My fellow citizens

I begin my speech on the UAE's 37th National Day by giving thanks to Allah, who guides through his Holy Book and who sent us Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him. Allah has endowed us with dignity and grace, enabling us to build a strong and prosperous nation and has led us to the righteous path.

With pride and admiration, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my brother President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may Allah protect him. I would like renew the promises made by our founding fathers Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid to preserve the UAE as a source of charity, benevolence and progress; a symbol of pride and glory; an oasis of security, stability, building and development; a fortified castle which preserves the peoples' dignity and glory, and ensures their well-being and happiness. I would also like to congratulate my brothers Their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council, Rulers of the emirates, and all citizens of our beloved country.

My fellow citizens

Our dreams for our beloved nation and people are both great and transformative. Our goals to propel our country to the forefront of the world's most advanced nations, and guide our citizens to be at the helm of civilized and contented peoples remain resolute and unequivocal.

Thanks to the Allah the Almighty, we have a rich culture and practical experience of turning dreams into a living and tangible reality. The anniversary we mark today is the federation's 37th. This was a great dream that both Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid struggled to realize, beginning at their meeting in Semaih in February 1968 and continuing up to the creation of the UAE Federation on December 2nd 1971. Bridging the modernity gap was another dream made possible by our leadership through its farsighted vision, tireless work, loyal efforts and endless dedication.

Over the past 37 years we have worked what looks like miracles in terms of development and construction, morphing from divergent communities into one unified community with a common national identity; from a state where illiteracy prevailed to a community that prides itself on its edification; from a community lacking higher schools of learning and university graduates to today's society, proud of it numerous campuses and tens of thousands of university graduates; from primitive services and infrastructure to a developed environment that keeps pace with and often surpasses what is found in the most advanced countries; from being a forgotten part of the world, to an active state, winning the respect and credibility of the entire world.

Over this 37 year period, we have not only succeeded in our race against time and plugged the wide gap between us and modernity, but also moved ahead to join the group of nations streaming forward with steady and confident steps on the path of progress and excellence. This allows us to compete internationally in numerous diverse fields.

As we usher in the 38th year of the Federation, we are determined and resolute in our goals of achieving further progress for our nation and people under the stewardship of my brother President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We are guided on this journey by his national action programme, which charts a course to a bright and prosperous future. I recall a time when Sheikh Khalifa and I kept company with the founding fathers of this nation. A time when they were building the UAE Federation, establishing its pillars, heightening its structure, overcoming all challenges they faced, developing the country, achieving prosperity and welfare for the UAE people, and steadfastly facing the political, economic and security tests of regional and international storms, which blew over the region during the last four decades.

Our country has become a country of achievement and excellence. The UAE has maintained staggering rates of development and earned an elevated reputation regionally and internationally that many countries were not able to replicate. This has reinforced our dedication to positive efficiency, capable of addressing and tackling all challenges ahead.

Today, our country is dealing with great changes and many trials with more competence, pride and self-confidence. Although we believe in the vibrancy of our economy and its diverse power and potential, we are required to work harder to turn challenges into the stimulants of energy, creativity and innovation.

My fellow citizens

Be optimistic about the future and share in its formation, because you are standing on a solid ground and building on enormous achievements. Look to yourselves and use the education, knowledge and expertise available.

You are the precious wealth of the nation and its ever-increasing capital. Your country is expecting a lot from you and I am confident you will sacrifice for love and for service.

I pray to Allah that when we celebrate future national days, we will have achieved our dreams, furthered our progress and enhanced our international standing.