(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

As the United Arab Emirates celebrates 54 years of its union, residents and citizens alike have adorned themselves in the colours of the flag.

Just like every year, the whole country seems to have lit up in festive fervour. The Rulers of all emirates, too, have wished all its citizens and residents, congratulating them on the occasion.

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Here is how the Rulers wished residents of the nation:

Abu Dhabi

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan delivered a national address marking the 54th Eid Al Etihad, highlighting the pivotal role of future generations in driving the UAE's journey of progress and innovation.

“To the people of the UAE, both citizens and residents alike, I congratulate you on the occasion of the 54th Eid Al Etihad and extend my sincere thanks for your contribution to our nation's ongoing development. Through our collective efforts, the unity of our families, and the strength of our society, the UAE's journey of progress will continue. May God grant you, and the blessed land of Zayed, enduring prosperity and wellbeing.”

He underscored the importance of preserving the UAE's national identity, values, and Arabic language, noting that safeguarding these pillars is a shared responsibility among all members of society and key institutions, particularly those dedicated to education, culture, and social development.

“Preserving our national identity, values, ethics, and Arabic language is a key national priority and an essential responsibility that must be upheld by every member of society. It is particularly important for institutions entrusted with education, cultural development, and social upbringing to take the lead in this effort. I call on these institutions to place the moral and ethical development of our youth at the forefront of their mission,” he said.

Marking December 2 as a defining moment in the UAE's history, Sheikh Mohamed described Eid Al Etihad as a time of pride, unity, and inspiration across generations.

He noted that the occasion is not only a celebration of the UAE's founding but also an opportunity to reflect, learn, and renew the commitment to building a brighter future.

“We renew our pledge - before God, to ourselves, and to our people - to continue working with sincerity and dedication to ensure that the UAE remains, just as the late Sheikh Zayed envisioned, a nation defined by excellence, progress, and a far-reaching sense of purpose.”

Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Prime Minister, and Vice-President has also shared a message on the occasion of the UAE's 54th Eid Al Etihad. He started his message by extending "heartfelt greetings and congratulations" to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the rulers of the other emirates, and the people of the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed, in his greeting, talked about the founding fathers of the UAE, and how, in 1971, they showed the world a "unique model of unity" with the foundation of the new nation.

He said that at this time every year, the people of the UAE "remember with deep gratitude the architects of our Union, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and their fellow founding fathers." He added that that generation, the ones who founded the UAE, continue to inspire those that came after them, and that their legacy lives on in the people of the nation today.

Sharjah

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, said that this "great occasion marks the founding of the United Arab Emirates and the beginning of a new era of development and prosperity."

Sheikh Dr Sultan affirmed that this Union embodies the values of loyalty, belonging, cohesion, and solidarity - "values that underpin our country's unity.

"From these principles, our journey of achievement began - a journey toward a united and resilient nation that preserves its values, identity, and history, while ambitiously pursuing its goals and the aspirations of its people, empowered by knowledge and science.

"The celebration of Eid Al Etihad by the loyal sons and daughters of the UAE is a source of great joy and deep meaning, reflecting pride and sincere belonging to our cherished country. It reflects the vision set by our Founding Fathers to make the Union a source of pride for its people and a driver of development and progress across all fields, ensuring a dignified, prosperous, and fulfilling life for all. This nation's goodness reaches every corner of the world, shining as a beacon of light and extending a benevolent hand grounded in genuine humanity."

Ajman

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, affirmed that December 2nd is an eternal national occasion marking the establishment of a solid union that united hearts and will under one flag, launching a journey of glory that secured the UAE a distinguished position among nations and solidfied the foundations of a strong, united and prosperous country enjoying security, stability and progress.

Sheikh Humaid emphasised that this cherished anniversary is an occasion to renew the feelings of loyalty, belonging and pride in a pioneering nation that rose from the desert to secure a leading position in development, progress, economy and innovation, as it today reaches into space carrying the aspirations of its people towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.

