UAE Supreme Council Dec. 2, 2018
The Supreme Council of the UAE, chaired His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met on Sunday at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, on the 47th UAE National Day. Image Credit: Twitter

Abu Dhabi: The country's top leaders attended a meeting of the Supreme Council chaired His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, on the 47th UAE National Day.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, was present.

Also present were Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the emirates, Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi of Sharjah, Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman, Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi of Fujairah, Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla of Umm Al Quwain, and Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah.

“It is a glorious day in the history of the UAE…a day on which we all share the love of the UAE’s soil and combine efforts to raise its stature… a day on which we pray for mercy on Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan…the founding father, the builder…the role model and the leader,” Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid tweeted on Sunday.

Zayed has taught me that human beings are more important than construction…achievements are more important than positions…the nation is more important than persons.

- His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

He added: “Zayed has taught me that human beings are more important than construction…achievements are more important than positions…the nation is more important than persons.”

During the meeting, they renewed the pledge to continue to work on enhancing and consolidating the union and paving the way for a new phase of the UAE’s history where the federal government and local governments will work in full coordination and integration to preserve the unity of the federal entity and maintain its gains.

For his part, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed tweeted: “Zayed taught me that human values are the foundation for progress and that the realisation of dreams stems from faith and confidence in one's ability to accomplish great things.”

“We congratulate our leader, Shaikh Khalifa, and Emirati citizens, on the 47th National Day…a good occasion that we hope would lead us from one success to another. Nations are built with love, loyalty and hard work. Our people’s generosity will remain the genuine value to carry on with progress and prosperity and achieve our ambitions and aspirations for the future,” Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed tweeted.

Nations are built with love, loyalty and hard work. Our people’s generosity will remain the genuine value to carry on with progress and prosperity and achieve our ambitions and aspirations for the future.

- His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed added: “On December 2, hearts and minds joined to make substantial turning point in modern history. A day on which a country was established, a country whose ambition is as high as the outer space. With his sound vision and support by his founding brothers, Zayed created a leading experience of unity.”

The rulers exchanged greetings on the National Day and extended their deepest congratulations to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who leads the country’s drive towards greater progress and a more prosperous future.

LED show at Burj khalifa on the occasion of UAE National Day. Video by: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

During the meeting, they renewed the pledge to continue to work on enhancing and consolidating the union and paving the way for a new phase of the UAE’s history where the federal government and local governments will work in full coordination and integration to preserve the unity of the federal entity and maintain its gains.

They expressed their appreciation to Emirati citizens for their efforts and dedication to the nation, saluting UAE Armed Forces’commanders and officers as well as security services and martyred heroes who dedicated their lives and sacrificed their precious blood for their country’s glory.

The rulers underlined that the National Day celebrations reflect the national cohesion and strengthen the spirit of the union and its noble values.

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The rulers underlined that the National Day celebrations reflect the national cohesion and strengthen the spirit of the union and its noble values laid by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the nation.

They thanked the leaders and peoples of countries in the world who shared with the UAE its joyful celebrations of its National Day, which coincided with the Year of Zayed, making Emiratis and residents joyfully celebrate two occasions.

Emirati Ali Al Alavi
Emirati Ali Al Alavi and his children wave the national flags during the celebrations. Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News

They emphasised that the UAE has become a living example in promoting the culture of tolerance and a role model of humanitarian work emulated by others.

Special significance

The rulers highlighted the importance of their meeting this year, which gains special significance because it coincided with the UAE’s successful launch of its Emirati-built satellite KhalifaSat that marks a new milestone for the space sector and transforming the UAE into a regional and international hub for space science and technology.

Parade of Camels
Parade of Camels during the 47th Anniversary Celebrations Of the UAE National day at Zayed Sports city last night. Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News

The council members reviewed the country’s drive of national action and its future approaches, as well as the latest regional and international developments. They praised Emirati diplomatic efforts and role in entrenching the country’s reputation on the global map.

Citizens and residents
Citizens and residents watch National Day celebrations at Zayed Sports City last night. Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News

They thanked Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and his team, for their outstanding diplomatic efforts that crowned in having the UAE passport being ranked first globally as the most powerful passport.

Burj Khalifa colours
The giant screen on the skin of Burj Khalifa project the UAE colours on Sunday night. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani / Gulf news

At the end of the meeting, the Rulers lauded the excellent government performance at both federal and local levels, and instructed for the launch of more policies, strategies and future plans that would help strengthen the march of progress and sustainable development in the UAE — as well as its competitiveness and competence of Emirati human resources, to ensure the happiness, well-being and dignified life of its citizens and expatriate residents.