President Sheikh Mohamed delivers a speech to the nation outlining the UAE’s strategic approach and ambitions for the coming decades. Photo: Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed delivers a speech to the nation outlining the UAE’s strategic approach and ambitions for the coming decades. Photo: Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed delivers a speech to the nation outlining the UAE’s strategic approach and ambitions for the coming decades. Photo: Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed delivers a speech to the nation outlining the UAE’s strategic approach and ambitions for the coming decades. Photo: Presidential Court

Five key quotes from President Sheikh Mohamed's speech to the UAE


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President Sheikh Mohamed on Wednesday addressed the nation for the first time since being elected leader of the UAE.

In a nationally broadcasted speech, he spoke of the country's successes and plans for the future, of which the backbone would be the strength and determination of its people.

He also paid tribute to the country's two previous presidents, Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, and his brother, Sheikh Khalifa, who died in May.

Here are five of the key quotes and takeaways from Sheikh Mohamed's 10-minute address.

Emirati women wave UAE flags during the celebration of the 50th UAE National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. EPA
Emirati women wave UAE flags during the celebration of the 50th UAE National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. EPA

1. Ensuring the happiness of UAE citizens

“The people of the UAE, and striving to empower them, always has been and continues to be our nation’s top priority. Their happy lives remain the basis of all our future plans.”

Laying out the country's key goals for the future, he said the happiness and prosperity of the Emirati people was the “first and end priority”.

Echoing the sentiments of the presidents that came before him, he said ensuring Emiratis have everything they need to live fulfilled, comfortable and happy lives “remains the basis of all our future plans”.

Since becoming president, Sheikh Mohamed has worked to improve the welfare of the country's citizens.

This week, he ordered the distribution of Dh1.5 billion ($410 million) worth of housing benefits to citizens living in Abu Dhabi. It was the second such announcement made this year.

Earlier this month, a Dh28bn ($7.6bn) social support package that provided subsidies to lower-income Emirati families for essentials including fuel, food and utilities was also announced.

Sheikh Mohamed said the existing social support programme for citizens would be restructured to raise annual financial assistance from Dh2.7bn to Dh5bn.

Tribute is paid to UAE residents working as medical staff during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic during the 2020 National Day show in Abu Dhabi. Hamad Al Mansoori for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs
Tribute is paid to UAE residents working as medical staff during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic during the 2020 National Day show in Abu Dhabi. Hamad Al Mansoori for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs

2. Acknowledging the contributions of UAE residents

“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 inception.”

Speaking of the challenges faced by Emiratis, before and after unification in 1971, Sheikh Mohamed said the country's citizens “have proven their spirit and determination” but he also acknowledged the contributions of the UAE's residents, who make up the majority of the country's population.

He saluted the hundreds of foreign residents that live and work in the UAE and “actively participate in the growth and development of our economy”.

Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE would continue to develop “thanks to the efforts of our people and those who have chosen to call the UAE their home.”

Artificial intelligence is expected to contribute up to $182bn to the UAE's economy by 2035. Reuters
Artificial intelligence is expected to contribute up to $182bn to the UAE's economy by 2035. Reuters

3. A need to further diversify the UAE's economy

“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 achieve the highest global rankings.”

The UAE's thriving oil and gas sector has been key to the development of the nation since its formation in 1971. Since then, it has worked to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels in preparation a more sustainable future and as part of plans to become a circular economy.

Great investment has been made across a variety of fields, including technology, heath, science and tourism, growing each sector to provide greater employment opportunities for citizens and residents, as well as scope for international collaboration and trade.

Sheikh Mohamed said all this has been possible thanks to the UAE's highly skilled human capital. He said the country possessed a “distinguished wealth of young manpower” that has contributed to turning the UAE into an advanced, sustainable and integrated ecosystem — making it an inspiration for people in the region and around the world.

He said the UAE was “blessed with many resources”, but none more so than its people.

Sheikh Mohamed also spoke of the importance of the private sector, saying it must be “further activated” through constant collaboration and diverse opportunities to increase its contribution to the growth of the economy.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, speaks at the fourth Arab-Russian Co-operation Forum in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Wam
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, speaks at the fourth Arab-Russian Co-operation Forum in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Wam

4. Encouraging peace and respectful dialogue between nations

The UAE’s policy will continue to champion peace and stability in our region and the wider world, supporting others and advocating for wisdom and co-operation for the good of mankind.”

He spoke of the UAE's relationships with other countries that share its values of peaceful coexistence. He said this was a continuation of Sheikh Zayed's legacy and that the UAE would continue to provide humanitarian aid and lend a helping hand to communities in need worldwide, regardless of religion or race.

He said the UAE would continue to work to strengthen co-operation between nations to enable positive, respectful dialogue to achieve stability and prosperity for all.

Sheikh Mohamed added that the UAE was well respected around the world and has fostered good relations with other countries “based on solid foundations of openness and constructive co-operation” since its foundation.

This will continue during the country's next chapter, he said, with the UAE building on its reputation by establishing “strategic partnerships” with other nations.

