National Day (United Arab Emirates)
National Day (Arabic: اليوم الوطني; Yawm al watani) is celebrated on December 2 each year in the United Arab Emirates. [1][2] It marks the UAE's formal nationalisation from the British Protectorate Treaties which ended on December 1, 1971 and the eventual, federal unification of the sevenemirates in 1971 which combined to form the modern-day country, headed by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the federation's first president. Grand celebrations are held across the country to mark the event.
There are several activities conducted all over the emirates to mark this auspicious event. Fireworks, Car Rallies and Dance Shows are the most common activities. Heritage Villages are set all over the emirates in order to celebrate this event traditionally. Holidays are given from the National Day until 2 days later. Air Shows are conducted on Abu Dhabi and Ajman Corniche while Military Processions are held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition for the Rulers of the Emirates, Members of the Federal National Exhibition and the Emirates Citizens.
There are several activities conducted all over the emirates to mark this auspicious event. Fireworks, Car Rallies and Dance Shows are the most common activities. Heritage Villages are set all over the emirates in order to celebrate this event traditionally. Holidays are given from the National Day until 2 days later. Air Shows are conducted on Abu Dhabi and Ajman Corniche while Military Processions are held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition for the Rulers of the Emirates, Members of the Federal National Exhibition and the Emirates Citizens.
Happy UAE National Day! • Abby's Roads
On this day, we express our appreciation of and acknowledge the value of the "'Flag Day" initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for its role in upholding the symbol of our Union, which serves as a headline for our identity, confirming our unity and vision, as well as instilling the meaning and connotations of patriotism into our sons and daughters. We pledge to Allah that we will keep the Union strong and majestic and its flag fluttering high. We also praise the institutions established under our Constitution and the federal and local authorities for shouldering their responsibilities towards the nation and the citizen, for their intelligent outlook for the future in adopting excellence, leadership and planning to address the current challenges by finding solutions that fit the nature of our society and its lifestyle, and for launching diverse initiatives with the aim of promoting the values of social solidarity and cohesion, of increasing participation of nationals in the labour market, and in generating sustainable job opportunities in all emirates in a true partnership with the private sector.
We also commend the continuing efforts to reform the local labour market by removing the obstacles hindering progress of Emiratisation which limit the participation of national professionals in it. We express our appreciation of the measures taken to restructure industry and business sectors to enable them to move from the phase of a labour-intensive dependence to a phase where productive processes are driven by knowledge, advanced technology and a qualified workforce. We also applaud the plans that have been announced for diversifying sources of renewable and alternative energy and for the adoption of a unified and comprehensive national strategy on emergency, crisis and disaster management that enhances the resilience of the nation and community alike and builds on and increases their capacity to respond to risks and mitigate their impact.
Within the context of our keenness to achieve happiness and welfare for citizens, we have decided to allocate additional AED 20 billion for funding works and projects under the initiatives we have launched to achieve the aspired standard of welfare to our citizens. In recognition of the maximum priority of housing as a stepping stone for a decent and safe life, we launched our initiative to build 10,000 houses for citizens in various emirates to deliver justice, equality and welfare. We also instructed the government to immediately implement this initiative and secure the necessary funds to complete it.
We also decided to raise the housing assistance the citizen gets from the Zayed Housing Programme from AED 500,000 to AED 800,000.
Our appreciation also goes to the federal government for earmarking over 50 percent of the Union budget for the social sector in the fiscal year 2014, to develop and upgrade education, health, labour, social and Islamic affairs, culture, youth and community development, the Zayed Housing Programme, and other social benefits.
Dear citizens, Experiment has proven the feasibility and soundness of the approach we have pursued over the last decades, to which we will continue to adhere. We will also remain committed to an independent, flexible foreign policy whose ultimate goal is to serve national interests, to safeguard the sovereignty of the State, to strengthen the framework of the GCC as it moves towards a fully-fledged integration and to consolidate cooperation with Arab countries and regional alliances for building a regional and international environment based on peace, stability and mutual trust. We will continue this policy, committing ourselves to combating terrorism and extremism, to seek to resolve conflicts through peaceful means, to engage in international efforts for conservation of the environment and to contribute to the forging of a more just and fair international order.
This policy has enabled our State to maintain close ties with brotherly and friendly countries, to earn an prominent international stature and maintain a strong presence in international and regional organisations, to host international institutions, organisations, and conferences, and provide development and humanitarian aid, cherishing the legacy of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who made the humanitarian dimension a true part of the UAE's foreign policy. We will also continue to call for peace, development and cooperation, appreciating and valuing highly the GCC and Arab support for the UAE's historic and legitimate right to its three occupied islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb, asserting that the only way to resolve this issue through direct negotiations or international arbitration that strengthens the opportunities for security and stability in the region.
At the same time, we welcome the initial agreement between Iran and the P5+1 world powers over Tehran's nuclear programme and we also express our hope that the agreement will represent a step that paves the way for a permanent agreement that preserves stability of the region and wards off tensions.
