The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, affirmed that the people of the UAE are the focus of the state’s attention and at the top of its priorities since its inception, and that the approach of “citizen happiness and care” will remain the basis of all plans towards the future.

In a speech today (Wednesday), he said that the UAE’s policy will remain supportive of peace and stability in our region and the world, a help to brother and friend, and an advocate for wisdom and cooperation for the good of humanity and its progress, stressing that the UAE will continue its firm approach in strengthening bridges of partnership, dialogue and effective and balanced relations based on trust, credibility and mutual respect with the countries of the world to achieve stability and prosperity for all.

He added that the sovereignty and security of the UAE is a fundamental principle that cannot be compromised or tolerated, “and we extend a hand of friendship to all countries in the region and the world that share with us the values ​​of coexistence and mutual respect to achieve progress and prosperity for all.”.

The following is the text of the speech by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed:

Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you

My brothers and sisters, we lost some time ago the man with the big heart, the fatherly leader, the wise teacher, dear to the hearts of young and old alike, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him. We accepted his passing with patient hearts, believing in God’s decree and destiny. We ask God Almighty for mercy and forgiveness for him.

Sheikh Khalifa, may God have mercy on him, accompanied the founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, in all stages of the United Arab Emirates, and carried the trust of the nation after his departure with sincerity and wisdom, and fulfilled his mission towards his people, and left an eternal legacy of giving to the peoples of the region and the world.

Today, as we see our nation among the nations of the world, as Zayed and the founders, may God have mercy on them all, intended, with a high standing and a strong and developed state, we thank God for these blessings, and we will continue, God willing, on their path, wisdom, and vision. We draw lessons and examples from them in leadership and will, and our history, identity, and cultural heritage will remain an essential part of our plans for the future.

I thank my brothers, my support and my help, the members of the Supreme Council of the Union, the rulers of the Emirates, who have entrusted me with a great responsibility. I pray to God Almighty to help me bear it, and our cooperation, the harmony of our hearts, and the rallying of our people around their leadership, as has always been, will be the source of our strength and the pride of our nation.

I also extend my thanks and gratitude to all the leaders of brotherly and friendly countries, who expressed their sincere feelings of solidarity and condolences towards the UAE and its people on the death of the nation’s loss, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him.

Brothers and sisters...

The people of the UAE and their empowerment have been and remain the focus of our blessed nation’s attention and at the top of its priorities since its inception, and the approach of “citizen comfort, happiness and care” will remain the basis of all our plans for the future, God willing.

We, my brothers, are fortunate to have this dear people, a people who, before and after the Union and in all the difficult stages that we have gone through, have proven their authenticity, resilience, strong will and ability to overcome challenges. Our pride and honor in the Emirati people are limitless. We also appreciate the role played by the residents on the land of the United Arab Emirates who consider the country their second home and their continuous contributions to building and development since the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.

Brothers and sisters

The sovereignty and security of the UAE is a fundamental principle that cannot be compromised or tolerated. We extend a hand of friendship to all countries in the region and the world that share with us the values ​​of coexistence and mutual respect to achieve progress and prosperity for us and for them.

Thanks to God Almighty, and then thanks to the leadership of my brother Khalifa, may God have mercy on him, and before him the founder and builder of the Union, Sheikh Zayed, the UAE today possesses an advanced, integrated and sustainable development system that has become a source of inspiration and hope for the peoples of the region and the world, and God willing, it will remain and develop through the efforts of the people of the Emirates and those residing on its land.

The UAE economy is among the strongest and fastest growing economies today. God Almighty has blessed us with rich and diverse resources, especially our human resources. The UAE possesses a unique wealth of young and vibrant workforce, and more than 200 nationalities actively and energetically participate in the growth and development of our economy.

Diversifying our economy is a fundamental strategic necessity within our development plans. Therefore, it is essential to accelerate economic development efforts to build a dynamic and globally leading economy, and we will continue to enhance the economic competitiveness of the UAE and achieve the best global indicators in this field.

Our priorities also include developing and enhancing our capabilities in science and technology, to bring benefits to all sectors of the economy and society. The role of the private sector is pivotal and must be revitalized and its contribution to economic development increased.

Since its establishment, the UAE has strengthened its relations with the countries of the world on solid foundations of good conduct, credibility and constructive cooperation. Therefore, the country has gained a good reputation regionally and internationally thanks to the efforts of its young men and women, whom we are proud of inside and outside the country. In the next stage, we will seek to build on this reputation by establishing qualitative strategic partnerships with various countries. Following the approach of Zayed the Good, we will work to strengthen our role among the world’s leading countries in providing development and humanitarian aid and charitable work, and continue to extend a helping hand to communities around the world without regard to religion, race or color.

We are also continuing to consolidate the country’s position as a reliable energy supplier and a supporter of global energy security, as it is the backbone for enabling global economic growth and development.

The UAE’s policy will remain supportive of peace and stability in our region and the world, a source of support for brother and friend, and an advocate for wisdom and cooperation for the good of humanity and its progress. We will continue our firm approach in strengthening bridges of partnership, dialogue, and effective and balanced relations based on trust, credibility, and mutual respect with the countries of the world to achieve stability and prosperity for all.

Brothers and sisters, the UAE, a young and vibrant nation, has achieved many exceptional and remarkable accomplishments, but our ambitions are much greater, and it is essential that we continue to exert our utmost energy and effort to achieve more. Our responsibility is to secure a bright future for present and future generations, and achieving this goal depends on the work and effort we provide today.

The founding father, may God have mercy on him, laid solid foundations for this nation. Today, we must redouble our efforts to preserve the country’s status and achievements. Our first and last goal is the UAE and its people.

Our hope in God is great, and we are confident in a better future for our nation, our people, and our blessed journey. We pray to God Almighty to grant us success and help us, and we rely on Him, for He is the One who grants success.

May God preserve our country with glory, security, and goodness.