Rulers laud the founding fathers

ABU DHABI // Sheikh Khalifa received congratulations from across the nation as the rulers of all seven emirates celebrated the essence of the Union and its achievements.

The leaders paid tribute yesterday to the late Sheikh Zayed and other founding fathers of the Union and highlighted key areas of progress and development in the country.

Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, the Ruler of Sharjah, spoke of the recent Federal National Council (FNC) elections as part of statements released by the state news agency, Wam.

"It is a new experience that tested the country's will under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan," he said.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said that marking the 40th anniversary was an "immortal day in the history of the UAE" on which the citizens remembered the founding fathers.

He referred to the UAE's achievements in the field of education, health, economy, social welfare and infrastructure amid security and political stability.

Over the past 40 years, he said, Emirati women had made tremendous gains and had risen to senior posts.

Regarding the islands of Greater and Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, Sheikh Saud said the UAE was keen to engage in amicable dialogue with Iran about the issue of ownership.

"We hope that Iran will respond to return the islands to their legitimate owners so that warm relations are restored between the neighbours," he said.

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid, the Ruler of Ajman, told Diraa Al Watan magazine that "the Union established by the founding fathers [ ...] has been sustained and embraced by the current rulers, who believe that the essence of the Union is its strength".

He hailed the recent FNC elections for ensuring "the Shura", and continuation of the gradual political empowerment programme that started in 2006.

Despite the pace of progress, Sheikh Humaid said, the UAE had not forgotten the preservation of its heritage and the customs of the forefathers, citing the museums and exhibitions hosted nationwide.

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed, the Ruler of Fujairah, said the founding fathers had turned a desert into a green oasis that had become an active member of the international community.

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid, the Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, lauded the humanitarian efforts of the UAE worldwide to help the needy and sick.

As with the other rulers, he too praised the FNC elections: "The current FNC elections are another political development attained by the UAE under Sheikh Khalifa," he said.

The Rulers' statements were released by Wam, the state news agency.

newsdesk@thenational.ae