It is no secret that we are deeply concerned about tensions that are being experienced in the region, which have promoted sedition and which have fuelled spells of extremism, terrorism and violence. At the same time, we highly appreciate and value the positive presence and fruitful activity of our diplomacy in defending our national choices. Amongst these are the advancing of the progress of the GCC, advocacy of just Arab causes, of which the key one is the right of the Palestinian people to establish their own independent state with the holy city of Jerusalem as its capital, and support for meaningful initiatives to enable Egypt regain its Arab leading role, as well as the restoration of peace to Syria, calm to Tunisia, security to Libya, stability to Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan and other countries, as well as advancing the efforts being made to make the Middle East a region free of weapons of mass destruction and increasing pressure on Israel to comply with international and legitimate resolutions on its withdrawal from all Arab occupied territories.
On this spectacular occasion, we salute the commanders of our Armed Forces and police and security agencies for their dedication in discharging their duties of preserving order and security and promoting tranquillity as well as for their efforts to upgrade our nation's defence and security capabilities. We also pledge the continuation of our persistent effort to further develop their capabilities, to modernise their equipment and to ensure delivery of comprehensive care to them and their families. We would like also to thank expatriate residents from brotherly and friendly countries for their commendable role in our development.
Dear citizens, What has been accomplished over the past 42 years has been an exceptional and phenomenal achievement in which you all have participated, while being consistent and united in your confidence that tomorrow will be definitely better than today as the present is better than the past.
We pray to Allah to make us grateful servants, to guide our steps to the right path, to aid us with strong will and to instill a fervent vibrancy in our people.
May Allah grant you success and may you all be well every year.
We also commend the continuing efforts to reform the local labour market by removing the obstacles hindering progress of Emiratisation which limit the participation of national professionals in it. We express our appreciation of the measures taken to restructure industry and business sectors to enable them to move from the phase of a labour-intensive dependence to a phase where productive processes are driven by knowledge, advanced technology and a qualified workforce. We also applaud the plans that have been announced for diversifying sources of renewable and alternative energy and for the adoption of a unified and comprehensive national strategy on emergency, crisis and disaster management that enhances the resilience of the nation and community alike and builds on and increases their capacity to respond to risks and mitigate their impact.
Within the context of our keenness to achieve happiness and welfare for citizens, we have decided to allocate additional AED 20 billion for funding works and projects under the initiatives we have launched to achieve the aspired standard of welfare to our citizens. In recognition of the maximum priority of housing as a stepping stone for a decent and safe life, we launched our initiative to build 10,000 houses for citizens in various emirates to deliver justice, equality and welfare. We also instructed the government to immediately implement this initiative and secure the necessary funds to complete it.
We also decided to raise the housing assistance the citizen gets from the Zayed Housing Programme from AED 500,000 to AED 800,000.
Our appreciation also goes to the federal government for earmarking over 50 percent of the Union budget for the social sector in the fiscal year 2014, to develop and upgrade education, health, labour, social and Islamic affairs, culture, youth and community development, the Zayed Housing Programme, and other social benefits.
Dear citizens, Experiment has proven the feasibility and soundness of the approach we have pursued over the last decades, to which we will continue to adhere. We will also remain committed to an independent, flexible foreign policy whose ultimate goal is to serve national interests, to safeguard the sovereignty of the State, to strengthen the framework of the GCC as it moves towards a fully-fledged integration and to consolidate cooperation with Arab countries and regional alliances for building a regional and international environment based on peace, stability and mutual trust. We will continue this policy, committing ourselves to combating terrorism and extremism, to seek to resolve conflicts through peaceful means, to engage in international efforts for conservation of the environment and to contribute to the forging of a more just and fair international order.
This policy has enabled our State to maintain close ties with brotherly and friendly countries, to earn an prominent international stature and maintain a strong presence in international and regional organisations, to host international institutions, organisations, and conferences, and provide development and humanitarian aid, cherishing the legacy of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who made the humanitarian dimension a true part of the UAE's foreign policy. We will also continue to call for peace, development and cooperation, appreciating and valuing highly the GCC and Arab support for the UAE's historic and legitimate right to its three occupied islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb, asserting that the only way to resolve this issue through direct negotiations or international arbitration that strengthens the opportunities for security and stability in the region.
At the same time, we welcome the initial agreement between Iran and the P5+1 world powers over Tehran's nuclear programme and we also express our hope that the agreement will represent a step that paves the way for a permanent agreement that preserves stability of the region and wards off tensions.
It is no secret that we are deeply concerned about tensions that are being experienced in the region, which have promoted sedition and which have fuelled spells of extremism, terrorism and violence. At the same time, we highly appreciate and value the positive presence and fruitful activity of our diplomacy in defending our national choices. Amongst these are the advancing of the progress of the GCC, advocacy of just Arab causes, of which the key one is the right of the Palestinian people to establish their own independent state with the holy city of Jerusalem as its capital, and support for meaningful initiatives to enable Egypt regain its Arab leading role, as well as the restoration of peace to Syria, calm to Tunisia, security to Libya, stability to Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan and other countries, as well as advancing the efforts being made to make the Middle East a region free of weapons of mass destruction and increasing pressure on Israel to comply with international and legitimate resolutions on its withdrawal from all Arab occupied territories.
