The UAE’s leaders gave thanks for the country’s achievements last year and voiced confidence for the future under the leadership of the President, Sheikh Khalifa.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, wished everyone a happy new year and was “looking forward to 2017 being a year of giving, joy and prosperity”.
The country has declared 2017 to be the Year of Giving, reflecting its efforts to promote charity and goodwill.
“Thank you to everyone who was part of the success of 2016. I’m proud of the challenges we overcame and achievements we accomplished.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the UAE will continue its progress in 2017.
“We are confident that we will make more achievements under Khalifa’s leadership, as our ambitions have no limits in the service of our nation,” he said. “The UAE is a centre for peace and tolerance, and promoting peace is part of our DNA. The future bears nothing but ambition and success.
“The UAE is blessed with a people and a leadership who made sacrifices for its sake, and loyalty to the UAE is a value that unites all of us.”
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, sent her new year’s wishes to the wives of kings and presidents of the neighbouring countries.
Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said: “We bid farewell to a year of great achievements, initiatives and challenges, hoping that 2017 will be a year of giving, love, tolerance and peace for the whole world.”
