The National Day anniversary has become a real historic event rooted in the heart and memory of the people of the UAE, thanks to the wise leadership for sailing the ship throughout the years, in peace, welfare and security, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, GWU, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, FDF, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has said.

In a statement on the eve of the UAE 45th National Day anniversary, Sheikha Fatima expressed her pride about the UAE, founded by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and whose course is competently sustained by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikha Fatima said that the achievements scored by sons and daughters of the UAE demonstrate a deep sense of belonging and loyalty to the homeland and the leadership that has spared no effort for the sake of the happiness and welfare of the people.

"The UAE has earned a prominent place among the world’s well-respected countries," Sheikha Fatima said, adding that the UAE Union would continue under 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, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates."

The UAE has developed human resources in terms of competence, hope, diligence, strong faith and determination, she added.

Sheikha Fatima said that the distance between yesterday and today throughout 45 years reveals beyond a shadow of doubt the size and greatness of achievement. "I am full of an unwavering confidence and certainty that we will not stop at reaping the benefits of what we sowed yesterday, but will continue with the development to attain more achievements."

The Mother of the Nation said that Emirati women have been receiving support and encouragement from the leadership since the era of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to date. The state’s Constitution also recognises the ability of Emirati women to deliver, she added.

"Given this confidence, the women’s social work proved its existence, especially after the establishment of the General Women’s Union to sponsor women to participate in the unfolding development process in the UAE," she said.

Sheikha Fatima noted that the Arab and the international community have been witnessing the achievements of Emirati women over the past years. They participate actively in nation-building, development process and decision-making, as well as in the fields of defence and security, without losing sight of the traditional family role.

"The women in the UAE have made further gains and outstanding achievements in the framework of political empowerment and economic programme declared by the UAE President. Hence, the women occupy the highest positions in all fields and contribute effectively to leading the development process through their participation in the executive, legislative and judicial authorities," Sheikha Fatima said.

The UAE Union today also celebrates the progress of young Emirati people who have proven their ability to succeed, she said, adding, "The success achieved by many young people in the UAE was the result of wise policy outlined by the government and triggered progress in all economic development and educational fields."