He said,“On this day, we remember the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his fellow founding fathers, who laid the first brick of a strong and cohesive Union. Their sons continued on their path, building a modern nation that provides a dignified life for its citizens and for all who live on its land across all vital sectors.”

Ras Al Khaimah

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, affirmed that December 2 is a timeless day in the memory of the people of the UAE.

In a statement marking the UAE's 54th Eid Al Etihad, he said that December 2 is a historic day that embodies the spirit of the union and stands as a moment of pride in which the nation reflects on the achievements.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr said the 54th Eid Al Etihad arrives as the nation reaps the rewards of decades of generosity and development. On this day in 1971, a sincere and visionary journey began, led by those who believed in the unity of purpose and destiny, resulting in today's prosperity, growth, security and stability, and a promising future, with Allah's grace.

He emphasised that the UAE's developmental and civilisational achievements across various fields are the outcome of collective effort and national unity, embodying the genuine cohesion between the leadership and the people in elevating the nation and safeguarding its accomplishments. This has made the UAE a homeland of peace, tolerance, coexistence and creativity, and a destination for all who seek a dignified life and a bright future.

He added that the UAE, through its ambitious vision, has rapidly risen to the ranks of advanced nations, thanks to its balanced policies and its optimal investment in people, education, innovation and the knowledge economy. These efforts have enabled the country to attain leading global positions in competitiveness, sustainability and quality of life indicators.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr noted that the UAE's development model is an international example, successfully blending tradition and modernity, preserving values, culture and national identity, while confidently keeping pace with global transformations and anticipating the future with a strategic vision rooted in knowledge, planning and creativity.

He affirmed that the people of the UAE have proven themselves in various fields, demonstrating responsibility and dedication as the true successors of the founding generation who built the nation on solid foundations of sincerity, loyalty and giving. They continue to follow the same path of devotion in serving and elevating the homeland.

Fujairah

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, has stated that December 2 is an immortal day that unites feelings of pride and gratitude.

"On this day, we collectively celebrate the birth of a great nation - a nation that chose to be a beacon of leadership and a symbol of dignity and honour, " Sheikh Hamad said in his statement marking the UAE's Eid Al Etihad.

"This National Day marks the moment when dreams materialised into reality, when willpower shaped a nation, and when a visionary outlook forged a nation. This union, established by great leaders, has carved its glory into the annals of history."

He added:“On this blessed day, we remember with love and reverence our Founding Fathers, foremost among them the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, who instilled in us the belief that the Union is not merely a political agreement, but a single spirit flowing through the body of the nation - uniting hearts before uniting land.”

The Ruler of Fujairah, explained:“The past decades of the Union stand as witness to a renaissance that continues to amaze the world - a renaissance that built pillars of knowledge, development, and achievement, transforming the UAE into an oasis of security, peace, tolerance, and humanity. Today, our flag soars high in the sky of accomplishment, telling the story of a nation that believes the impossible does not exist in its dictionary, and that glory belongs to those who pursue it with unwavering determination.”

He emphasised that the UAE's Eid Al Etihad is not only an occasion to celebrate the past, but a pledge through which "we renew our loyalty to our wise leadership - leadership that continues the path of the founding fathers with confident strides and a vision that anticipates the future with clarity.

Umm Al Quwain

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, attended this evening the emirate's celebrations marking the Eid Al Etihad, accompanied by Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Deputy Ruler of Umm Al Quwain. The celebrations took place at the emirate's Creek Waterfront.

The Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, along with the attending Sheikhs, toured the Creek Waterfront to view the various activities organised by the emirate's Higher Committee for Celebrations. The festivities included traditional folklore performances, a photography exhibition, a productive families market, and the participation of several government entities in the emirate.

Sheikh Saud affirmed that the Eid Al Etihad reinforces the spirit of unity within the UAE people, and embodies a journey rich with great sacrifices, remarkable achievements, admirable stances, strong will, unwavering determination, and deep-rooted conviction.

He also praised the efforts made by the committee overseeing the celebrations for their role in ensuring the success of Umm Al Quwain's events marking the Eid Al Etihad.

[With inputs from Wam]

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