(MENAFN - Emirates News Agency (WAM))

ABU DHABI, 1st December, 2017 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, has said that under the Union, the UAE has achieved considerable academic, economic, urban and agricultural progress, which has answered the needs of the country's present and future.

Speaking on the occasion of the UAE's 46th National Day on December 2nd, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan added that the UAE today enjoys stability and prosperity at all levels and is working to diversify its sources of income and developing the country's capital.

Below is his statement in full: "The 2nd of December will remain a shining light in our history and an occasion to continue our journey of prosperity and development while renewing our pledge of loyalty. It is a glorious day on which we have the right to be proud of living each day and the passing of the years.

On this day, our will is as unified as the heart of one man, with determination, honesty and faith in the establishment of the UAE, under one leadership and a flag flying high, which combined the seven emirates into a federation of a kind never before seen in the region. It is unique in terms of the example it offers and for its ideology and vision, developed under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his brothers, the Founders of the UAE.

Our country has seen, thanks to the Union, considerable academic, economic, urban and agricultural progress. This has met the needs of the present and future, within the framework of an exceptional development process related to the people's lives and their needs and of an integrated system of living that has placed the UAE among the most prestigious countries in the world, where sustainable development had been adopted as a priority in their policies.

The UAE today lives in stability and prosperity on all levels and in all areas and is working to diversify its sources of income and to develop the country's capital. It is also working on the real investment in advancing its people and striving to achieve sustainable development on a national level.

Regarding its internal policies, the country is a leader in caring about the development of its human resources, out of its faith in their importance as the cornerstone of real advancement in any community. The country has ably succeeded in meeting the demands of the age of knowledge and is working to establish the foundations of sustainable development. It is redoubling its efforts to rise on the ladder of leadership and excellence and is reaching the top to achieve the hopes and aspirations of its children while bringing progress to its people. This is clearly reflected in the fact that the nation and Emirati nationals have attained an advanced and prestigious position in most of the reports on human development issued by international organisations and bodies.

The name of the UAE is written in letters of gold on the pages of humanity's history. It is considered to be a leader in various kinds of charity work. The UAE has undertaken noble initiatives in order to aid the weak and the needy and to care for them and protect them from the dangers of poverty, disease and ignorance. The country has accepted with gratitude these efforts and has achieved an exceptional status in the sphere of regional and international humanitarian and charity work, playing a major role in giving for humanitarian needs.

The wise leadership has prioritised progress and development in the Al Dhafra Region and has provided generous investments and economic opportunities, under the supreme directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. These are allowing the region to make progress towards a bright and sustainable future, promoting economic growth while preserving its cultural and historical identity.

Today, while looking to the future, we must also look back at the years since the establishment of the Union, to recognise the secret behind this enormous energy and the driving force of the country's rapid growth and development, these remaining crucial factors in continuing our path and maintaining the pace of our accomplishments and our leading position."

WAM/Rasha Abubaker

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