Statement of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah on the 44th UAE National Day

ABU DHABI 1st December 2015 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah has congratulated 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 His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces the Supreme Council Members Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates and the UAE people on the 44th National Day anniversary.

In his statement to the Nation Shield magazine on the occasion the RAK Ruler stressed the huge achievements scored by the UAE over the last 44 years. He said that those achievements catapulted the UAE to top rankings at both regional and international levels.

Here is the full text of the speech: "Today we celebrate an anniversary that is very dear to our hearts. It represents a landmark in the history of this beloved country which set the most successful modern federal example that is referred to as one of the world's fastest growing economies in terms of human resources. The UAE seeks to further develop human resources safeguard security and stability and to achieve welfare for its loyal people imbued with national principles and allegiance to the leadership.

The achievements attained by the UAE over the last 44 years strike us with awe and admiration in the light of the ranking of the UAE at regional and international levels. We have been committed to our national and Arab identity as well as the Union's principles out of sheer belief that the Union is our destiny. There is no better way to safeguard our security and prosperity than through our federal state led by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed to tackle challenges and difficulties to preserve our national gains.

As we mark the 44th anniversary of the establishment of the UAE Union we remember the founder of the Union the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed's legacy still looms large as a witness to the establishment of a federal and modern country. He implanted love for the nation in us all and harnessed the national wealth for building the prosperous state. He also extended his hand to assist Arab brothers and disadvantaged peoples worldwide.

We also remember the sacrifices of the founding fathers the late Rulers of the Emirates who shared the vision of Sheikh Zayed that the Union is the destiny of the people of the UAE. It is the success story of the people who believe in unity fraternity and cohesion making the country a world model for comprehensive sustainable development.

On this occasion we renew our loyalty to the symbols of our unity and leaders of the development process President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who follow the legacy of the founding fathers and contribute with their sharp vision and wise leadership to establish factors of national values as well as harnessing the country's assets and gains for the benefit of the homeland and UAE citizens within a prudent policy that puts Emiratis as the foundation of development and loyalty.

Fellow countrymen The sacrifices of Emiratis reflect their pride in national Arab and Islamic values. The victories of our armed forces in Yemen translate the strong will and determination of the people of the UAE to keep the UAE's flag flying high and protect the country's security and stability.

Finally I congratulate President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and wish him good health Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces the Supreme Council Members Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates and the people of the UAE on the occasion of the celebrations of the UAE's 44th National Day anniversary praying to Almighty Allah to grant the nation permanent security stability progress and welfare under the wise leadership."

WAM/Majok