People celebrate the launch of the Hope Probe and its successful entry into the orbit of Mars in July 2020. Reuters
People celebrate the launch of the Hope Probe and its successful entry into the orbit of Mars in July 2020. Reuters

5. The best is yet to come

“The UAE has achieved a lot for a young country but our ambitions are greater still and we must continue to surpass our current success.”

Sheikh Mohamed acknowledged the UAE's achievements to date but said the goal was to strive for further development and growth. Over the past 50 years, the UAE has transformed from a quiet trading port to a formidable player on the global stage with a burgeoning economy.

In the span of a few years, the country also entered the space sector, sending the first Emirati astronaut to the International Space Station in 2019 and successfully launching the Hope Probe into Mars's orbit the following year. The UAE has since announced a lunar mission in which the Rashid Rover will be sent to the Moon's surface in November.

And long-term plans for the country are already in motion.

The UAE's Centennial 2071 Plan seeks to create a future-focused government, further improve education, diversify the knowledge economy and ultimately foster a happy and cohesive society.

Plans extending even beyond the next 50 years include building Mars Scientific City, a Dh500m project that will simulate the Red Planet's terrain, allowing researchers to prepare for future living on Mars by 2117.

But to make all of these dreams a reality, sustained focus and dedication is needed now, said Sheikh Mohamed.

“Our responsibilities are to ensure a bright future for our young people and achieving that depends on work and effort we put in today,” he said.

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

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The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Museum of the Future in numbers
  •  78 metres is the height of the museum
  •  30,000 square metres is its total area
  •  17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
  •  14 kilometres is the length of LED lights used on the facade
  •  1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior 
  •  7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
  •  2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
  •  100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
  •  Dh145 is the price of a ticket
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Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

Omar Yabroudi's factfile

Born: October 20, 1989, Sharjah

Education: Bachelor of Science and Football, Liverpool John Moores University

2010: Accrington Stanley FC, internship

2010-2012: Crystal Palace, performance analyst with U-18 academy

2012-2015: Barnet FC, first-team performance analyst/head of recruitment

2015-2017: Nottingham Forest, head of recruitment

2018-present: Crystal Palace, player recruitment manager

 

 

 

 

The distance learning plan

Spring break will be from March 8 - 19

Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm

Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19

Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning

Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5

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Schedule:

Pakistan v Sri Lanka:
28 Sep-2 Oct, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi
6-10 Oct, 2nd Test (day-night), Dubai
13 Oct, 1st ODI, Dubai
16 Oct, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi
18 Oct, 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi
20 Oct, 4th ODI, Sharjah
23 Oct, 5th ODI, Sharjah
26 Oct, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
27 Oct, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
29 Oct, 3rd T20I, Lahore

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO

Rajasthan Royals 158-8 (20 ovs)
Kings XI Punjab 143/7 (20 ovs)

Rajasthan Royals won by 15 runs

HOSTS

T20 WORLD CUP 

2024: US and West Indies; 2026: India and Sri Lanka; 2028: Australia and New Zealand; 2030: England, Ireland and Scotland 

ODI WORLD CUP 

2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia; 2031: India and
Bangladesh 

CHAMPIONS TROPHY 

2025: Pakistan; 2029: India  

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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

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England squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale 

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Ben White

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse

Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Raheem Sterling

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Bert van Marwijk factfile

Born: May 19 1952
Place of birth: Deventer, Netherlands
Playing position: Midfielder

Teams managed:
1998-2000 Fortuna Sittard
2000-2004 Feyenoord
2004-2006 Borussia Dortmund
2007-2008 Feyenoord
2008-2012 Netherlands
2013-2014 Hamburg
2015-2017 Saudi Arabia
2018 Australia

Major honours (manager):
2001/02 Uefa Cup, Feyenoord
2007/08 KNVB Cup, Feyenoord
World Cup runner-up, Netherlands

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The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

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The Way It Was: My Life with Frank Sinatra by Eliot Weisman and Jennifer Valoppi
Hachette Books

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
It Was Just an Accident

Director: Jafar Panahi

Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr

Rating: 4/5

Film: In Syria
Dir: Philippe Van Leeuw
Starring: Hiam Abbass, Diamand Bo Abboud, Mohsen Abbas and Juliette Navis
Verdict: Four stars

Monster

Directed by: Anthony Mandler

Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., John David Washington 

3/5

 

A cryptocurrency primer for beginners

Cryptocurrency Investing  for Dummies – by Kiana Danial 

There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine. 

Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.

Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this  book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.

Begin your cryptocurrency journey here. 

Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104 

Six tips to secure your smart home

Most smart home devices are controlled via the owner's smartphone. Therefore, if you are using public wi-fi on your phone, always use a VPN (virtual private network) that offers strong security features and anonymises your internet connection.

Keep your smart home devices’ software up-to-date. Device makers often send regular updates - follow them without fail as they could provide protection from a new security risk.

Use two-factor authentication so that in addition to a password, your identity is authenticated by a second sign-in step like a code sent to your mobile number.

Set up a separate guest network for acquaintances and visitors to ensure the privacy of your IoT devices’ network.

Change the default privacy and security settings of your IoT devices to take extra steps to secure yourself and your home.

Always give your router a unique name, replacing the one generated by the manufacturer, to ensure a hacker cannot ascertain its make or model number.

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Updated: July 14, 2022, 3:44 AM`