A number of guests invited to the 40th National Day anniversary celebrations of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Fisherman’s Cove Hotel on Sunday told Nation they were happy to learn more about the UAE.

Talking of our growing ties with the UAE, they paid keen attention as the country’s ambassador Mallallah Mubarak Al-Ameri explained how the UAE was established as a state in 1971.

Mr Mallallah gave details of the country’s history, current developments, renewable energy pursuit efforts, advancement in health and education as well as the UAE’s foreign policy.

He also traced the strengthening ties between the UAE, Seychelles and Africa in general.
 
“In less than four decades – which are considered very short in nations’ life – the UAE, under the wise and historic leadership of late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al Nahyan, has transformed from a desert to a flourished and pioneering country, which provides the suitable environment to encourage investment.”

He said Sheikh Zayed died in 2004 after over 30 years as President.
“But the process of growth has continued under the leadership of his son and successor as President, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, their fellow members of UAE’s Supreme Council of Emirates Rules and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.”

He said the foreign policy of the UAE seeks to ensure its commitments to the United Nations and respect for conventions and international laws “and establishments of relations with all countries of the world on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of others”.

The UAE prefers resolution of international disputes through dialogue and peaceful means and plays important roles to support the activities of the UN and international society.

“In Libya, the UAE contributed to the sovereignty and independence of territorial integrity and national unity in protection of civilians and played a prominent role in international efforts to protect the Libyan people and help them achieve their aspirations.

“The UAE is aggressively seeking to strengthen humanitarian relief, with special emphasis on countries with situations of conflict or natural disasters, in addition to contributions effective in peacekeeping operations.

“The UAE supports the ongoing political process in Somalia as well as fulfilling its international obligations towards the famine aid provided by the number of institutions and charities headed by the Red Crescent.

Mr Mallallah said the UAE supports international military forces combating piracy, and the country’s armed forces have saved a ship from pirate attack while the country will host a global conference against piracy next year.

“Since the union, the UAE has rapidly developed in the information technology and telecommunications sector placing our country in the leading position at the regional and international level.

“A World Economic Forum report issued this year said the UAE has become among the top five countries in the world in Networked Readiness.

“The UAE has achieved economic prosperity for the country and its people and strengthened its position as a key player in global economy despite the crisis, fluctuations and the financial pressures experienced by the world.

He said revenue from oil and gas production continue to contribute to the national economy, the UAE having the fourth largest oil reserves in the world and with production rate around 2.5 million barrels a day primarily from Abu Dhabi, as well as the fifth largest gas reserves in the world, making it one of the world’s largest producers of hydrocarbons, but is investing in clean energy production.

“The investments to the UAE in clean energy projects amounted to 25.7 billion Dirhams or US $7 billion in 2008 and is expected to reach $50 billion by the year 2015.

“In 2011 the World Bank rated the UAE as the third best country in the world to enable cross-border trade and ranked 28th globally in the ease of business. The UAE topped the list of countries in the Middle East and North Africa, and was ranked 16th globally in the report of global trade for 2010.

“Our country has two of the largest airline companies in the world – Emirates and Etihad Airways. We now fly to over 79 destinations every day between the East and West and between the US and Latin America.”

He talked about the country’s environment conservation efforts and hailed ties with Seychelles.

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