Leaders review UAE's march to prosperity

Abu Dhabi:  President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday presided over the Supreme Council meeting at Al Mushrif Palace, here.

Present were His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses, Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi of Sharjah; Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah; Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi of Fujairah; Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla of Umm Al Quwain and Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman.

The Council discussed the march of national work since the federation was formed in 1971, WAM said.

The leaders also discussed the UAE's progress and its vital role in achieving prosperity and development for the people.

The President hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the Supreme Council Members, which was also attended by other shaikhs, ministers and senior officials.

Galaxy of citizens

Shaikh Khalifa also honoured a number of citizens who won the Emirates Appreciation Award for Science, Arts, Literature and Sports.

Present at the ceremony held at Al Mushrif Palace were Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid, General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and other Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers, WAM said.

Shaikh Khalifa congratulated the winners for their achievements, distinctiveness and their excellence and creativity in their respective fields of science, arts, literature and sports.

Expressing his appreciation for their great contributions as citizens the President said: "This galaxy of our citizens shines in the march of our nation, which is rich with innovative cadres that enhance the creative process of civilisation".

The President asserted that the UAE will pay every attention to nurture and support the innovators among the citizens and pledged to provide them with every support enabling them to put their ideas into practice.

"They will become great inspiration for the coming generations to participate in the march of the nation through self-giving and hard work", he added.