As hundreds of thousands of people across the UAE were preparing to see in the New Year on Monday, the country's leaders thanked the nation for a prosperous 2018.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE's Armed Forces, said hard work and dedication meant the Emirates was continuing to thrive.
"Delighted at the collective efforts of our people in 2018 and look forward to 2019, the Year of Tolerance," he tweeted.
"Our people's hard work & dedication helps us march ahead powerfully. We look forward to peace and security prevailing across the world."
Delighted at the collective efforts of our people in 2018 and look forward to 2019, the Year of Tolerance. Our people's hard work & dedication helps us march ahead powerfully. We look forward to peace and security prevailing across the world
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) December 31, 2018
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also sent a tweet to mark the beginning of a new year.
"As we welcome 2019, we look forward to achieving new hopes, dreams and ambitions in our continued belief that nothing is impossible," he wrote.
"I wish the people of the UAE, the Arab region and the world a happy new year filled with peace, tolerance, and compassion."
As we welcome 2019, we look forward to achieving new hopes, dreams and ambitions in our continued belief that nothing is impossible. I wish the people of the UAE, the Arab region and the world a happy new year filled with peace, tolerance, and compassion.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 31, 2018
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