The United Arab Emirates commemorates its 44th National Day on December 2, one of the most important milestones in its history. This day embodies the Spirit of the Union and celebrates 44 years of great achievements since the federation was established in 1971.
The celebration was first announced by the founder President of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul in peace, and his fellow founding fathers of the UAE Federation. The path they laid down is now followed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who continues to lead the nation’s march to progress and prosperity.
The incredible achievements of the UAE in recent years have been made possible due to the directives of the wise leadership, of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as well as His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their fellow members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, who have consistently contributed to promoting and developing the country through knowledge and innovation. The UAE today ranks among the world’s leading destinations across several key indicators and has become a true role model for all countries around the world.
The country enjoys a prestigious position in the Arab world and beyond due to its significant achievements in various fields and its strong presence in all political, diplomatic, economic and humanitarian arenas on regional and international levels. The UAE has always been dynamic and proactive in communicating with other countries and building bridges of close cooperation and strategic partnerships to lead the way in political, economic, commercial, industrial, technological, scientific, educational, health and other sectors.
Sustained growth and prosperity
Despite the current situation in the region, the UAE has maintained steady growth based on the solid foundations laid down by the founding fathers and followed meticulously by the rulers and the people of the country. Exceptional strides have been made in infrastructure, energy, space, information technology, telecommunications and other vital areas in addition to sustainability, these having significantly contributed to modernising the UAE and enabling the country to achieve top international rankings across major competitive reports.
The UAE has maintained its ranking as the leading Arab country for the third year in a row in the World Bank report on the Ease of Doing Business in 2016.
The UAE ranked 31st globally in the same report, and is among top five countries in the world regarding non-payment of taxes, which does not affect business, process of construction permits and electricity connectivity. The nation is also first in MENA and fourth globally in electricity connectivity.
The UAE led the region, and was ranked among the top 10 countries in the world for the number of documented improvements by the World Bank during one year, in the delivery of electricity, construction permits, protecting investors and enforcing contracts.
The report, issued in 2015 by the World Bank, recorded the UAE”s progress with regard to enforcing contracts, ranking first in the Arab world and 18th globally in 2016. The report also evaluates the efficiency of the country’s judiciary with regards to resolving a commercial dispute between two or more parties fairly and impartially. The Ease of Doing Business report factors in the most important global indicators that reflect the extent of interest of the Government of the UAE towards local and international investors. The data is carefully collated through the study of civil procedures and other laws and regulations from the courts and through questionnaires disseminated to local lawyers and specialists in trade legislation.
The UAE also enhanced protection of small investors by preventing any subsidiary from obtaining shares in the parent company. It also initiated a rule that, in the case of acquisition of 50% or more of the company, the acquired party should receive approval from shareholders, a step considered by the report to be an enabling one that safeguards the interests of investors.
The UAE was ranked the top Arab country for well-being and life satisfaction and fifth globally, according to the Legatum Prosperity Index 2014. The report reveals that the UAE is among the top countries for safety and security with 92 per cent of survey respondents indicating that they feel absolutely safe in the country. Additionally, the UAE has maintained its presence on the ‘green list’, a classification of some 30 of the more prosperous countries across the world. Notably, the UAE has been included on the list since the creation of the report.
The UAE will continue to diversify its long-term economic strategy to rely less on an oil-centric economy. In 2014, non-oil sectors saw strong growth that contributed to an 8.1% increase in the GDP. The non-oil sector contributes up to 68.6% of the overall national economy. Today, all necessary plans are in place to ensure this figure reaches 80% in 2021, through intensive investment in the industrial and tourism sectors, air and maritime transport, import and re-export. Furthermore, the new national agenda of the UAE Vision 2021 reiterates support for activities based on the knowledge industry and for the development of new sectors such as innovation and content creation. These steps will ensure complete economic diversity by 2021 and will further augment the financial stability of the UAE.
Global Competitiveness
Thanks to the UAE’s tremendous efforts, the country has been ranked high on many global competitiveness indicators. According to a 2015 report by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, the country was ranked first among Arab countries in 10 out of a total of 15 global competitiveness reports, as well as first globally in the confidence indicator.
