LEADERS START COUNTDOWN TO GOLDEN JUBILEE EVENTS
▶ Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reflect on 50 years of the UAE’s achievements
UAE leaders have heralded the start of a 50-day countdown to the country’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
On December 2, the nation will mark 50 years since unification.
Members of the public are being invited to embrace the country’s rich traditions and join the march to the next 50 years.
In March, President Sheikh Khalifa declared 2021 to be the “Year of the 50th”, ensuring a year-long celebration of the momentous occasion.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the hearts of the people of the UAE were united under the country’s flag.
“Fifty days, and the Emirates will complete 50 years as one state,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“Its emirates are united ... its hearts are united ... its people raise one flag and rule for one constitution and wrap around one president.
“Fifty years to start our celebrations on December 2, 2021, God willing.”
His message was shared by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
“In 50 days, our beloved country will celebrate its 50th UAE National Day. We approach this historic milestone with pride in our country’s achievements, gratitude to all contributors to the building of the nation and shared optimism for the promising future that lies ahead of us,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
Preparations are gathering pace for the festivities this December.
The UAE’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee is calling on the public to count down the days until the 50th anniversary.
The initiative, called 50 Days to 50, will be promoted on UAE National Day social media platforms, @OfficialUAEND.
“With over 200 nationalities living in the UAE, we invite everyone who calls the UAE home to celebrate by learning more about the traditions and rituals that make our great society, and participate in our daily activities in the lead-up to the official National Day Ceremony,” said Shaikha Al Ketbi, head of creative strategy for the Year of the 50th.
People are being invited to visit attractions, discover hidden gems across the country, learn and sing the UAE’s national anthem, submit photographs of locations in the country that are meaningful to them, and take part in the celebrations leading up to National Day with their friends and family.
Government departments, private companies, schools and organisations are also being asked to support the Golden Jubilee project.
The UAE is setting out ambitious plans for another half century of achievement, while reflecting on the remarkable rise of the Emirates since 1971.
The country has cemented its place on the global stage in recent years and is pressing ahead with renewed optimism as it continues to stage a watchful recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last week, Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE had “overcome the crisis” and called for people to return to normality.
The UAE has enjoyed a number of notable achievements in recent years, on the home front, internationally and in outer space.
In September, 2019, Maj Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati to journey into space.
His momentous mission on the International Space Station paved the way for the rapid growth of the space sector.
As well as Maj Al Mansouri, the country has three other astronauts-in-training – including the first female astronaut from the Arab world.
The Hope probe successfully reached Mars orbit in February this year. Now the Moon and Venus are in the sights of ambitious space chiefs.
Closer to home, commercial operations began at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant – a first for the Arab world.
The Abraham Accords, signed in August last year, ushered in diplomatic relations between the UAE and Israel.
The Etihad Rail megaproject, which will stretch about 1,200 kilometres across the country, is also quickly taking shape.
The UAE recently announced an ambitious strategic initiative to reduce carbon emissions by 2050. The plan will mean Dh600 billion ($163.37bn) being invested in clean and renewable energy sources in the next three decades.
Although much has been achieved, the journey is far from over.
In September, the UAE rolled out plans for 50 new projects and initiatives to create further prosperity.
Among the vital projects is a plan to spend up to Dh24bn on getting 75,000 Emiratis into private sector jobs.
A Dh1bn fund, under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, has been established to provide micro-loans for new graduates to support their business projects, in collaboration with UAE universities.
Its emirates are united ... its hearts are united ... its people raise one flag and wrap around one president
SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID Vice President and Ruler of Dubai