A translated version of Al Khaleej's summary of Sheikh Mohammed's statement to Dira'a Al Watan on the anniversary of Sheikh Zayed's appointment as Ruler of Abu Dhabi
The 38th anniversary of Accession Day, when His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, is a happy national occasion dear to the people of Abu Dhabi and the UAE because Sheikh Zayed is ... one of the greatest leaders in the region and in the Arab world... The people of the UAE are right to celebrate this great occasion and they are loyal to their leader, whose reign has resulted in increased prosperity in social, educational and health-related terms and in economic development. As a result, UAE nationals enjoy a high standard of living...
The celebration of national occasions should not be limited to speeches; everyone, in his or her respective job, should commemorate this day with further achievements, success and creativity, be they police officers and soldiers in the Armed Forces, security officers in the police, students in their universities and schools, doctors in their clinics and hospitals, engineers at their sites, sportsmen in their clubs, teachers in their schools or ministers in their ministries.
All UAE citizens should be productive and innovative; they should work to better their society and to raise its local, regional and international standing. Despite its wealth, size, population and culture, the country would still be poor and threatened by the greed of outsiders had it not been strengthened by cultural achievements and protected by its citizens, who must be armed with education, knowledge, financial and intellectual creativity and awareness...
The power of the Armed Forces, money and tall buildings is not equal to the power of education, the pen and knowledge. Arab and Islamic history states that the Arabs and the Muslims were able to reach the Wall of China with their knowledge and their scholars. They were pioneers in astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and many other sciences that are still being taught at universities throughout the world.
The country needs its citizens' energy, abilities and productivity. As long as this country has a wise, astute and generous leadership it will remain dignified and honourable...
On the 38th anniversary of Accession Day, I am honoured, on my own behalf and on behalf of all members of our Armed Forces, to offer all loyalty and gratitude to His Highness President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and to congratulate the people of the UAE on this glorious national occasion...
May peace and the blessings of Allah be upon you.
Al Khaleej
