H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has paid tribute to the UAE's march of progress, the foundation of which was laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and sustained by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikha Fatima made the remarks as she attended on Friday a celebration held at the Zayed Sports City to mark the 45th UAE National Day.

Others who attended the celebration included Wedad Babaker, wife of the President of Sudan; Dragica Nikolic, Serbia's First Lady; Keita Aminata Maiga, Mali's First Lady; the daughter of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Irina Bokova, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, as well as Sheikhas and women ministers and leaders.

"We cherish the National Day anniversary as we celebrate over four decades of progress, peace and security, under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates," Sheikha Fatima said.