An inspiration for nations in the region

Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research: We have become an influential, prosperous nation in an incredibly short time because we are always looking to the future. We inspire other nations in the region and the world to look to their futures with a new sense of the possible. The past 40 years present a record that makes me and other Emiratis proud. Few, if any, countries in the history of the world have developed further and faster economically than the UAE. Few, if any, developing countries have made better use of their resources in serving the interests of the nation's citizens. The UAE, under the leadership of the late Shaikh Zayed, became a model of development, peace and tolerance. I am fortunate and grateful that I had the opportunity to observe first-hand how Shaikh Zayed achieved his many successes.

Big price on human capital

Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water: As a country, the UAE began its journey 40 years ago and accomplished tremendous achievements in all spheres; perhaps the most important was developing our human resources.

Our wise leadership made all efforts to achieve this goal. And today we see the sons and daughters of the UAE occupy their places in all fields of work participating in building a bright future for this nation.

Building on strong foundations

Saqr Gobash Saeed Gobash, Minister of Labour: I extend my sincere congratulations to the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad, Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, and Cown Princes as well as the people and residents of the UAE.

Our country is built on strong foundations, which gained it a unique position due to the efforts and ambitions of the leaders. This day is a source of pride for all citizens. This day witnessed the announcement of the founding of the federation, thanks particularly to the efforts of the late Shaikh Zayed and Shaikh Rashid, who worked together to form the most successful unionist model witnessed across the Arab world in the modern era.

March to prosperity continues

 

 

 

Dr Ali Al Khoury, Director General of Emirates Identity Authority: Forty years of united hearts and the blessed march continues today with confidence towards development and prosperity.

December 2 will remain an immortal day that witnessed the establishment of a unique union to build a modern state and a glory to our nation.

I can only look back at the achievements with the eyes of admiration to the wise and rare vision of our leadership who not only promoted prosperity in all aspects of our lives, but also showed the highest values of love, affection, and brotherhood which knew no borders.

Progress and stability for all

Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director General of the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai: The UAE celebrates the National Day today with a sense of pride for the strong foundations of its federation, the unity of its people and for the prominent status it occupies regionally and internationally. The UAE has achieved inclusive growth since its foundation on December 2, 1971, and has progressed in a record time from an unknown country into a modern state that provides comfortable life, prosperity and stability to all its residents and visitors.

The Union paved the way for the building and development march, and placed the UAE in a premier position befitting its rich historical and cultural heritage. We are learning from the federation's lessons, which continue to help us proceed to an even more promising future.

United by the spirit of the founders

Afra Al Basti, Executive Director of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children and Member of the Federal National Council: It has been 40 years of peace, progress and prosperity.

The UAE has witnessed great and unique achievements in the past years on the political level in which the FNC elections took palce. Add to that the fact that our leaders opened door for Emirati women to play vital role in the development of the country.

Our country is united and will be united by the spirit of its founders.