UAE keeps pace with march of time

With the UAE marking its 36th National Day, it is imperative that the celebrations for what has been achieved over past decades is accompanied by plans for what is to be attained in the future. Preserving the undertakings of the past could only be accomplished through preparations for the future. The address delivered on the occasion by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan sets the pace and identifies the direction in which the nation should strive.

Perhaps the two main areas in Shaikh Khalifa's address are with regard to the political process and the national identity.

The first issue has been tackled by taking steps to politically empower the Federal National Council (FNC) so that it plays a more active role as a legislative body. Electing half of its members is the first step in that direction.

"We remain committed to continuing our democratic change until we achieve all planned goals by paving the way for and offering the chance for more participation, and by enhancing the role of the FNC as a legislative and monitoring power," said Shaikh Khalifa. The council is expected to become engaged through practical mechanisms that facilitate its functioning.

When it comes to the second main issue highlighted in Shaikh Khalifa's address - that is, the national identity - the call has been for the implementation of a national programme that would enable enhancing and supporting the image of the UAE.

It is unquestionable that the two issues raised are intertwined. In fact, it reflects the realisation that the UAE could only step into the future by having an open and modern society that is dynamic in dealing with the changes, yet loyal to its history and heritage, and capable of cultivating both its human and financial resources.