UAE marks 44th National Day; Reports on Progress

The UAE has become a proactive member of the international community with regard to tackling humanitarian challenges and has established a creditable track record for emergency efforts and long term development support across the world.

The UAE was among the first countries to organise support and relief efforts to help Yemen guarantee its stability and ensure its unity. The UAE stands by the Yemeni people and provides all possible support to enable them to achieve their ambitions for stability, progress and development. As part of this priority, the UAE follows a comprehensive vision that works on a number of tracks including economic, social, humanitarian and political development.

Similarly, the UAE has played a prominent role in supporting Egypt following a period of instability in that country from late 2010 until June 2013. The UAE extended its hand to support the Egyptian government and people with a package of development projects that addressed the needs of Egyptians, based on its firm belief that a stable and calm Egypt is the cornerstone for security and peace in the region, and the world at large.

The Coordination

Office of the UAE-funded Development Projects in Egypt was established to supervise a number of projects in different sectors, including energy, housing, food security, education, healthcare and roads and transportation.

Fundamentals of Foreign Policy

Besides its long legacy of humanitarian efforts worldwide, the UAE has stepped in to fight alongside its Arab brothers in the Arab Coalition in Yemen. In addition, the country has stood by the Syrian people in every way possible, and supported their fair demands for the right to build a state based on justice and security.

These examples of the regional foreign policy framework of the UAE are a clear testament to its commitment towards its neighbours and the international community with regard to regional peace, stability and security.

The UAE has always attempted to strengthen cooperation with the Arab countries despite the challenges and threats to its national security. The country is committed to defending Arab interests and firmly supports efforts to enhance the progress of a GCC-wide integration.

The UAE’s decision to join the efforts of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen was made in response to a call by the legitimate government of Yemen to defend the Yemeni people’s right to self-determination. The decision is in compliance with international law and the Treaty of Joint Defence and Economic Cooperation between the States of the Arab League.

The coalition’s victories to a large extent put a halt to the advance of the Iran-allied Houthi militia, and their interference in the internal and domestic affairs of Yemen.

Commemoration Day

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan decreed that 30th November would be observed as an annual public holiday in the UAE. Commemoration Day recognises the sacrifices and dedication of Emirati martyrs who have sacrificed their lives in the UAE and abroad during civil, military and humanitarian service.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, ordered the establishment of an office at the Crown Prince’s Court for the affairs of martyrs’ families.

The office is mandated to follow up on the needs of the families of martyrs and coordinate with official bodies in the UAE to provide the families with all necessary support.

The move reflects the cohesion between the UAE people and its leadership, as well as the acknowledgement of martyrs as symbols of loyalty and national duty. The move also appreciates the efforts of martyrs in empowering Emirati citizens and future generations to continue their generosity of spirit, by consolidating values of solidarity and cohesion that are long-entrenched attributes of Emirati society.

Flagship Infrastructure Projects

The initiative to launch flagship infrastructure projects in the UAE stems from the belief that the key driver for shaping a strong and well-developed economy lies in the establishment of a modern infrastructure. This is primarily due to the pivotal role that infrastructure plays in the progress and growth of countries, and in stimulating economic activity.

The UAE is a regional and world leader in launching infrastructure projects. These projects, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, tackle different vital sectors such as transport, energy, roads and transportation, motivated by the success of Dubai in being chosen to host World Expo 2020, and in articulating the ambitious economic plan outlined by Abu Dhabi for 2030.

The following are the main projects that were announced during the first half of 2015: Expansion project of Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai will begin the double-decking of Sheikh Zayed Road, building a 35-kilometre elevated section of highway running from Dubai Creek to Jebel Ali Port. This ambitious project, with an estimated cost of AED10 billion, will facilitate increased traffic on Dubai’s main arterial road. The RTA has already received bids and implementation offers towards the execution of this project.

The expansion of M-Station

With a total capacity of 2,060 MW of electricity and 140 million imperial gallons of water per day, the M-Station adopts the highest levels of availability, reliability, and efficiency, using the most advanced technologies in the world. The expansion project includes new power generation units with a capacity of 600 MW to be added to the current capacity of the station to eventually produce 2,660 MW by 2018. The expansion project also includes the addition of two gas turbines, a steam turbine, and a heat-recovery unit, which will increase the plant’s thermal efficiency to 90%, considered among the highest thermal efficiency rates in the world.