Abu Dhabi: The nation is going from strength to strength on the foundation of a solid economy, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has said.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the country's achievements would not have been possible if "God hadn't set for us a tryst with history".
Click here to read Shaikh Mohammad's full speech
Addressing the nation to mark the 38th National Day, Shaikh Khalifa said: "We would like to assure everyone that our country is stronger and better off, since our economy is fine and our society enjoys welfare. The global financial crisis will not be a reason for hesitation or retreat, not a justification to lead us to despair or inaction.
"We are confident that our people and the sources of our strength will continue steadily and consistently in implementing what we have adopted in terms of the strategies and plans."
In a statement to the Nation Shield magazine, the President said the transformation experienced by the UAE economy did not come from a vacuum, but through regulations to establish a new economic model.
Shaikh Khalifa said the UAE's strong economy and policies helped overcome the most difficult stage of the downturn, WAM reported. Last quarter figures of this year show growth in most sectors.
"With regard to continuing infrastructure development of the economy, which highlights the economic boom of our country, we issued this year regulations to support the national economy, investment promotion and regulation of credit," Shaikh Khalifa added.
Click here to read Shaikh Khalifa's full speech
Shaikh Mohammad in an address to the nation in the same magazine said the economy has become stronger and more cohesive.
Wheel of progress
"In spite of the weight of the consequences of the global financial crisis, the wheel of progress and achievement in our country did not stop turning.
"It safeguarded the power of our economy, placed it on the road to recovery and boosted it by way of the intensification of government investment in infrastructure at the national level. This is in addition to the timely completion of projects such as the Yas Circuit, which put the UAE on the map of one of the world's most watched sports and the Dubai Metro, which has become a landmark in our country."
Click here to watch the UAE National Day parade
"Today our economy is one of the largest economies of the world in terms of power and stability due to its diversity, its vast potential, its reliance on strategic planning, its adoption of the language and tools of the Knowledge Age. These qualities gave it the ability to interact positively with the ups and downs in the global economy and provided it with the efficiency to overcome crises and grab opportunities.
"You, dear compatriots, are the wealth and weapons of our nation, you are its pride, joy and delight. I know that your motherland is the most expensive thing you have and the love for your country is deeply planted in your hearts. But the highest degree of love is self-giving. You are the people of generosity.
"So gather your thoughts, light up your minds, roll up your sleeves, work hard and take initiatives, always look forward, and believe that God will not let good work go without reward."
