First, I am honoured to congratulate His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, Their Highnesses the Crown Princes, and the Sheikhs, the UAE people and residents of this good land, on the occasion of the 44th UAE National Day, on which we ask Allah to ensure prosperity and prevailing security for the State.

Every year, on the second of December, we celebrate UAE National Day. The day that marks the start of the UAEs journey, full of achievements and success, which places the UAE alongside some of the most developed countries in the world, and which affirms the pioneering position of the UAE locally, regionally and internationally. A day that marks the keeping of principles, and the prosperity and security of the country, thanks to our wise leadership. It is a day to renew our oath, and continue following the path set by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the nation, and his comrade and brother the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and their ruler brothers, who gathered for this prestigious goal on 2 December 1971, to announce the founding of the UAE union, and the start of a building and development process that impacts all of society, which over a short period, has enabled the country to attain the high-level position it deserves in the world.

UAE National Day has become an important national occasion, upon which grateful citizens and residents, thank the leadership and renew their commitment. For four decades, we have followed the approach of our founding fathers, to support federal organisations and harbour achievements. We have affirmed our loyalty to the UAE and its values, to showcase national identity and the development of government performance and well-structured work, based on scientific principles and strategies, to continue achieving excellence, leadership, and pioneering innovation in a range of fields. We raise the flag of the UAE high, inspired by the legacy of our fathers and grandfathers, to support a high standard of living and development, and to respect laws as standards of success and progress.

We made an oath to continue our journey with determination, to build the future that the UAE aspires to, and to encourage loyalty to our country and its leadership, to respect the constitution and laws, and to show commitment to our communitys values. In celebration of this occasion, we thank Allah for granting us our wise leadership, who exert all of their efforts to improve the UAE and achieve happiness and an excellent quality of life for all citizens and residents.