‘The sky is the limit’ when it comes to UAE’s future, Sheikh Mohammed says in speech

Sheikh Mohammed honoured the nation's founding fathers, its citizens and the country's continued evolution in a stirring speech for National Day.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed has praised the accomplishments of the nation’s founding fathers and the people of the UAE, past and present.

In his National Day speech on Sunday, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces also looked ahead to an unlimited future.

Sheikh Mohammed spoke of the legacy of the late President Sheikh Zayed, whose efforts, insights and conviction brought a nation together in a “unique developmental experiment that set a role model for the building of nations”.

He said that work had been carried on by President Sheikh Khalifa, as shown by the nation's achievements in areas such as renewable and clean energy, health, education, development, reconstruction and urban planning.

He spoke of the importance of diversifying the nation’s sources of income.

“Today, dear brothers and sisters, we are also invited to shoulder other responsibilities of great importance leading into the future, that we endeavour to complete the process of construction, and these responsibilities require more effort, perseverance and will, especially in the fields of creation and innovation.

“At the forefront of these responsibilities, empowering our people through a knowledge-based economy will be the main engine for sustainable development in the future.

“As you all know, the wise leadership of the country has been keen to diversify sources of income for the country, and at the same time maintain the national wealth for the benefit of future generations, to provide the opportunity for other sources of non-oil wealth to be given the greater share of the GDP.”

Sheikh Mohammed reiterated his pride in the UAE’s past accomplishments and looked forward to continued growth into the future.

“These historic days give all of us a renewed patriotic spirit to pursue the drive towards development, giving, welfare, building and modernisation.

“For our future ambitions, the sky is the limit and we will go ahead unabated, knowing no limits.

“The achievements made by UAE citizens over the decades of the union’s age speak volumes for the depth and strength of will for building the excellence of our state.”