(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
ABU DHABI, 2nd December, 2017 (WAM) -- It's 2nd December and the glorious country's 46th National Day has immersed the entire population in joy, said The Gulf Today in an editorial on Saturday.
"Peace and prosperity are people's ultimate dreams anywhere in the world and here's a country that makes such a dream an absolute reality. No surprise, the happiness is reflected on the faces of one and all, cutting across all sections, Emiratis and expatriates, men, women and children from the East and West.
"It was the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who planted the seeds of such peace and progress. Led by him, the seven rulers decided to work together to form a federation, to bring prosperity and development to their people. President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has carried forward the process of growth with true conviction," the paper added.
"What better way to salute the nation than heeding Sheikh Khalifa's noble words to citizens on the approaching 'Year of Zayed' in 2018, 'Make the year one for loyalty and belonging, as well as for the enhancement of creative and innovative practices that enable our state to become a pivotal actor regionally and globally.' "The UAE's is an exemplary story of all-round success.
"The economy has continued to make steady progress. In the latest World Competitiveness Ranking of 63 countries by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre, issued in May 2017, the UAE rose to 10th place, making it the only Arab country to find a place among the super league of the top global nations. In the most recent edition of the Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018, issued by the World Economic Forum, the UAE topped the Arab world and ranked 17th globally in the global competitiveness ranking," the Sharjah-based daily continued.
It went on to say that at the international level, the UAE has strengthened its position as a global soft power, thanks to its proactive programmes for humanitarian and development aid across the world and its initiative to strengthen relations with all countries. "Reflecting its benevolent spirit, the UAE has placed great importance on providing humanitarian and emergency relief aid to those affected by crises around the world. The value of the country's humanitarian assistance, including long-term aid for refugees and displaced people, amounted to AED4.48 billion in the three-year period between 2015 and July 2017, which contributed to saving lives, reducing suffering, and maintaining and protecting human dignity, during and after crises and emergency situations. Latest figures indicate that the UAE ranks as the top country concerning providing relief assistance to Yemen."
"At the cultural level, signalling a ground-breaking achievement for the UAE and the Arab world, Sharjah was crowned 'World Book Capital' for 2019 by UNESCO. Sharjah has previously been 1998 Capital of Arab Culture, Capital of Islamic Culture in 2014 and Capital of Arab Tourism in 2015.
"The UAE has continued to achieve success in terms of the empowerment of women. Just to cite one example, 29 percent of all ministers are now women," said the English-language daily.
"The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's, inspirational words set the tone for the future path of the nation, 'We have never been, nor ever will be among those who rest on their laurels; nor those who obsess on their success; nor those who believe that the march forward will continue automatically,'" The Gulf Today concluded.
WAM/Nour Salman
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