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As the nation turns 44, President sets out a new national agenda in tribute to our fallen heroes

cornerstones have been identified by the President on which to build the future of the nation as it turns 44 today. They will be dedicated to the memory of the UAE’s martyrs.

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has laid out a 10-point programme for the government with the common aim of improving the lives of the UAE people. The plan, issued as the nation celebrates its founding 44 years ago, outlines national priorities despite the turmoil in the region and the UAE armed forces’ active participation in standing up for the rule of law across the region.

“Our Armed Forces servicemen have set wonderful examples of the ultimate heroism and sacrifice. We have lost martyrs, who offered their lives in defence of their nation and its values,” Shaikh Khalifa said.

“All of us have a duty, which is to remain loyal to the values for which they offered their lives, to complete what they have begun, to instil in the hearts and minds of our children the values of sacrifice and loyalty and to work together to keep our nation, for which those martyrs offered their lives, ever stronger and respectable.”

Paying tribute to the founders of the nation, he said that “thanks to their farsighted vision, our nation has developed a successful development model, presenting to the world a pioneering experiment in justice, rule of law, economic diversification, judicious harnessing of resources and sustainable development”.

He praised the young people of the UAE “who rushed enthusiastically to join national military service. It is this confidence and enthusiasm that makes us feel more proud of our citizens’ capabilities, more optimistic and reassured about the future of the UAE and more resolved to carry out our national responsibility”.

Shaikh Khalifa said the 10-point programme aims “to raise the nation’s profile and prestige and protect its security in order to advance our intensified national initiatives to become one of the best countries in the world” by December 2021.

“To advance this declared policy, we have been among the founders of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition to restore right and legitimacy in Yemen,” Shaikh Khalifa said. “We actively participated in Operation Decisive Storm, and today we are participating in Operation Restoring Hope, which aims to preserve the independence, security, sovereignty and unity of sisterly Yemen and help its people launch a process for building, development and progress of their country.”

Paying tribute to the UAE’s Armed Forces servicemen who have set powerful examples of ultimate heroism and sacrifice, Shaikh Khalifa said “their valuable sacrifices will only stiffen our resolve, enhance our strength and solidify our cohesion and solidarity.”

Shaikh Khalifa said that the 10-point plan should be achieved as a tribute to the martyrs of the UAE.

4 DIVERSIFYING THE ECONOMY Pursuing diligent government efforts to build a national economy far removed from dependence on oil revenue by investing in human development, technology and innovation. To that end, we have recently adopted the Emirates...

1 IMPROVING HAPPINESS Happiness of UAE citizens remains a top priority and permanent target of our federal and local governments, for which they work diligently in order to provide world-class housing, firstrate learning systems and high quality,...

3 BALANCING THE ECONOMY Maintaining the balanced policy of our national economy which is driven by diversification of sources of income, expansion of the product base and opening up to the world to spur growth and ensure and enhance sustainable...

2 IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE Increasing federal financial allocations dedicated to improve the quality of life, support family stability, and continue government spending on major infrastructure and development projects with the aim of stimulating...

5 STRENGTHENING NATIONAL PRIDE Making more focused efforts to develop practices that promote and deepen national identity and loyalty. The high sense of happiness, justice and equality that prevails among us should not prevent us from participation in...

6 IMPROVING EDUCATION Paying more care and attention to the teaching profession in a bid to make teaching one of the most attractive and competitive jobs. Improving teachers’ conditions will contribute to developing education and upgrading the...

7 PROMOTING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Mobilising and directing efforts to promote the social responsibility concept, so it can become an officially sanctioned approach, culture and practice in our lives. Bringing happiness to people, which we have taken...

10 GROWING STRONG AND STABLE Developing and introducing national legislations, policies and priorities to enable the state to always remain an oasis of security and stability, a thriving, attractive investment destination, a regional and international...

8 DEVELOPING A STRONG VOICE Intensifying efforts to build a national responsible media which is capable of assuming its responsibilities, well qualified to convey our voice and present our auspicious image to the world, to defend our national policies...

9 EMPOWERING YOUTH AND WOMEN Maximising government efforts to invest in the youth so as to unleash their skills and talents, nurture the spirit of innovation, harness energies for work, giving and innovation. Persistent efforts for empowering women...