The following is the address of Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, on the UAE 41st National Day.
The second of December is a milestone in our history. On this day, we renew our pledge of loyalty to this homeland and to its leaders, who spared no effort to achieve the dream of having one people, living together and enjoying security, prosperity and stability.
It is our solemn duty today, to express gratitude and praise to the tireless, sincere and wise efforts exerted by our Supreme Leader, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State; and his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; as well as their brothers, Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates; H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. We are thankful for their blessed efforts that granted this country a prominent position in the region, in terms of prosperity and stability.
Celebrating the Union for us is a celebration of glory, a celebration of both leaders and the people, rejoicing under the skies of the Emirates. The “Spirit of the Union” has become more than a slogan; it is a beacon that lights the way, and the dream that combines the best of both worlds (the East and the West).
There’s no denying that the power of people, throughout history, lay in their unity; while weakness and servility come with divisions, polemics, factionalism, and multiple affiliations. However, we are pursuing our fathers’ dream thanks to the loyalty of our children, to preserve this nation as a source of pride its citizens and residents alike. Thanks to the unity of our people under the guidance of the wise leadership, and sense of belonging to the land of our forefathers, we will always prevail and overcome the misleading obstacles.
On this day, the Day of the Union, we recall our glorious past and the determination of our forefathers. The men who worked hard to establish a nation that earned a prominent status among countries of the region, in terms of progress and development. Men who sacrificed dearly to overcome the challenges, and achieve the desired objective of the UAE, thanks its founder and patron, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brethren; to establish a nation that both the Arabs and its citizens can be proud of; a country that is a beacon of civilization among nations.
Building civilizations and cultures is not a random thing; it is the result of hard work and determination of people who strive for it. In this respect, the United Arab Emirates has and still is a nation grateful for its unity, driven by the dream of progress and development. It will pursue its dreams to reach the stars, and overcome envy and malice.
God bless us all with further unity, security and stability .
