50 years of achievement, and still poised for further development
abu dhabi — The Government of Abu Dhabi is constantly seeking to elevate performance standards and to achieve excellence in providing quality services, said Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region.
In a statement made on the 50th anniversary of the Abu Dhabi Government, Shaikh Hamdan congratulated the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on the occasion.
Thanks to the vision of Shaikh Khalifa and Shaikh Mohammed, the emirate was making solid progress in realising its goals of diversifying economy by minimising dependence on oil and gas, maintaining a confident society and a robust, open and competitive economy, he added.
Shaikh Hamdan also paid tribute to the UAE’s founder, the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who, when he became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966, made it very clear that the real asset of any nation is its people.
Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council (FNC), said the Government of Abu Dhabi has achieved numerous milestones in political, economic, industrial, social, educational, cultural and sports fields.
“The Government of Abu Dhabi adopted a future path through its Vision 2030 to transform into knowledge-based economy, to promote non-oil sectors and to increase non-oil trade,” she said.
Shaikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, said the directives given by Shaikh Khalifa have left spectacular hallmarks on the evolution and development of the government structure.
“Being the first chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Khalifa was keen to improve public services, enact regulatory laws and legislations and harness available resources to leverage services to the highest standards for the benefit of the citizens and expatriate residents,” he added.
Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council said that five decades after its formation, the Government of Abu Dhabi had been able to withstand all challenges and evolve into a modern government that pursue the welfare of the citizens and resident alike.
1974 was the year the Planning Council was changed into the Executive Council
He hailed Shaikh Khalifa who stood by the late Shaikh Zayed when he formed the government and kept his legacy alive when he led the emirate’s Planning Council, which was changed into the Executive Council in 1974.
“The government carried so many names, but had one goal progress, development to provide prosperity and happiness for the people,” he added.
Shaikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court said since its inception, the government of Abu Dhabi adopted planning.
“The Government of Abu Dhabi has embedded principles and standards for public administration, including development of human resources and utilising all energies to contribute to the march of progress,” he noted.
The Government of Abu Dhabi is today one of the best in the region thanks to strategic plans and policies, up-to-date legislations, human resources and organisational development, and good governance, said Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Retirement Pensions and Benefits Fund.
“The long journey of achievements of the Government of Abu Dhabi over the past 50 years was driven by the vision of the founding father, the late Shaikh Zayed.”
Shaikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council said the governance system founded by the late Shaikh Zayed in 1966, marked a new era for its progress.
“The capital of the UAE is confidently determined to continue the march of progress and development,” he added.
The scarce resources back in 1966, were no obstacles to the ambitions of the late Shaikh Zayed to bring about comprehensive development in all walks of life, said Saeed Eid Al Ghafli, Chairman of the Executive Office.
The Government of Abu Dhabi was among the first in the region to develop a long- term vision for the future, based on a coherent and secure society, and a resilient and competitive economy, he said.