National Day is no ordinary day. It marks the most significant and proud achievement in the history of our beloved UAE.
The Emirates Union represents the brightest moment etched in the history of our beloved UAE. It was the day when visions unified and hearts bonded through a shared love for a homeland that lives within us as we live within it.
How wonderful is National Day as it comes around each year while we progress, grow and prosper?
These hopes were realized under the leadership of a visionary founder who strived tirelessly to establish a strong, united country – the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his brothers the rulers of the UAE.
On the 52nd anniversary of the UAE’s foundation, I cannot find words to better express my pride, love and sense of belonging than those penned by the Emirati poet Hamad bin Khalifa Abu Shehab who said:
O Zayed, your virtuous path is clear, pure as a flowing stream
You crowned our hopes with unity, under which civilization’s flag flutters
You elevated its standing on the global stage, until it assumed the most fitting position
Thanks to the Union and its strength, the UAE has joined the ranks of leading nations, becoming a destination for visitors and attaining advanced global positions in development and wellbeing.
Without the Union, none of these remarkable accomplishments could have materialized. It is truly an honour that our beloved country has attained such success in just decades.
As Zayed’s children, we grew up on his ethics, followed his approach, and embraced unity. His sons reached Mars while the UAE flourished, becoming a glistening pearl on the Gulf shores.
The 52nd National Day comes this year as we thrive under the leadership of a great successor following steadfastly in his father’s footsteps – HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We say to him what was said to his father before:
We could not have asked for a better shepherd than you
Who cares for his people and shows compassion
Your hands planted goodness across the land
So crops have grown and flourished
May God protect our beloved nation and its precious leaders. Long live the UAE and long live the union.
