Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid

Mohammad Bin Rashid calls for strong action to combat dangers of ignorance and fanaticism

We have no alternative but to engage in a crucial confrontation with those who use religion to achieve goals that are not among the goals authorised by religion...

The heroism of the martyrs who have died in battle and the bravery of the entire UAE Armed Forces was hailed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in his National Day speech, which also emphasised how the UAE is resisting the dangers of ignorance and fanaticism.

“The martyrs of the UAE have added a sublime dimension to the National Day celebrations, and in the future both National Day and Martyrs Day will be celebrated together to show the highest dedication to patriotism, as martyrdom is an unrivalled honour,” said Shaikh Mohammad.

He paid tribute to “our courageous Armed Forces who are the shield of our country and its keen sword, and our everwatchful security services who protect our country, our people as well as our guests”.

‘Need to close the gaps’

Shaikh Mohammad was clear about why the UAE has been forced to make such exceptional efforts when he said, “We think that there is a need to highlight straightforward religion and promote the role it plays in unifying our nation and stimulating its growth and progress. We need to close the gaps through which extremism, fanaticism, terrorism and hatred can enter.”

“We have no alternative but to engage in a crucial confrontation with those who use religion to achieve goals that are not among the goals authorised by religion. Those that deface our straightforward religion more than the enemies of religion could inflict on all Muslims damage that is unprecedented.

‘Crucial crossroads’

“In these spheres, we don’t have the luxury of choosing, leaving or postponing to choose a certain option, because Arabs are at a crucial historical crossroads.

“Our option is that we should approach opportunities and join hands with our brothers to take our nation to safety, development and growth”.

At a time of great turmoil and sacrifice, Shaikh Mohammad was at pains to point out that the UAE’s involvement in the region has not been at the expense of the UAE’s attention to its internal affairs.

‘Strategic planning’

“The external challenges induced further work and achievements in all domains of national work. Your government has bolstered its approach to strategic planning, launch of projects and new initiatives, as well as to adopting the best practices in government work, execution of plans, innovating initiatives for empowerment, excellence and development,” he said.

Shaikh Mohammad ended by celebrating the election of Dr Amal Al Qubaisi as the first woman Speaker of the Federal National Council, which he described as “an achievement showing our success in empowering women”.

He also noted the important milestone of the UAE’s passing of the first anti-discrimination law in the Arab region which is based on Sharia and embodies the UAE’s values and traditions and therefore seeks to protect the UAE and its and people “from the plagues of fanaticism, discrimination and hate spread by extremist and terrorist ideologies and ignorance”.

We have no alternative but to engage in a crucial confrontation with those who use religion to achieve goals that are not among the goals authorised by religion ... we don’t have the luxury of choosing, leaving or postponing.”

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

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