His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE addressed the nation on 13 July.
Broadcast on local TV and radio channels, this is the first speech since His Highness Sheikh Mohamed became President of the UAE.
In the speech, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed emphasised continuing the path the UAE is on and focusing on peace and stability in the region and the wider world, by supporting others and advocating for wisdom and cooperation.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed said, "Today, the UAE economy is thriving and continues to grow at an impressive rate. We are blessed with many resources, especially our high skilled human capital, as the UAE possesses a distinguished wealth of young manpower. In addition, more than 200 nationalities are actively participating in the growth and development of our economy. Brothers and sisters, 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 to achieve the highest global rankings."
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed also emphasised the importance of the people in the UAE that have contributed to building the country to where it is today and continue to work towards their betterment.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed also said, "The people of the UAE, and striving to empower them, has always been and continues to be our nation’s top priority. Ensuring our people have everything they need to live fulfilled, comfortable, and happy lives, remains the basis of all our future plans."
During the next chapter, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed will continue to follow in the footsteps of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed and the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed to continue growing the economy and maintaining the UAE’s status and its achievements.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed said, "Since its establishment, the UAE has built robust relations with countries around the world, based on solid foundations of openness and constructive cooperation. This has gained our nation a reputation regionally and internationally, by the efforts of our young men and women in the UAE and abroad, who we are very proud of."
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed further added, "During the next chapter, we will build on our reputation by establishing strategic partnerships with various countries. Continuing Sheikh Zayed’s approach, we will work to strengthen our role among the world’s leading countries by providing humanitarian aid, and by continuing to extend a helping hand to communities in need around the world, irrespective of religion or race. We will also continue to consolidate our nation’s position as a reliable energy provider, and support global energy security as a fundamental driver of global economic growth and development."