In line with the countrys celebration of its 44th National Day, the Ministry of Environment and Water organized a series of events at its offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to commemorate the event. During the celebrations, the Ministrys senior officials, employees and their families, participated in the planned activities to express their love for the UAE and their gratitude to the countrys founding fathers.

His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, expressed his congratulations and well wishes to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; H.H. 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; Rulers of the emirates and the people of the UAE.

Minister Bin Fahad stated that the National Day should not just be a day-long event to celebrate but should be a continuing commitment towards promoting the growth and prosperity of the nation; remembering the great sacrifices made for the country by our martyred heroes and the honor and achievements of UAE citizens that will go down in history as part of the countrys splendor and pride.

The day-long activity started with an official flag raising and singing of the countrys national anthem, which was followed with the opening of a special photo exhibition. One of the highlights of the day was the launching a large mural depicting the UAE flagcomposed of small colored greeting cards where participants wrote their well wishes for the nation. Lastly, one of the local UAE schools presented a small play on the historic creation of the UAE federation. The events were capped with a special lunch for all to partake.

The Ministry also launched several initiatives that complements its 2014-2016 strategic plans. These include the Flag on my desk initiative where a small model of the UAE flag was distributed to Ministry employees to place on their work desks and a Video Initiative that features some of the Ministrys employees answering the question, What would you like to say to the UAE on this day?