UAE leaders attend 47th National Day celebrations

By Eudore R. Chand

ABU DHABI 3 December 2018: Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers, attended the official celebration of the 47th National Day on Sunday evening at the Zayed Sport City in Abu Dhabi.

Held under the theme ‘This is Zayed. This is the UAE’, the event saw the attendance of Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi of Sharjah, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi of Fujairah, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla of Umm Al Quwain, and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah, said Wam.

In attendance also were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Qaiwain, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Deputy Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council, FNC, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, H.H. Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative, H.H. Sheikh Issa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.H. Sheikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs, ZHO, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport,H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, General Ahmed Qayed Saleh, Deputy Defence Minister of Algeria Minister, Roger Nkodo Dang, President of the Pan-African Parliament, Sheikhs, ministers and senior officials.

Their Highnesses the Supreme Council members and Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers, extended greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion, praying Allah Almighty to grant him good health and keep him for his nation and people so as to pursue the comprehensive development process and lead the country towards more building, progress and prosperity.

The celebration, attended by over 22,000 people, opened with a tribute to the rich legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, marking 100 years since his birth. The event also saw rare photos, chronicling Sheikh Zayed’s life, his love to the nature and the people, displayed for the first time.

The event also highlighted poems written by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and other poems. One of the poems, written by the late Mohammed bin Hamm, a long time companion of the UAE Founding Father, in which he referred to how Sheikh Zayed looked like his grandfather Zayed the First and how he inherited from him the leadership qualities. Also highlighted was Sheikh Zayed’s relations with his late mother Sheikha Salama bint Butti and how she helped shape his strong personality and his wisdom.

Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the President’s Representative, who was also UAE’s first Foreign Minister, recalled his time with Sheikh Zayed.

The audience reacted vigorously when audio recordings of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan speeches were played.

As the National Anthem played, a panoramic human map of the UAE federation map, as envisaged by Sheikh Zayed and the other founding fathers, was formed by 300 of the UAE Armed Forces personnel.

The event also saw statements by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Bahrain, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Bahrain, Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Executive Director of the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and an archive statement by the late Mubarak bin Quran Al Mansouri, former member of the National Consultative Council.

The event closed with a footage of the late Sheikh Zayed addressing his people and a tweet by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, using the hashtag: #zayed_taught_me, calling on the citizens and residents to express what values they have learnt from Zayed.

The hashtag will remain open to the public to express their love for the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, bring the ‘Year of Zayed into a worthy culmination.

Mohammed bin Rashid chairs Federal Supreme Council meeting

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the meeting of the Federal Supreme Council, held on Sunday at the Presidential Palace, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The meeting was attended by Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi of Sharjah, H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla of Umm Al Qaiwain, and H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah, who renewed their commitment to the Union with increased integration and coordination to advance the UAE’s development journey by strengthening its federal structures, deepening the spirit of unity, empowering the Emirati people, and safeguarding its advancements under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the meeting, Their Highnesses exchanged greetings on the occasion of the UAE’s 47th National Day, and conveyed their congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who continues to carry forward the Union and the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his brothers, the Founding Rulers. Their Highnesses relayed their great appreciation for the UAE’s sons and daughters and paid tribute to the nation’s Armed Forces military personnel and the nation’s martyrs for their sacrifices to protect the homeland.

 

Their Highnesses, the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, affirmed that the country’s celebration of National Day is a true embodiment of national cohesion, reinforcing the spirit of the Union, and the noble values planted in every citizen by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. They added that this year’s celebration coincides with the Year of Zayed, adding more joy to UAE citizens and residents on the auspicious occasion.

Their Highnesses also thanked Their Majesties and Highnesses Kings, Presidents and leaders of sisterly and friendly states, who relayed their sincerest greetings on the 47th National Day. They noted that the UAE had become a role model in spreading the values of tolerance and co-existence both regionally and globally, alongside its expanding humanitarian and development aid initiatives.

The Federal Supreme Council members discussed matters relating to the welfare of the nation and its citizens. They also commented on regional and international developments, praising the role played by UAE diplomacy.

They also noted the importance of their meeting this year, which also coincides with the momentous and successful launch of the UAE’s KhalifaSat, marking the nation’s embarking new developments in the space and technologies sectors, with the aim to attain the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021 and the country’s centennial Vision 2071.

The Council members extended their thanks and appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and his team for their efforts that led to the UAE attaining the most powerful passport status in the world.

At the end of the meeting, Their Highnesses commended the excellent government performance levels across federal and local institutions.

Mohammed bin Rashid, Mohamed bin Zayed receive Supreme Council Members, Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers

The Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today received, at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed received H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman; H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, and H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

During their meeting, Their Highnesses exchanged congratulations on the occasion of the country’s 47th National Day, and congratulated the leader of the country’s blessed journey with wisdom and competence, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and wished him health and happiness, while praying to Allah Almighty to grant the country security, safety, prosperity, stability and a bright future, due to the wisdom of its leadership and the determination and will of its loyal and dedicated children.

Their Highnesses stressed that the Federation is advancing with confidence and resolve in its blessed journey, following in the footsteps of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who established the principles and values that will remain a beacon that will guide the UAE’s children.

Also present were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Qaiwain, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Deputy Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council, FNC, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, H.H. Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative, H.H. Sheikh Issa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.H. Sheikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs, ZHO, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport,H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, Sheikhs, ministers and senior officials.