MESSAGE FROM H.E. AHMED ALI AL MUALLA – UAE AMBASSADOR
On December 2, 2018, the UAE celebrates its 47th National Day. This same day in 1971 marked the establishment of the Emirates, a union that has come to be a leading model of sustainable development, progress and growth in the region and beyond.
On this happy occasion, I am extremely pleased to extend heartiest greetings, on behalf of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan – President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum – Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan – Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces in the United Arab Emirates, to the friendly people of Sri Lanka, led by His Excellency Mr. Maithripala Sirisena – President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
This day marks the National Day celebrations of the United Arab Emirates, as it strides forward with wisdom and perseverance, following in the footsteps of its founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, under the leadership of the President, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brothers their highnesses the members of the Federal Supreme Council, Rulers of all the emirates, and through the hands of its loyal daughters and sons, pillars of the country’s growth and development, attaining developmental, cultural, economic, political and social achievements.
On this occasion, I extend my congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and their brothers, the Supreme Council of Rulers of the UAE and the Government and people of the UAE on this 47th National Day.
December 2nd of every year is an occasion for UAE nationals and resi- dents alike, to express their pride in the country’s developmental and civilizational achievements.
The UAE’s 47th National Day coincides with the centenary of the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, as HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed dubbed 2018 to be the “Year of Zayed”. The late Sheikh Zayed was renowned for his wisdom and vision, his role and his policies in building the country, achieving development, strengthening its economy and national security, and leading it on the path towards a prosperous future.
The values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, laid the foundations of modern cultural and developmental renaissance in the country. Inspired by these values, the wise leaders of the country took to building a bright future for the UAE, strengthening its position among the countries of the region and the world, an oasis of peace and political stability, economic and social development, and tolerance.
The UAE adopted an active approach to diplomacy, with a marked openness to the outside world, establishing an extensive network of relations with various countries around the world, essentially based on the respect for the principles and charters of the United Nations and the international community, foremost of which are democracy and human rights, and non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. One of the most salient indicators of the success of UAE diplomacy is the strength of the UAE passport, which in recent years has achieved consecutive leaps. In 2018, it ranked third in the world according to the World Passport Index, reaching 163 countries visa-free.
At the national level, the late Sheikh Zayed believed that investing to ensure the well-being of the people and enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities would greatly benefit individuals, families and society. He wished to achieve progress in various fields such as health care facilities, educational facilities and other infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates. This in turn led to rapid and positive socio-economic changes. Sheikh Zayed’s generosity was not limited to his people: it extended to a large diversity of peoples around the world, alleviating their hardship and assisting them in meeting their needs.
The UAE has also championed the values of tolerance and multiculturalism, rejecting discrimination and hatred by adopting nationwide programs in partnership with various local, regional and international bodies. Today, the UAE forges ahead, a model of tolerance and acceptance, with more than 200 nationalities living in harmony, chasing it as their second home. The law guarantees residents, similarly to nationals, enjoy the right to use the state’s healthcare, educational, cultural and entertainment facilities without any discrimination.
The UAE is actively involved in the fight against extremism and terrorism, and a key element in the country’s determined efforts to ensure its national security and enhance international security. The UAE has accomplished important achievements in this regard, both through military participation in Islamic and international alliances and through the enactment of local laws to fight against terrorism and its causes. These include the Law against Discrimination and Hatred, the Federal Law establishing Hedayah, the International Center for Countering Violent Extremism, in addition to a decree – law that criminalises the slander of religions and their sanctities, to fight against various forms of discrimination, and reject hate speech. It aims to combat discrimination against individuals or groups based on religion, caste, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin.