UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said on Wednesday that more than 200 nationalities are actively participating in the growth and development of the country’s economy whose diversification is the key strategic focus of its future plans.
“Today, the UAE economy is thriving and continues to grow at an impressive rate. We are blessed with many resources, especially our high skilled human capital, as the UAE possesses a distinguished wealth of young manpower,” Sheikh Mohamed said in his address to the nation.
“Brothers and sisters, further diversifying our economy is a key strategic focus of our future plans. It is therefore necessary to accelerate economic development efforts to continue building a leading global economy, to enhance our competitiveness, and to achieve the highest global rankings,” he said.
Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE’s priorities include strengthening people’s capabilities in science and technology, and develop it further to benefit all economic areas and the society.
“The role of the private sector is pivotal and it must be further activated through constant collaboration and diverse opportunities to increase its contribution to the growth of the economy,” he said.
UAE has built robust relations with countries around the world since its founding and these relations are “based on solid foundations of openness and constructive cooperation”.
“This has gained our nation a reputation regionally and internationally, by the efforts of our young men and women in the UAE and abroad, who we are very proud of.”
UAE’s policy will continue to champion peace and stability in the region and the wider world, supporting others and advocating for wisdom and cooperation for the good of mankind.
Sheikh Mohamed said UAE will continue its work to “strengthen cooperation and enable positive, respectful dialogue between countries to achieve stability and prosperity for all”.
“The sovereignty and security of the UAE will remain a foundational principle that we will abide with, and we will not tolerate anything that could affect it. We extend the hand of friendship to all countries that share our values of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, to achieve progress and prosperity,” he said.
The President also highlighted that the UAE is fortunate to have a nation of people, who, before and after the union, and even through difficult times, have proven their spirit and determination to overcome the toughest challenges.
“Our pride in our people is infinite. Equally, we deeply appreciate the valued role of our residents who consider this country their second home, and their continued contributions in building and developing the UAE since its union,” he said.