
“UAE led by Shaikh Khalifa, the UAE today is proud of its huge achievements attained under the Union. The world wonders at the urban development carried out by the UAE in record time,” Shaikh Saud told Dira’a Al Watan magazine on the occasion of the 42nd National Day.
“We will never falter following the footsteps of the founding fathers. We have pledged allegiance to Shaikh Khalifa, to lead on the basis of the Union,” he said.
“The Union is our present and future. We pray to Allah to preserve our nation and prosperity to pass the gains on to our sons and grandchildren.”
The following is the full text of the speech:
“The 2nd of December each year represents a symbol of unity to our people, country and history. It sums up the values of allegiance and loyalty that produced the most successful union experience in the Arab world. It has become an experience to be emulated.
“Exhibiting loyalty to the forefathers and the UAE, led by Shaikh Khalifa, the UAE today is proud of its huge achievements attained under the Union. The world wonders at the urban development carried out by the UAE in record time.
“When we observe the National Day anniversary, we remember the UAE founding fathers, notably the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his late brothers, the Rulers of Emirates, for their valuable efforts to establish the pillars of the Union based on justice, equality, fraternity and strenuous work, to develop the country and achieve welfare for the people of the UAE.
“We will never falter following the footsteps of the founding fathers. We have pledged allegiance to Shaikh Khalifa, to lead on the basis of the Union.
“It is incumbent upon us to shoulder our responsibilities towards the country and the leadership that has not spared any effort to elevate the UAE at international forums and provide good living conditions for citizens.
“Based on solidarity and cohesion, the UAE extends assistance to sisterly and friendly countries, as well as those in need, irrespective of religion, race or sect.
“We mark the 42nd year of the success story of Emirati people who built a modern state out of a scratch, thanks to the leadership who displayed limitless determination to continue building the Union, to pass it to the next generation intact to continue the success of the forefathers.
“The security and prosperity enjoyed by citizens today is the fruit of the Union tree sowed by Shaikh Zayed and irrigated by the sweat of Emiratis to yield a good harvest. So we have to continue building, through sticking to our national identity and authentic Arab traditions and tolerance to assert the UAE’s position representing a paradigm shift in terms of security and prosperity.
“The Union is our present and future. We pray to Allah to preserve our nation and prosperity to pass the gains on to our sons and grandchildren.
“I extend my congratulations and thanks to the UAE President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; the Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; members of the Supreme Council, Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates; and the UAE people, on the occasion of the 42nd National Day anniversary.”
