DUBAI, (Pakistan Point News - 05th May, 2019) His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has said that the UAE Armed Forces is at the very heart of the nation's development march.
In a statement to 'Nation Shield', the UAE's military journal, marking the 43rd Anniversary of the UAE's Armed Forces Unification Day, to be celebrated on Monday, 6th May, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, "The Armed Forces continue to protect the nation and participate in its growth, by maximising their own military prowess, skills and knowledge."
"We have achieved remarkable strides in building human resources, institutions, infrastructure, military capabilities, all of which were noted in various development indicators. We have progressed as one of the safest and secure nations globally. Our Armed Forces have also garnered global respect, and our brave soldiers have left a positive mark on those near and far, showcasing their courage and efficiency in carrying out their missions to preserve peace, and safeguarding the territorial integrity of neighbouring nations and our beloved homeland."
"The 43rd anniversary of our Armed Forces unification is closely linked to another milestone," His Highness said, adding that 40 years ago, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, first joined the Armed Forces ranks.
"These four decades of service represent triumph, generosity and excellence," Sheikh Mohammed affirmed, adding that in these four decades, the Armed Forces had an insightful vision, a strong will, and determined ambition, all culminating in the prestige of the our Armed Forces on the 43rd anniversary of its unification.
He said that the UAE continues to monitor and anticipate regional and global security, political and economic conditions and fluctuation, and their impact on the homeland.
Sheikh Mohammed affirmed his confidence in the nation's ability to face challenges, noting the skills and ambitions of the UAE people, and the network of alliances with its neighbouring and friendly countries.
Sheikh Mohammed also extended greetings on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.
"In the hearts of the Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan represents a school for patience, generosity, spirituality and piety. Thanks to Allah the Almighty, the people of the UAE are ardent disciples of this school and one can see that in their day today life. This spirit also is obviously seen among our armed forces and other law enforcement and security forces. They are true to their oath, the example of giving, patriotism and sacrifice in defence of their nation and its achievements."
Sheikh Mohammed said the Unification Day is celebrated this time in the year declared by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the ‘Year of Tolerance’.
"I am confident that every Emirati believes in tolerance as an instinctive virtue encouraged by our tolerant faith. Yet, only the brave and strong can put this virtue into practice. Tolerance has always been an integral part of our community and we will do our best to sustain it in everything we do."
The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said, "We are maintaining, with confidence and optimism, the sources of our own strength, and implementing comprehensive development plans and projects. We have not lost sight of the political and economic conditions of our region and the rest of the world. We are monitoring them and assessing their effects on our nation and interests, and are preparing to face all possibilities."
"These circumstances are not unique, in terms of their volatility, complications and risks. We have faced similar situations for many years, even decades, and we have always overcome them, to achieve our nation’s interests and preserve its security and stability. Today, we are more confident in our ability to face challenges resulting from these risks, regardless of their type or source, due to our connection to Allah Almighty, the arms and minds of our sons and daughters, our expertise, and our alliances and relations with friendly countries," he added.
"The most notable current regional and international issue is the growing use of digital technology in conflicts and crises, and the scramble for power and money. Instances of data theft, digital fraud and digital attacks targeting government and civil institutions are increasing, making the safety of cyberspace a national security priority for all countries. The use of social media in conflicts and wars has also reinforced the connection between cyberspace security and social and economic security," he added.
"We, in the UAE, realised these dangers at an early stage. So we adopted the appropriate strategies, established a national authority for cyber security, and issued, in 2012, a law to combat cyber-crimes. We also implemented a series of regulatory policies and technological standards to enable users of cyberspace and service providers to protect their data infrastructure and digital systems. Facing electronic dangers will remain a priority of our government, which will continue to train specialists to lead in countering these risks, especially as we are pioneers of the fourth industrial revolution and artificial intelligence. We are the first open laboratory in the world to test and adopt technologies for this revolution, by encouraging the use of the internet and ensuring the smooth transfer of data between countless devices and computers. Cyberspace creates new security risks, as well as new ways of facing them," he noted.
"On this day, we remember the leader of unification, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan whose vision led to building a modern and progressive country."
Sheikh Mohammed extended greetings to President his Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and to the people of the UAE.
He saluted the servicemen and expressed pride in their loyalty and gallantry.
He concluded by praying to Allah Almighty to rest the martyrs' souls in Paradise and grant solace and patience to their families.
