The Emirates … 45 years of challenge
THE United Arab Emirates (UAE) is celebrating its 45th National Day, marking the day when the seven emirates merged to establish a federation — a unique union in contemporary Arab history that came after a series of setbacks in unity schemes.
These schemes did not see the light as they either lacked spirit from the beginning or ended up being buried due to disputes between the concerned parties.
With this unique federation of seven pearls, every morning symbolizes efforts to maintain harmony and strengthen unity of social elements in the seven emirates, molded into a single national identity which became a model of the concept ‘unity is strength’.
Today, the experience of UAE has reached the level of maturity — a source of pride for all Arabs. This is in addition to the fact that the UAE is no longer the towns and villages scattered in an almost forgotten location along the Arabian Peninsula. Instead, it is now an active member of the international community with economic might and it is considered a development pioneer in the region.
Furthermore, the UAE has become an important political player in all aspects. It is characterized by scientific and technological blessings which came after having major branches of universities, hospitals and global museums; as well as free trade zones in several of its main cities, let alone the industries and commercial movement that never rests.
This able country was formed through the efforts exerted by its leaders who prioritized national welfare over any other issue, and opened doors to their people based on the belief that countries are not built from ivory towers. Countries are built by working together and maintaining close relations between the ruler and his people —a ruler who keeps himself informed on the conditions of the country and lives in reality.
Therefore, it is not surprising to see Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum
roaming around public domains to personally look into the situation of the people and to follow up every major and minor issue disregarding formalities.
The situation is not different when it comes to Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan who acquired from his late father, Sheikh Zayed Sultan Al Nahyan, the open-door politics for citizens and oversight of State affairs. He listens to the young and old equally, discussing and taking decisions on issues. The result of this kind of rule is that all seven Emirates
became a flame of activity and work, while the law is enforced.
When the UAE lights the 46th year of federation, it continues with the commitment of its supreme council members who chose for every emirate their roles in various aspects of life. All of them are devoted to playing their roles together without slacking — whether Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Fujeirah and Ras-Khaimah; they all work in symphony.
It is enough for these leaders to be proud of writing radiant chapters of the federation hoping the ink does not dry out. They continue with their determination to embark on the course of success which perpetuated history of the first generation among them. Undoubtedly, the children will continue to perpetuate such glory.
This country will also continue to be known for its ability to fight and stand firm next to its neighbor, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — the kingdom of honor — and its coalition against Iran’s expansionism scheme in Yemen which is the southern front of the entire Arabian Peninsula. Iran does not only aim at occupying Makkah and Madinah or dissecting Saudi Arabia because it wants to shatter the whole region as well.
However, the steadfastness and strong will of GCC countries based on the unified destination and course shut
all doors that the Mullah regime tries to infiltrate through the Arab world.
Today, the Emiratis and Arabs are celebrating the 45th year of strong determination to face the difficulty as planned by the Emirati will that has rendered it a model mimicked by anyone who wants advancement, stability and prosperity for this nation.