UAE’s 51st National Day: The evolution of the country in five decades

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is celebrating its National Day today with the theme Brighter Together. Countries across the globe have showered their wishes for this auspicious occasion.

Notably, United Arab Emirates became an independent, sovereign, and federal state on December 2, 1971, and on this day, the seven Emirates were unified into one nation.

As the country celebrates its National day, we will take a look at the vision the country has for the future along with some of the great initiatives that were taken in the past by the former leaders.

Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Digital Economy, AI and Remote Working System, said in November 2021 that it is vital for UAE to focus on its strength to find its place in the modern world instead of comparing itself with the US and China which has higher populations.

Moreover, the Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and chairperson of the UAE Space Agency Sarah Al Amiri said it is crucial that developments in technology should be used for the betterment of industry and society.

The late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who is also known as the Father of the Nation for his role in forming the United Arab Emirates was the first President of the UAE. He served as the prez from December 1971 until his demise in 2004. Apart from this, he was also the Ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi from 1966 to 2004.

During his tenure, he ensured that all citizens are involved in the nation’s success. It was his vision that led UAE to be the GCC’s second-biggest economy and also the third-largest in the Mideast.

Currently, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is President of the UAE and also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. He is known to be the driving force behind many initiatives that boosted the security of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

He directed the UAE’s humanitarian arm, Emirates Red Crescent to provide a helping hand to people afflicted by wars or disasters.

Apart from this, he strengthened UAE and the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He made UAE one of the first countries to overcome the pandemic and ensured the transition to recovery and normalcy.

He also helped develop the UAE Armed Forces when it comes to strategic planning, training, organisational structure and promoting defence capabilities. His initiative led the UAE Armed Forces to become a leading institution that is admired globally.