UAE princes, deputy rulers hail federation\'s achievement

In speeches published by the 'Nation Shield' magazine to mark 42nd National Day anniversary, Their Highnesses the Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers of the Emirates praised the achievements made by the U.A.E. since its establishment 42 year ago. In his speech, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, offered greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates and the people of the U.A.E. on the occasion. He added: "We in the UAE are one family under a visionary leadership. We are proud of our achievements, our heritage and our interaction with other cultures of the world." H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, said thanks to the wise policy adopted by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE had become among the world's best countries in terms of economic development and happiness. H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, said the achievements made throughout the past 42 years could have not been made without the wisdom and foresightedness of the founding fathers, "who instilled in us the love for our country and the passion to achieve." H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah said: "We shall always remember the day when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan announced the birth of the U.A.E. which was a prelude for an un-precdented development and prosperity for UAE citizens and residents alike." H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras al-Khaimah, said the progress made by the UAE was a result of a the vision and directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the collective efforts of the people of the U.A.E. H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Deputy Ruler of Fujairah, said: "By normal standards, 42 years is a very short time to build a full fledged nation, but thanks to the determination of the founding fathers and the dedication of our people, the U.A.E. has made a tremendous change from an arid desert and isolated coasts into a modern wonder of the world within that short span of time." H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah said: "42 years on, the U.A.E. is pressing ahead with ambitions to preserve environment and heritage for the next generations." H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Crown Prince of Umm al-Qaiwain said he was particularly proud of the several achievements of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, including election of the first woman from Umm al-Qaiwain as a member of the Federal National Council, who was later elected as Deputy Speaker of the Council. H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman said: "The 42 anniversary of the National Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers the founding fathers. It is also an opportunity to renew our allegiance to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to continue leading our progress." H.H. Sheikh Nasser bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Deputy Ruler of Ajman said: "December 2nd was a turning point in our nation's history. It was the day that witnessed the beginning of an epic to transform the country into one of the world's best."