Related: UAE National Day: Sheikh Khalifa optimistic after year of 'exceptional challenges'
The UAE's leaders have hailed 2020 as a key year for the country; when it weathered the Covid-19 storm.
Speaking to mark the 49th National Day, they said the country overcame the pandemic and set course for an even more prosperous future.
They also hailed a year which saw the launch of the Emirates Mars Mission, the opening of the Barakah Nuclear Plant – a first for the Arab world – and the signing of the Abraham Accords that ushered diplomatic relations between the UAE and Israel.
"This success is not a mere coincidence or luck but rather the outcome of our Emirati model that foresaw the future and developed appropriate strategies and plans to get the nation ready for emergencies and worst-case scenarios," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
"Our Emirati model will ensure the efficiency and flexibility of our institutions and their ability to make the right decisions at the right time."
Sheikh Mohammed also paid tribute to the "white army" of medics and "its battalions of doctors, nurses, technicians and administrators, who have shown sincerity and dedication, have taken risks and advanced their ranks to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and treat the patients. Our health workers have presented new heroes to our country."
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the UAE's 49th National Day marks a milestone in the country's march to an even brighter future.
Also turning to the pandemic, Sheikh Mohamed said not only had the UAE dealt with Covid-19, it helped other countries do so as well
"The UAE believes that this crisis will pass and what is important is to not only tackle it effectively, but also have the ability to deal with the situation once the pandemic is over," said Sheikh Mohamed.
"The UAE has also actively participated in international scientific and research efforts aimed at finding treatments and vaccines for the virus and has co-operated with other countries to achieve this goal. It has called for these treatments and vaccines to be provided to everyone without exception."
The remarks were carried in Nation Shield, the UAE Armed Forces magazine. The edition also features words from all other Rulers, Crown Princes, ministers and key figures.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, said the UAE was a model of unity and cohesion emulated across the world.
"We reiterate our prayers for our dear homeland to achieve more successes, prosperity and development and gain more strength in its noble march for more glories," he said.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said the UAE is a model of solidarity.
"The UAE is advancing confidently to secure its befitting place among advanced nations, by protecting our human, social and economic capacities and exerting all possible efforts to achieve overall development and advancement," said Sheikh Saud. "We are proud of our accomplishments and we are driven by the Spirit of the Union to achieve further successes."
Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, paid tribute to the country's martyrs.
"On this spectacular national occasion, we remember with all pride and glory the honourable martyrs of the homeland who, together with their brothers contributed to the implementation of the tasks assigned to them within the Arab Coalition forces to ward off dangers from the borders of the homeland and demonstrated unrivalled competencies with courage and sacrifice."
Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, said the experience of 2020 showed the UAE can deal with any situation.
"The UAE has proved its ability to overcome and counter crises, most notably during the coronavirus pandemic," he said.
"It also eased the financial burden of companies and individuals and involved the local community in all social responsibility initiatives."
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, pointed to other big achievements this year such as the opening of the Barakah nuclear energy plant.
"As the UAE is looking forward to the next 50 years, we remember the achievements that we should be proud of, most notably the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which made the UAE the first Arab country to possess nuclear energy technology to produce electricity," said Sheikh Humaid.
He also highlighted "the launch of the Hope Probe, the first Arab and Islamic probe to Mars, and the launch of the biggest national strategy to prepare for the coming 50 years in the federal and local levels as the country approaches its Golden Jubilee in 2021."
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, said the ambition of Sheikh Zayed had resulted in the UAE becoming one of the fastest growing countries in the world, while Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation also highlighted the Emirates Mars Mission.
"As a result of the aspirations and hard work of the Emirati people, the ambition of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan reached out to space towards the planet Mars, commemorating a journey of 50 years of ambitions and challenges," Sheikh Abdullah said.
The biog
Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists.
Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.
Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Company Profile
Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
Launch year: 2016
Number of employees: 130
Sector: online laundry service
Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Earth under attack: Cosmic impacts throughout history
- 4.5 billion years ago: Mars-sized object smashes into the newly-formed Earth, creating debris that coalesces to form the Moon
- 66 million years ago: 10km-wide asteroid crashes into the Gulf of Mexico, wiping out over 70 per cent of living species – including the dinosaurs.
- 50,000 years ago: 50m-wide iron meteor crashes in Arizona with the violence of 10 megatonne hydrogen bomb, creating the famous 1.2km-wide Barringer Crater
- 1490: Meteor storm over Shansi Province, north-east China when large stones “fell like rain”, reportedly leading to thousands of deaths.
- 1908: 100-metre meteor from the Taurid Complex explodes near the Tunguska river in Siberia with the force of 1,000 Hiroshima-type bombs, devastating 2,000 square kilometres of forest.
- 1998: Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 breaks apart and crashes into Jupiter in series of impacts that would have annihilated life on Earth.
-2013: 10,000-tonne meteor burns up over the southern Urals region of Russia, releasing a pressure blast and flash that left over 1600 people injured.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
