UAE will expand democratic measures

Dubai: The UAE is determined to expand its democratic experiment and build a legislative structure to safeguard its position as a global business and financial centre, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said on Monday.

In a statement, carried by WAM on Monday to mark the country's 37th National Day, the President also urged Emiratis to consider the outstanding development of the past 37 years as an incentive to do more.

"The sense of satisfaction over what we have gained should not be a reason to be complacent," he said.

Shaikh Khalifa said there was a need to introduce a legislative framework to preserve the UAE's traditions and culture.

"The distinguished position we attained in the world, based on our openness and the spirit of tolerance ... has had its price, reflected in the demographic imbalance," he explained.

He called for a comprehensive vision to create a balance between the country's social and economic development.

He said the UAE leadership is looking forward to expanding public participation in the political process, aimed at building strong state institutions. "We are keen to continue to enhance the democratic process to reach the aspired level of participation."

In a statement, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the country is "determined to reach the level of advanced countries".

The UAE will remain a symbol of pride and glory and an oasis of security, he said.

Addressing citizens, he said: "Be optimistic about the future and take part in making it because you are standing on solid ground and building on enormous achievements, the most conspicuous among them are you and what is available for you from education and knowledge and what you have gained from qualification, competence and expertise."