By Bassma Al Jandaly, Senior Reporter, Gulf News www.gulfnews.com
Dubai: Senior officials have extended their congratulations and expressed their pride on the 38th National Day.
Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director General of Dubai General Department for Residency and Foreigners Affairs, said the UAE celebrates National Day today with a sense of pride for the strong foundations of its Federation, the unity of its people and for the prominent status it occupies regionally and internationally.
“The UAE has achieved inclusive growth since its foundation on December 2, 1971, and has progressed in a record time from an unknown country into a modern state that provides comfortable life, prosperity and stability to all its residents and visitors,” he said.
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority, extended sincere congratulations to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 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 well as the people and residents of the UAE.
He prayed to the Almighty to guide the efforts of the leaders to realise 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 of the Federation of the United Arab Emirates, thanks particularly to the efforts of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who worked together to form the most successful unionist model witnessed across the Arab World in the modern era,” Al Tayer said.
Development march
He said this union paved the way for the building and development march, and thus placed the UAE in a premier position befitting its rich historical and 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.”
Al Tayer said 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.
At the economic level, the largest ever budget of the Federal Government was endorsed for 2010, amounting to Dh43.627 billion, about Dh1.427 billion more than the 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 kilometres.