For the third consecutive year, the UAE was ranked first regionally in global competitiveness and 12th globally according to the 2015 annual World Competitiveness Yearbook. It was also ranked first regionally among the countries of the MENA region and 12th globally in World Economic Forum’s Global Enabling Trade Report 2014. In addition, the country was ranked first globally in three global competitiveness indicators in the tourism sector alone.
At the same time, the UAE was placed first among Arab countries and 23rd internationally in the Global Information Technology Report. The UAE also came
first regionally and 54th globally in the Human Capital Report, while it was ranked first among Arab countries and 20th globally in the World Happiness Report.
As for ease of doing business, the UAE came first in the Arab world and 30th globally, while it also ranked first among Arab countries in the Country Brand Index (tourism sector). On the prosperity index, the UAE was ranked first in the Arab world and 30th globally.
Noticeable Efforts in Human Rights
As part of its conviction that human capital is a pillar for development and growth, the UAE has given the human rights issue its due importance and has exerted great efforts in demonstrating commitment towards ensuring the well-being of its citizens and other residents.
The country has enshrined human rights in its constitution, laws and development projects. It has issued and implemented strict laws and regulations to fight human trafficking crimes, and has managed to reduce the number of these crimes substantially. The country has always stressed the importance of respecting, protecting and supporting human rights principles and basic freedoms.
The UAE endorses the principles of human rights through laws that are in harmony with its constitution and the right of individuals to live in a safe and stable environment free from any fear or oppression. The UAE places a strong emphasis on advocating human rights principles in sustainable social development efforts through enhancing a culture of respect for human rights, leading to best practices that can elevate the country’s position regionally and globally.
The UAE issued a new law in July 2015 to criminalise all forms of discrimination based on religion, sect, belief, doctrine, ethnicity, or color, as well as criminalising actions that instigate religious hatred. The purpose of the Anti-discriminatory Law is to provide a strong foundation of tolerance and openness to the social fabric of the UAE. It also aims to protect people, regardless of their origin or beliefs, from any acts or practices related to religious hatred or intolerance.
In 2015, the UAE won Human Rights Council membership for a second three-year term, from January 2016 until the end of 2018. This clearly demonstrates the country’s effective contribution to the Council and reflects its positive track record in the important area of human rights.
It is also worth mentioning that the UAE was ranked 40th globally in the 2014 UN Human Development Index and 43rd globally for gender equality in 2013. In addition, the country also placed 20th globally in the 2015 World Happiness Report.
A Pioneering Role for Emirati Women
Emirati women have received total support and encouragement from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who has said: “Nothing pleases me more than seeing Emirati women assuming their role in society and achieving their rightful position. Nothing should hinder the march of women’s progress. Like men, women have the right to assume the highest positions according to their abilities and qualifications.”
The UAE has greatly enhanced the role of women in the past few years, which has advanced the position of the country’s women in the Arab world. Thanks to the support of the UAE leadership, Emirati women now play key roles in political, economic, service, social and environmental sectors.
On March 8 2015, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, launched the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women in the UAE from 2015-2021. The strategy provides a general framework and reference for all local and federal government bodies, private entities, and civil society organisations to devise plans and initiatives that elevate and empower women and their potential to contribute productively.
On August 28 2015, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the General Women’s Union’s establishment, the UAE celebrated its first Emirati Women Day to recognise Emirati women and emphasise their pivotal roles and achievements. The UAE Constitution states that women enjoy equal rights with their male counterparts. It also includes articles that underpin social equality and the right of women to receive education and employment on the same basis as men. The constitution conforms to Islamic principles with regard to women’s rights of
inheritance and ownership. These laws were adopted before the establishment of the country’s Union, but have been further validated by the UAE constitution.
The 2015 Federal National Council (FNC) elections saw a large turnout of candidates. Out of the 341 candidates, 76 were women – making up 22%.
Women’s participation in the electoral bodies (colleges) throughout the country reached 48%, confirming the leadership’s commitment to the process of enabling women to take on leading roles in all activities in the country. Since the first FNC election in 2006, women’s participation has remained remarkable. Nine women now represent their country in the Council, while in November 2015, one, Dr Amal Al Qubeisi, was elected as the Council’s Speaker, a first in the Arab world. The UAE Federal Government currently has four female ministers, while other women serve as ambassadors, judges and high-ranking police and army officers.
