DUBAI: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, along with Members of the Federal Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates met at the Union House on Friday, in the same hall where the UAE’s founding fathers gathered 45 years ago, to renew their pledge to the country’s people to continue working to further cement the union of the UAE.
.@HHShkMohd, Mohammed bin Zayed attend #NationalDay45's celebration in Abu Dhabi in presence of Presidents of Egypt, France & other leaders— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 2, 2016
. @HHShkMohd: 45 years have passed; today marks a new beginning for us as a country more united #UAENationalDay45 pic.twitter.com/5h3TCtrG0h— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 2, 2016
45 years have passed; today marks a new beginning for us as a country more united and a people more joyous, facing a more prosperous future pic.twitter.com/kiiWrJOYCh— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 2, 2016
The heart of the UAE beats to the rhythm of its leaders, government and people; all united and invincible as one nation pic.twitter.com/YId2CVcbw7— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 2, 2016
The Etihad Museum stands beside the Union House, honouring our journey and unity; I urge our youth to visit and learn from our history pic.twitter.com/LMDePDZfP1— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 2, 2016
They also reiterated their commitment to usher in a new phase of the country’s history where local governments work as one team to achieve their common objectives of making the UAE people happy and consolidating its leading position among nations.
Spirit of the Union lives on.. #UAENationalDay45 pic.twitter.com/larme55L24— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 2, 2016
The meeting was attended by His Highness Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuami, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman; His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; and His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, along with Members of the Federal Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, inaugurated the Etihad (Union) Museum on Friday. The Museum is located adjacent to the Union House where the declaration to establish the independent state of the UAE and bring into effect a temporary constitution was signed in 1971. The inauguration coincides with the 45th UAE National Day.
. @HHShkMohd, Mohammed bin Zayed & Rulers of the Emirates open the #EtihadMuseum pic.twitter.com/3FpzM3Olio— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 2, 2016
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed and Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates hoisted the UAE flag at the same historic spot where the founding fathers did so 45 years ago.
Their Highnesses said that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is going through the brightest period in its history, as it is ranked at the top spot regionally in several development indexes. They also noted that it is recognised for having a globally competitive economy, world-leading services and an advanced infrastructure, apart from ensuring the happiness of its people.
Their Highnesses prayed to Allah to bless His Highness the President with continued good health and wellness, and to bless its people with greater development and progress so that the UAE remains a beacon for hope and optimism and a model for growth and efficiency.
Their Highnesses also said that today’s meeting is an opportunity to remember the historic moment when the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Union 45 years ago. Despite the passage of time, the country’s aspirations are still high and the values and principles of the Union will constantly guide the nation. The spirit of the union will always motivate the country to work for the best.
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, and Their Highnesses Members of the Federal Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates renewed their pledge to ensure that the UAE will have a brighter future, and that the people will remain united with a common constitution, a common President, a common flag and with the same capital city. They also expressed their pride in the Union House as it is part of the country’s heritage.
The meeting also reviewed the systems set up across the UAE to achieve strategic objectives. They stressed that the federal and local governments are one team working for a common future.
Their Highnesses also thanked the leaders and nations who shared the country’s joy in celebrating UAE National Day.