Source: www.rta.ae
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), extended sincere congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; their brothers, Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Federal Council and Rulers of the Emirates; and Crown Princes as well as the people & residents of the UAE, on the 38th UAE National Day.
He prayed for Allah Almighty to patronize the efforts of our leaders to realize the ambitions of the public to prosper and lead fulfilling lives, and to mark this auspicious occasion with good health and wellness for everyone.
The second of December will always remain in the consciousness of UAE citizens as a source of pride and glory. This day witnessed the announcement of the founding the Federation of the United Arab Emirates, thanks particularly to the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who worked together to form the most successful unionist model witnessed across the Arab World in the modern era.
This union paved the way for the building & development march to start, and thus placed the UAE in a premier position befitting its rich historical & cultural heritage. We are learning from the federation lessons, which continue to help us proceed to an even more promising future, God willing, and to achieve the expectations of the UAE people while building a better life, not only for us, but also for future generations.
Thanks to the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Federal Council and Rulers of the Emirates, and Crown Princes, the United Arab Emirates has completed many economic & social achievements. Coupled with phenomenal growth rates and urbanization, these accomplishments have elevated the nation to a prominent global position as a commercial, financial and tourist hub.
Equally, the country pursued a wise approach in its foreign policy by establishing regional and international relations based on the principles of good neighborliness and respect of international covenants in addition to lending support to brothers and friends around the world to alleviate their sufferings based on purely humanitarian grounds.
The year 2009 witnessed unique achievements. At the political level, the UAE gained a significant diplomatic victory by becoming the host of The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) following fierce competition with Austria and Germany.
At the economic level, the largest ever budget of the Federal Government was endorsed for 2010, amounting to 43.627 billion dirhams, about 1.427 billion dirham in excess of 2009 budget.
In the field of infrastructure development, the ninth of September saw the opening of the first stage of Dubai Metro, which is the longest metro project in the world implemented in a single phase extending 75 kilometers and including 47 stations. Massive road, bridge and interchange projects have been opened in the different emirates of the UAE.
In the sports field, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi hosted the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, which is classified as the best in the world with a track extending 5.5 km and passing through Yas Hotel, giving the electrifying sensation of racing cars motoring underneath.
The Emirate of Dubai hosted Beach Soccer World Cup “Dubai 2009,” attracting the participation of 16 teams from all over the globe. The world is still bracing for December 9th when the UAE will host FIFA Club World Cup “UAE 2009” with seven clubs taking part representing all continents.
The economic, social and urban development that has been accomplished in real terms is a unique achievement by all standards. However, the real success is the building and development of human capabilities through science and the cultural arts in order to further the development and construction drive.
The country is devoting massive attention to providing all the resources necessary for comprehensive & sustained development for the sake of human welfare, a fulfilling lifestyle and a promising future.
We pray to Allah Almighty to guide HH the President of the UAE; HH the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Federal Council and Rulers of the Emirates; and Crown Princes as they shepherd the welfare and prosperity of the country and its people, and to mark this auspicious occasion with good health for all of them and to preserve them as an asset to the Arab and Islamic nations.