Dubai: Maha Mohammad Sharif Al Mulla, 45, an Emirati, recalled how life has changed rapidly in UAE since 1971.
A mother of four children, two girls studying at Zayed University and two boys in grade 9 and grade 7, she said life back in the 70s was simple though there were many challenges. “The way this country has grown over the years has been incredible. It’s like watching a time-lapse film, really quite overwhelming.”
Each emirate, Al Mulla believes, has its own essence and each adds its unique aspect to the UAE, making it “one remarkable country”.
“In the past, the UAE was much more humble and we didn’t have a lot of development, but now we have high-rise buildings and modern roads and projects. Shaikh Zayed built all that. He made life very good,” Al Mulla said.
The UAE, she said, has proved that the impossible is always possible. “From the early days when it was just a desert all around to what it is today, a modern cosmopolitan, lively country with over 200 nationalities living in it in mutual respect and harmony.”
“We are but a tiny spot on the world map, but if you zoom in, you see great buildings and organisations, and people who are making a name for themselves in all kinds of fields on the international scene,” said Al Mulla.
There has been remarkable development in a short time, she said. “For example, women are given the freedom to open their own business, work in governments and private sectors, drive and travel and to have the same privileges as men.” The UAE government, she said, has given boundless opportunities to women. “In fact, women here probably have more options [as compared to women around the world].”
After the UAE was formed, greater access to health care, better schooling and modern housing has increased the quality of life manifold. “The UAE is the only successful union in the Arab world, and the country is taking care of its people and making sure they are all living a good life as promised on that great historic National Day.”
For Al Mulla, being an Emirati means having a heart full of pride and joy.
“I feel very proud of UAE’s history and heritage. I am proud to be in a country well-known for its humanity and generosity and I can’t express how glad I am to be born an Emirati citizen as well as born on its National Day. Not many are as lucky to have such loving and giving Rulers who treat their people with the utmost care.
“I am lucky to be living in this ‘miracle’ country that was brought to life by an extraordinarily visionary man, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and it continues to be led by exceptional leaders.
“When I travel abroad, people speak about how the UAE has became successful and well-known in such a short period. It makes me proud to [hear such things] as an Emirati citizen.”
