It might not be an overstatement to suggest that the duration between the UAE’s 50th and 51st anniversary celebrations seems relatively long. The success, scale, and magnitude of the country’s initiatives, accomplishments and projects during 2022 give that impression. After all, moments of joy for a nation are derived from recounting such accomplishments, enlisting significant progress and valuing constant readiness to tackle its numerous challenges.
The leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed provides a different flavour to the UAE’s 51st National Day celebration. A few days ago, the UAE launched the “We, The UAE 2031” strategy. It is a national plan, a roadmap for the next decade and a decisive step toward the federation’s centennial, led by the UAE President.
Moments of Emirati joy on an auspicious occasion such as National Day get more significant when they relate to the extent of UAE’s success in achieving its targets and objectives as a nation. “We, The UAE 2031” is a timely announcement, and countries that manage time properly deserve its accolades.
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The UAE celebrates its second National Day, in 1973, with a parade along the old corniche in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Peter Alves -
Armed forces march along Abu Dhabi's old corniche as part of National Day celebrations in 1973. Photo: Peter Alves -
Crowds gather on a building under construction to watch the UAE's second National Day parade go by in Abu Dhabi, in 1973. Photo: Peter Alves -
The UAE celebrates its second National Day, in 1973, with a parade along the old corniche in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Peter Alves -
A float representing Al Maqta bridge is driven along Abu Dhabi's old corniche in 1973. Photo: Peter Alves -
Marchers create the UAE flag as part of the National Day parade in 1973. Photo: Peter Alves -
The parade stretches further in 1973. Photo: Peter Alves -
A vehicle is stuck in sand as the UAE's second National Day celebrations continue. Photo: Peter Alves -
Egyptian singer Najat Al Saghira performs on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after the UAE was formed. Photo: Alittihad -
The UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, at the first anniversary of the Union, on December 2, 1972. Photo: Ministry of the Presidential Court -
Sheikh Zayed watches a military ceremony for the fourth National Day in 1975. Photo: Ittihad -
Sheikh Zayed at the UAE's first National Day celebration. Photo: Alittihad -
Al Saghira performs in Abu Dhabi for the first National Day celebrations, in 1972. Photo: Alittihad
As the National Day comes toward the end of the year, the joy and celebration become a reward for the UAE people and expatriates for the entire year’s accomplishments. For the UAE, the National Day is not a slogan or mere rhetoric, but the outcome of a reality built with relentless efforts. The UAE today is the second-largest Arab economy and the third-largest economy in the Middle East. A diverse ecosystem supports its secure institutional environment that enhances moderation, tolerance, co-existence and inter-faith dialogue. These conditions empower the principles of human fraternity, renounce extremism and help fight against terrorism.
The UAE’s National Day blends joy with pride and makes the celebration an occasion to motivate and contribute more toward the country’s advancement. It is an occasion to widen opportunities, enhance capabilities and self-development, and increase partnerships. It encourages investment in science, knowledge and innovation. These efforts further empower the nation’s independence and put it on the path of glory.
Those observing the UAE’s march toward progress can discern a common denominator between the country’s development and alliances. It has been the key to the UAE’s success. The nation is aware that expanding windows of opportunity is imperative. It firmly believes that opportunities come with risks and unjustified caution is not the best way forward. It is not without reason that the UAE, which has 0.13 per cent of the world’s population, represents about 1.5 per cent of global trade.
The generous Emirati leadership’s awareness of opportunities and readiness to tackle challenges provide a fundamental motivation for the nation. We collectively take pride in this beautiful country and congratulate its wise leadership. Many happy returns of the day, and long live the UAE federation.