On this spectacular occasion, we salute the commanders of our Armed Forces and police and security agencies for their dedication in discharging their duties of preserving order and security and promoting tranquillity as well as for their efforts to upgrade our nation's defence and security capabilities. We also pledge the continuation of our persistent effort to further develop their capabilities, to modernise their equipment and to ensure delivery of comprehensive care to them and their families. We would like also to thank expatriate residents from brotherly and friendly countries for their commendable role in our development.
Dear citizens, What has been accomplished over the past 42 years has been an exceptional and phenomenal achievement in which you all have participated, while being consistent and united in your confidence that tomorrow will be definitely better than today as the present is better than the past.
We pray to Allah to make us grateful servants, to guide our steps to the right path, to aid us with strong will and to instill a fervent vibrancy in our people.
May Allah grant you success and may you all be well every year.
Union is core our strength through challenging time: Ruler of Sharjah
His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has extended his warmest congratulations to the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and to Their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates and the UAE people, on the occasion of the 42th National Day of the UAE Union.
Sheikh Sultan stated that “anyone who pursues the history of the Union of the United Arab Emirates, which was founded more than four decades ago, should feel the endeavours and efforts made by the Founders of the Union in their struggle for this entity, derived from all the difficulties they faced and the obstacles encountered in their way, energies and greater resolve to continue working for the principle that they believed in, which is the integration and cooperation among them through a strong union that ensures security and stability for its people and push them for progress to emulate major countries in its achievements.
''The UAE, thanks to God and thanks to the efforts of its loyal sons, has provided the opportunity to build a solid Union based on strong and firm foundations, laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,'' Sheikh Sultan said in a statement to ''Dira'a Al Watan'' magazine on the occasion of the UAE's 42nd National Day anniversary.
December 2, he added, is really a historical day, where the efforts of the honest and loyal, the Rulers of the Emirates and the leader of the march, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, crowned with the establishment of the Union of our dear nation, and along the march of this Union all our heart, government and people, thanks to God and to ourselves, still full of faith in the principle of unity and working for it.
Sheikh Sultan continued, "We all as people of the UAE, men and women, old and young, should make this anniversary as an opportunity to encourage all to achieve their hopes and our hope, that the new generation will be able to carry the responsibility with loyalty and awareness of what the Union has achieved to our country, and with all strength to maintain its achievements.
''We prayed God that this Union will be the core of our strength, way and our guide to preserve its rules in this difficult time, which is being witnessed a lot of changes and tragedies that requires from everyone to take lessons and maintain this nation and its soil and unity,'' he concluded.
UAE Union experience has become a glowing example of urban development: Ruler of RAK
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has said that the UAE Union experience has become a glowing example of urban development.
He a paid a rich tribute to Emiratis for their perseverance and allegiance to the forefathers, the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the nation.
''UAE led by Sheikh Khalifa, the UAE today is proud of its huge achievements attained under the Union. The world wonders at the urban development carried out by the UAE in record time,'' Sheikh Saud told ''Dira'a al-Watan'' magazine on the occasion of the 42nd National Day anniversary .
''We will never falter following the footsteps of the founding fathers. We have pledged allegiance to Sheikh Khalifa, to lead on the basis of the Union, he affirmed.
''The Union is our present and future. We pray to Allah to preserve our nation and prosperity to pass the gains on to our sons and grandchildren.'' The following is the full text of the speech: ''The 2nd of December each year represents a symbol of unity to our people, country and history. It sums up the values of allegiance and loyalty that produced the most successful union experience in the Arab World. It has become an experience to be emulated.
Exhibiting loyalty to the forefathers and the UAE led by Sheikh Khalifa, the UAE today is proud of its huge achievements attained under the Union. The world wonders at the urban development carried out by the UAE in record time.
When we observe the National Day anniversary, we remember the UAE founding fathers, notably, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his late brothers, the Rulers of Emirates, for their valuable efforts to establish the pillars of the Union based on justice, equality, fraternity and strenuous work, to develop the country and achieve welfare for the people of the UAE.
We will never falter following the footsteps of the founding fathers. We have pledged allegiance to Sheikh Khalifa, to lead on the basis of the Union.
It is incumbent upon us to shoulder our responsibilities towards the country and the leadership that has not spared any effort to elevate the UAE at international forums and provide good living conditions for citizens.
Based on solidarity and cohesion, the UAE extends assistance to sisterly and friendly countries, as well as those in need, irrespective of religion, race or sect.
We mark the 42nd year of the success story of Emirati people who built a modern state out of a scratch, thanks to the leadership who displayed limitless determination to continue building the Union, to pass it to the next generation intact to continue the success of the forefathers.
The security and prosperity enjoyed by citizens today is the fruit of the Union tree sowed by Sheikh Zayed and irrigated by the sweat of Emiratis to yield a good harvest. So we have to continue building, through sticking to our national identity and authentic Arab traditions and tolerance to assert the UAE's position representing a paradigm shift in terms of security and prosperity.
The Union is our present and future. We pray to Allah to preserve our nation and prosperity to pass the gains on to our sons and grandchildren.
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