UAE reaps fruit of Zayed work

The UAE's great achievements of peace and tranquillity are the result of a long journey.

Hard work and perseverance led by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan were part of the tough march, said President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The great UAE leader led this country with great wisdom, judiciously tapping the country's resources all his life to achieve a comfortable and honourable life for UAE nationals and expatriates living in this country, he said.

Shaikh Khalifa made the statement in his address to mark the 33rd anniversary of UAE National Day.

"We feel honoured by this 33rd anniversary of the blessed march of the federation," Shaikh Khalifa said.

His Highness Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the country marks its 33rd National Day today with "a mixture of happiness, pride, satisfaction and sadness."

In a statement, Shaikh Maktoum said: "The long march of development will continue year after year and the memory of the grand absentee, Shaikh Zayed, will ever remain in our hearts and minds."

Shaikh Maktoum challenged UAE nationals to become protectors of Shaikh Zayed's achievements. "Our National Day celebration is an event to renew loyalty and prepare for the future. On this day, the absence of Shaikh Zayed will double our responsibility. But we have full confidence in Shaikh Khalifa to continue the march.

"We will be his best assistants and supporters," he said.

President will not receive well-wishers

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will not receive well-wishers today due to the national mourning on the death of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.