H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, has said that as the UAE reaches its 45th anniversary, the country's union continues to strengthen daily, and its outstanding achievements are evident in many fields.

In a speech to Nation Shield magazine on the occasion of the UAE's 45th National Day, the Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain also said that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has adopted a number of exceptional and ambitious development programmes to aid the progress of the nation, and achieve the happiness of Emiratis who hold their country dear to their hearts.

"On multiple occasions, our people have expressed loyalty and made sacrifices while taking part in Operation Decisive Storm, as our martyrs expressed loyalty through their sacrifices for the homeland. Emiratis have proven their willingness to defend their country with strength and heroism, pride and loyalty."

He also said that since the early years of the union, the UAE has made huge achievements in record time in various fields through ambitious strategies in accordance with the latest international standards for the benefit of Emiratis as part of a comprehensive development programme.

The UAQ Ruler stressed that the UAE citizens proved their ability and responsibility to achieve, thanks to their qualifications, skills and determination.

Sheikh Saud confirmed that the UAE Government, led by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has introduced new strategies and made creative initiatives, including the appointment of young and ambitious leaders as members of the Cabinet.

The initiatives also aim to implement programmes and strategies to actively develop the community and prepare educated and qualified generations which would enable the country to maintain its top rankings globally.

He added that preparing highly educated human resources who are on par with the ambitious programmes gleaned from the far-sighted vision of the leadership contribute to establishing a modern state that races against time to achieve happiness for its citizens.

Sheikh Saud referred to the modernisation of the UAE Armed Forces to the latest international standards, in line with the national and strategic objectives in place since the establishment of the union.

"His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has notably contributed to upgrading the armed forces' operational capabilities and readiness to become a key regional player in defending the country's achievements," he said.

The UAQ Ruler reiterated, "On this occasion, we are happy to express our absolute pride of the UAE Armed Forces and express our respect and appreciation for the sacrifices made by the martyrs of the nation."

He concluded by saying that the martyrs' precious sacrifices were a role model for all Emiratis and a symbol of the nation's pride.

"We hail the high spirit demonstrated by the families of martyrs and their loyalty to their leadership and the homeland. We pray to Allah the Almighty to rest their souls in Paradise," he said.