Unity is the way to strength, honour and power

Speaking to the UAE's military and strategic journal, Nation Shield magazine, on the occasion of the UAE's 45th National Day, H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has said, "Talking about the Union remains one of my favourite things, as it relates to the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. On this day, we renew our vow to come together in unity and to be pure in our intentions. We vow that the journey of doing good and hard work will continue under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This is the vow we took."

"On this occasion of the 45th National Day, I am pleased to offer my warmest congratulations and wishes of health and happiness to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa ,His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as well as all of my fellow members of the Supreme Council, the Rulers of the Emirates, and the people of the UAE," he said.

H.H. Sheikh Humaid Al Nuaimi, added, "At the time of the Union’s founding, the world was not as advanced as it is today, and yet through insight, great vision, hope and ambitions for the future, the Union became an inevitable path and an unavoidable aim. Everyone who has witnessed this progress stands today with awe and gratitude, observing the proof of this progress and remembering the words of the late Sheikh Zayed when he said, "Unity is the way to strength, honour and power. Division only leads to weakness. There is no place in today's world for weak entities. These are the lessons of history throughout the ages."

"The second of December 1971 is a date of great significance to us all, and shall always be remembered for the beautiful meanings and values it represents. It was a turning point in our lives and a great boost in our country’s economy and the service of its people. That was the result of a stable approach and a clear vision and definition of leadership, and the effects these benefits had on the construction of a modern state and building of its foundations, leading it towards a higher status and increased prosperity."

He continued, "The experience of being unified, as witnessed by the UAE 45 years ago, remains a great and unique achievement, as the state was transformed during the past four and a half decades since its founding into a modern, prosperous country on a path towards progress and civilisation, and with great stability and capabilities. Under the Union, the state has witnessed a great educational, economic, architectural and agricultural renaissance that has fulfilled the needs for the present and the future in a unique developmental process involving the quality of human life, and the environmental and economic needs of the people. The quality of life in UAE placed the state at the top amongst the most advanced countries in the world that have made sustainable development one of their top priorities."

"All the signs and indices confirm that our country is witnessing great prosperity in all fields, as well as transformations in construction and institutions. The UAE has achieved record numbers, and ranks in terms of progress and advancement on all levels, becoming one of the developed countries with a flourishing economy, a stable political situation, as well as advanced administrative and industrial organisations, and all through the work of the union, alongside local corporations and institutions. The UAE has also succeeded in attracting different investments through adopting an open economy philosophy, and due to its positive interactions in the spirit of fair treatment and achieving mutual interests. The UAE has also enhanced its market dynamics, encouraged individual initiative, enabled the role of the private sector, and further established an environment of economic freedom."

The Ruler of Ajman continued, "Thanks to the union, the UAE has been able to build roads, bridges, ports and airports, and to provide a diverse comprehensive transportation system that is considered one of the fastest, safest and most advanced and effective in the world.

"Also, the UAE succeeded in the forestation of the dessert, as it planted millions of trees and plants. It also spread security throughout the state, secured housing for every citizen, offered aid to the needy, and provided healthcare for citizens and residents."

He went on to say, "Thanks to the Union, our country has become a futuristic one, working and building to secure a better future. Through the "Misbar Al Amal" programme, the UAE began its project to explore Mars, which is considered to be a turning point in the developmental journey of our state, as it establishes a space technology industry as an essential economic industry for years to come, as the UAE aims to become a leading country in space technology by the time the probe reaches Mars in 2021.

"After the formation of the Union, the UAE has become an ambassador of many values for the first time, reflecting the state’s ambitions."

H.H. Sheikh Humaid continued, "The UAE assigned a Minister of State for Tolerance, proving to the world that tolerance inside the state is not only a word we utter, but a value we live by; a value established in us by our Islamic religion and our leaders, especially during times of conflict and war, as witnessed by the Middle East and the world today. The UAE has also assigned a Minister of State for Happiness to express its ambition to achieve happiness amongst its people.

"The UAE has also assigned the youngest female minister as Minister of State for Youth Affairs, in order to encourage the involvement of Emirati youth, and to assign more women to decision making positions. The Cabinet now includes 8 female ministers, and 9 members of the Federal National Council are women, as well as other women who participate in different political, economic, social, cultural, educational and media sectors.

"Under the Union, the UAE has been positively involved in the affairs of the GCC, the Arab region and the world. It has applied a moderate foreign affairs approach based upon justice and helping the oppressed, and reflecting the love and tolerance that Islam preaches."

In conclusion, Sheikh Humaid said, "Finally, on this great day, we thank God for his blessings and for our prudent leadership, and a people that stands behind its leaders on a path towards justice and doing good."