Vice President thanks ‘team UAE’ in New Year message
The country’s leaders yesterday thanked the people of the UAE for their contributions to the nation’s prosperity as they entered the new year. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said: “Brothers and sisters, as 2017 comes to an end, we proudly look back on the accomplishments we achieved and the challenges we overcame.
“Thank you to everyone who was part of our success. We say thanks to everyone who was part of the achievements and who was a part of the UAE team. We thank all who contributed to making our world better and happier.”
He posted the greeting on Twitter yesterday, wishing people a prosperous 2018 and urging them to “reach new heights of success and achievement”. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, added his best wishes for what will be a special year.
“We welcome the new year 2018, Year of Zayed, year of loyalty and gratitude to our Founding Father,” he said.
“Our wish for our beloved nation is more progress and prosperity. We also wish our brotherly and friendly nations more peace and stability.
“The journey of giving led by President Sheikh Khalifa in 2017 has made great achievements. Thanks to the people of the UAE for their efforts and contributions to the nation’s prosperity.” Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said that for all of the children born in this special year, “we pray to God Almighty to grant them health and wellness. They are the sons and daughters of Zayed and our hope for the future”.
Revellers thronged Abu Dhabi’s Corniche last night where they were treated to an unforgettable time as they rung in the new year.
Conditions were perfect, with a clear sky and barely any breeze as people gathered at the first “countdown village” on the breakwater lining the capital’s Corniche to enjoy the fireworks and celebrations.
The countdown to the new year was displayed on the Adnoc headquarters building and at the stroke of midnight, an image of the UAE Founding Father Sheikh Zayed was displayed, heralding the Year of Zayed.
Fireworks shot into the sky in a 10-minute pyrotechnic extravaganza lighting up Emirates Palace, Etihad Towers, and the Abu Dhabi skyline. A simultaneous laser and fire display added to the excitement.
“We had been in Dubai on holiday before but this time we decided to visit Abu Dhabi,” said Malcolm Patterson, here from Scotland.
“Scotland is very cold,” he said with a chuckle. “We think that this is absolutely incredible, it’s amazing what’s here. I love all the interactive things. It’s absolutely amazing. Everything for kids, everything for adults – it’s brilliant,” he said.
The sights and sounds around the breakwater were taken in by hordes of people, drawn by appearances by Emirati star Hussain Al Jasmi and Egyptian musician Tamer Hosny as much as the fireworks.
“I’m a big fan of Hussain Al Jasmi. Both actually – Tamer Hosny too. But I prefer Al Jasmi