H.H. Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs, has congratulated the government and people of the UAE on the occasion of the UAE 42nd National Day. Commending the UAE women's contribution to the consolidation of the process of growth and development taking place in the United Arab Emirates since the dawn of the union until today, Sheikha Manal in her message on the 42nd National Day also stressed the importance of UAE women's great achievements and the prominence status they had reached in all international forums, in light of ongoing guidance and support by the wise leadership. She extended her thanks and appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for their continuous guidance and support in order to drive the Emirati women progress and take them toward greater achievement and excellence. Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed said: "In this precious occasion, it is with pride that we remember our founding fathers, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikha Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who believed in the capabilities of women and was always by their side to be a real partner in the process of construction." She added: "I am delighted to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the "Mother of the Emirates", Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of General Women's Union, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, for all the great efforts she does to promote women and enhance their capabilities in various fields."