The UAE Government has established the UAE Gender Balance Council which aims to enhance the role of women as key partners in building the future of the nation. The Council works to provide equal opportunities in all sectors and ensure gender balance in all decision-making agendas to enhance the position of the UAE in global indices and indicators related to the gender gap. The Gender Balance Council is also mandated to provide support in enabling women to fulfil their roles and duties in the best possible manner.
The role of Emirati women in economic development is prominent with more than 12,000 UAE women running around 18,000 enterprises with a capital of US$12.5 billion. This led to the formation of UAE Business Women Council, a comprehensive network of businesswomen, professionals and women from the academic world that is supported by the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The Council provides support to business women, offering advice and undertaking feasibility studies for women keen to start their own business.
UAE Youth
The UAE leadership has prioritised its youth from the early days of the Federation and spares no effort in empowering them with access to scientific knowledge and advanced facilities. The UAE is committed to establishing advanced educational institutes and attracting the required academic talents and experts to work in the country. The leadership seeks to provide the nation’s youth with knowledge and skills to take active part in the process of sustainable development.
The UAE government works strategically to provide best-in-class education to Emirati youth, qualifying them for the job market. The government also encourages employment of Emiratis in the private sector due to its importance in social and economic development.
A number of initiatives have been launched to support the youth and their ambitions. Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Awards for Young Business Leaders to reward and acknowledge distinguished young UAE entrepreneurs. In addition to honouring individuals for their contributions toward the local community, the award also recognises organisations that contribute to the development of business leaders and entrepreneurs in the UAE.
Takatuf, a national volunteering programme, is another initiative that targets the UAE youth.
The initiative is supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohmmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and offers youth the opportunity to volunteer in a number of social and humanitarian programmes.
Kafa’at Youth Leadership Program is an initiative that aims to discover and harness leadership potential and help the youth identify their chosen career path. The initiative has evolved as a successful youth model for joint programmes with key partners and stakeholders to offer long-term effective solutions. It is today well known for career development projects that help inspire young Emiratis and enable them to select their preferred educational disciplines based on their future career choices.
All of these programmes and allied initiatives have contributed to the consolidation and unity of the UAE people based on the leadership’s vision. They have contributed to the people of the UAE standing by their country at all times and in every circumstance. This solidarity was clearly evident in the brave stance and sacrifices of the UAE’s soldiers and the patriotic approach of the martyrs’ families. The people of the UAE have clarified that they will go all the way in safeguarding their country and nation.
Humanitarian initiative
The UAE strives to support the needs of people in areas affected by conflicts and catastrophes. The UAE ranks first among donor countries in relation to donation size as a percentage of the national GDP. The UAE is keen to ensure security, stability and development in the region. The country realises its responsibility in the Arab world and has continually exerted great efforts in providing support to the Arab countries and the wider region.
The UAE has become a proactive member in the international community with regard to tackling humanitarian challenges and has established a creditable track record for emergency efforts and long term development support across the world.
The UAE was among the first countries to organise support and relief efforts to help Yemen guarantee its stability and ensure its unity. The UAE stands by the Yemeni people and provides all possible support to enable them to achieve their ambitions for stability, progress and development. As part of this priority, the UAE follows a comprehensive vision that works on a number of tracks including economic, social, humanitarian and political development.
Similarly, the UAE has played a prominent role in supporting Egypt following a period of instability in that country from late 2010 until June 2013. The UAE extended its hand to support the Egyptian government and people with a package of development projects that addressed the needs of the Egyptians, based on its firm belief that a stable and calm Egypt is the cornerstone for security and peace in the region, and the world at large.
The Coordination Office of the UAE-funded Development Projects in Egypt was established to supervise a number of projects in different sectors including: energy, housing, food security, education, healthcare and roads and transportation.
Fundamentals of Foreign Policy
Besides its long legacy of humanitarian efforts worldwide, the UAE has stepped in to fight along with its Arab brothers in the Arab Coalition in Yemen.
In addition, the country has stood by the Syrian people in every way possible, and supported their fair demands for the right to build a state based on justice and security.
These examples of the regional foreign policy framework of the UAE are a clear testament to its commitment towards its neighbours and the international community with regard to regional peace, stability and security.
The UAE has always attempted to strengthen cooperation with the Arab countries despite the challenges and threats to its national security. The country is committed to defending Arab interests and firmly supports efforts to enhance the progress of a GCC-wide integration.
